Joseph II (1741--90) -- son and eventual successor of Maria Theresa -- has conventionally been seen in the context of the "Enlightened Despot'' reformers. Today's turmoil in his former territories invites a rather different perspective, however, as Joseph grapples with the familiar and intractable problems of creating a viable unitary state out of his multi-national empire in Central Europe. Professor Blanning's brilliant short study, based on extensive archival research, offers a history of the Habsburg monarchy in the eighteenth century, as well as a revaluation of the emperor's complex personality and his ill-fated reform programme.

Joseph II (1741--90) -- son and eventual successor of Maria Theresa -- has conventionally been seen in the context of the "Enlightened Despot'' reformers. Today's turmoil in his former territories invites a rather different perspective, however, as Joseph grapples with the familiar and intractable problems of creating a viable unitary state out of his multi-national empire in Central Europe. Professor Blanning's brilliant short study, based on extensive archival research, offers a history of the Habsburg monarchy in the eighteenth century, as well as a revaluation of the emperor's complex personality and his ill-fated reform programme.

A major synthesis of current research on the three wars fought by France during the Revolution - against Austria and Prussia; Britain, Spain and the United Provinces; and against the Second Coalition. contains analysis of the theories of war including Clausewitz, and the role of ideology

A major synthesis of current research on the three wars fought by France during the Revolution - against Austria and Prussia; Britain, Spain and the United Provinces; and against the Second Coalition. contains analysis of the theories of war including Clausewitz, and the role of ideology

On one level a history of the Electorate of Mainz in the eighteenth century, this book also seeks to illuminate a much wider area. In particular it is intended to be a contribution to the debate on the 'German Problem' - the growing cultural and political divergence between Germany and Western Europe in the modern period. Many historians have identified the crucial phase of this development in the nineteenth century; Dr Blanning argues that the eighteenth century was of equal if not greater importance.

For too long, too many historians have been too much concerned with impersonal forces, underlying structures and long-term developments. Now, "people" are back. In a postmodern age it is easier to appreciate the decisive role played by individuals, as they ride their luck and seize their opportunity to bend the world to their will. As these essays by twelve eminent historians demonstrate, biography is too important to be left to the amateurs. Among the rich variety of strong characters analyzed here are an Austrian emperor, a German kaiser, a Victorian prime minister, an Italian dictator, and an American president.

For too long, too many historians have been too much concerned with impersonal forces, underlying structures and long-term developments. Now, 'people' are back. In a post-modern age it is easier to appreciate the decisive role played by individuals, as they ride their luck and seize their opportunity to bend the world to their will. As these essays by twelve eminent historians demonstrate, biography is too important to be left to the amateurs. Among the rich variety of strong characters analysed here are an Austrian emperor, a German kaiser, a Victorian prime minister, an Italian dictator, and an American president. Dedicated to a master-biographer, Derek Beales, the range and quality of this collection will stimulate, inform and entertain everyone interested in the history of the modern world.

In the nineteenth century Europe changed more rapidly and more radically than during any prior period. These six specially commissioned chapters by eminent historians offer the student and general reader a unique approach to understanding one of the most complex periods of modern history, addressing all the major issues in Europe's political, social, economic, cultural, international, and Imperial history.

Combining readability with authority, this book covers Europe's turbulent history from the French Revolution in the late eighteenth century to the present day. It provides a better understanding of modern Europe, how it came to be what it is, and where it may be going in the future.

Esta Historia de Europa Oxford, en once volumenes, pone a nuestro alcance la introduccion mas amena y solvente que existe a la historia de Europa desde los antiguos griegos hasta nuestros dias. Cada volumen corre a cargo de un editor y cada capitulo ha sido escrito por un especialista de reconocido prestigio. Para conseguir la maxima coherencia y unidad en el tratamiento de las diversas cuestiones que se abordan, todos los colaboradores de cada volumen han leido el resto de capitulos, han analizado y corregido conjuntamente los posibles solapamientos u omisiones y han reescrito de nuevo sus aportaciones en un ejercicio verdaderamente colectivo. Para reforzar aun mas la coherencia general, el editor de cada volumen ha escrito una introduccion y una conclusion, entrelazando los distintos hilos para formar una sola trenza. En este ejercicio, la brevedad de todos los volumenes ha representado una ventaja: la necesaria concision ha obligado a centrarse en las cuestiones mas relevantes de cada periodo. En consecuencia, esta obra abre a todos un camino para adentrarse, con brevedad pero con rigor y profundidad, en los diferentes periodos de la historia de Europa. Europa cambio mas rapida y radicalmente durante el siglo XIX que durante cualquier otro periodo de la historia. En los seis capitulos que conforman este libro, expertos de la centuria pasan revista a las grandes cuestiones relacionadas con la politica, la proyeccion internacional, la historia imperial, las cuestiones sociales, economicas y culturales del periodo.

This book is a study of the occupation of western Germany by the armies of the French Revolution in the decade which separated the first invasion in 1792 from the final absorption of the left bank of the Rhineland into the French Republic ten years later.