History
Metternich, Bismarck and the changing face of 19th Century Europe
An all-levels history workshop examining Metternich, Bismarck and German unification through lectures, source reading, visual analysis and discussion.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
This workshop traces the German lands from the Holy Roman Empire to unification in 1871, placing political developments within wider European history. It considers the effects of the French Revolution and Napoleon, the Wars of Liberation, the Vienna Settlement and the revolutions of 1848. Sessions examine Metternich’s and Bismarck’s political roles, their approaches to liberalism and nationalism, and the longer-term consequences of their decisions. Teaching combines lectures with translated source reading, interpretation of visual material such as caricatures, and class discussion.
What you'll learn
- Explain how Metternich and Bismarck influenced political developments in the German lands and Europe.
- Assess the limits of individual political leadership within wider historical structures and movements.
- Examine the differing responses of Metternich and Bismarck to liberalism and nationalism.
- Interpret translated historical sources and visual material, including contemporary caricatures.
Is this course right for you?
The course is designed for interested students from all backgrounds and is taught through a mixture of listening, source interpretation and group discussion. It does not require German reading skills or detailed prior knowledge of the period.
- Suitable for learners with no German reading skills.
- No detailed background knowledge of the subject is required.
- Includes regular opportunities to contribute to class discussion.
Before you go
- No materials or equipment need to be brought to the course.