Intended as a comprehensive introduction to the history of Europe, both east and west, from the end of World War II to 1984, this book is for students from the Sixth Form up and for the general reader. The text focuses on three main themes within a chronological framework. The first is the political and economic development of each of the major states, starting with the post-war years of shortage, through the "economic miracles" when the western countries "never had it so good", to the depression which followed the oil price increases of 1973 and the losing of the technological lead to USA and Japan. The second theme is the evolution of the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc, and the methods by which the USSR established its control. The events in Poland in 1984 are discussed in the light of a perceived crisis of confidence in Marxist-Leninism. The third major theme is the role of non-Russian Europe in the broader context of international world affairs, from the Cold War to detente. The text is supported by maps, cartoons, and a selection of key documents placed a the ends of chapters.
The author has written several works of general history, biographies and textbooks, including "World History in the Twentieth Century".
- ISBN10 0713447397
- ISBN13 9780713447392
- Publish Date 27 June 1985 (first published 1 June 1985)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 14 May 1992
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Pavilion Books
- Imprint Batsford Ltd
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 288
- Language English