A History of Eastern Europe

Experience the astounding history of one of the world’s most fascinating places, in this course that explains the complicated context of Eastern Europe.

Overview

Course No. 8364

Eastern Europe has long been thought of as the “Other Europe,” a region rife with political upheaval, shifting national borders, astonishing ethnic diversity, and relative isolation from Western power centers. This 24-lecture course offers a sweeping 1,000-year tour with particular focus on the region’s modern history.

You’ll observe waves of migration and invasion, watch empires rise and fall, witness wars and their deadly consequences – and come away with comprehensive knowledge of one of the world’s most fascinating places. The course explores the grand sweep of this epic history, from early invasions to the rise of empires, the collapse of communism, and into the 21st century’s new challenges.

Video Lectures

Part 1: Foundations and Early History

1. The Other Europe: Deep Roots of Diversity (30 min)
   Geographic overview of Eastern Europe and introduction to key themes: diversity, shifting borders, and connections with the West.
2. Formative Migrations: Mongols to Germans (31 min)
   Examination of ancient and medieval settlers including Germanic tribes, Slavs, Vikings, and Mongols who created regional diversity.
3. Clashing Golden Ages, 1389-1772 (30 min)
   Decisive battles like Kosovo and Tannenberg that shaped the political landscape and led to creations like Poland-Lithuania.

Part 2: Empires and Nationalism

4. The Great Crime of Empires: Poland Divided (31 min)
   The 18th century dissolution of Poland-Lithuania and its lasting political consequences.
5. The Origins of Nationalism, 1815-1863 (31 min)
   The age of Romanticism and 19th century revolutions that paved the way for empires.
6. The Age of Empires, 1863-1914 (30 min)
   How conservative politicians co-opted nationalism in support of empire building.

[Continues with all 24 lectures organized by historical period…]

Part 5: The Modern Era

22. The New Europe: Joining NATO and the EU (29 min)
    Eastern Europe’s place in the western world post-Soviet Union and joining international organizations.
23. The Unfolding Ukraine-Russia Crisis (32 min)
    Historical context and analysis of the current Ukraine-Russia conflict.
24. Eastern Europe at the Crossroads (32 min)
    Examination of Eastern Europe’s current state and future prospects.