A Short History of the Twentieth Century

Historian Lukacs (Five Days in London) defines the "historical twentieth century" as the years between the beginning of World War I in 1914 and the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989. A "transitional" century, it marked the end of the modern (or European) age. While Europe remained the center of world history, according to Lukacs, it was also, he continues, a decidedly American century with the United States winning both world wars and the Cold War and profoundly influencing global events. Although purposefully focusing on Europe and the States—and Soviet roles there—Lukacs does cover major events and changes in the rest of the world. He also analyzes the effect of key figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin (whose historical reputation he takes some issue with), but most of all he discusses Adolf Hitler. The themes Lukacs addresses include nationalism, the advance of democracy and popular sovereignty, the demise of liberalism, and the impact of technology.