1940 - 1989: the rise and fall of empires

- Discuss the effects of the Second World on existing empires
- Show an awareness of the some of the struggles for independence in some of the colonial territories formerly controlled by European powers, including India, Algeria, Indo-China, Egypt, Indonesia and Kenya
- Suggest how key players in the Cold War both developed new empires and played a role in decolonisation in parts of the world.

There are no extra costs though you may want to bring a pen and notebook. Limited book purchases recommended, but optional.

Optional Suggested Readings:
John Darwin, After Tamerlane: the Rise and Fall of Global Empires 1400-2000. Penguin, 2008 (Chapters 7-9 are most relevant)
Dietmar Rothermund, The Routledge Companion to Decolonization. Routledge, 2006.

Illustrated lectures, with maps and images. You will be given handouts showing the chronology of key events and developments. We will also look at relevant texts from the period (in translation where appropriate). There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and join in discussions.
You will not need to do any preparation for the classes, but you will be given a book list in case you wish to take your studies further.