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Philip Zelikow

This is a survey of modern history from a global perspective. Part One begins with the political and economic revolutions of the late 1700s and tracks the transformation of the world during the 1800s. Part One concludes as these bewildering changes seem to be running beyond the capacity of older institutions to handle them. Throughout the course we try to grasp what is happening and ask: Why? And the answers often turn on very human choices.

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What's inside

Syllabus

From the Traditional to the Modern - Commercial and Military Revolutions (1760-1800)
Democratic Revolutions of the Atlantic World (1760-1800)
Revolutionary Wars (1800-1830)
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The World Transformed (1830-1870)
The Rise of National Industrial States (1830-1871)
The Rise of National Industrial Empires (1871-1900)
The Great Acceleration (1890-1910)

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners with no prior experience with history
Explores the global dimensions of modern history from 1760 to 1910
Explores the widespread political and economic revolutions of the late 1700s
Remarkable instructors with proven expertise in modern history
Takes a comprehensive approach to understanding the transformation of the world during the 1800s
Clarifies the historical context for ongoing changes and challenges in the modern world

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive global history course

Learners say this well organized and engaging course serves as an excellent introductory class to global history from 1760 to 1910. Many appreciate the neutral and contextualized approach, saying that it helped them truly grasp the complexities of this period. The knowledgeable and insightful professor is cited as a highlight of the course, praised for his ability to bring the material to life and make it relevant to today's world. Overall, learners highly recommend this course to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of global history.
Great for beginners.
"This is a great introductory course."
"If you are looking to bring your bits and pieces of historical knowledge together into a coherent whole, and understand the trends and interactions of this period of history, this is absolutely your course"
Neutral and contextualized approach.
"I also respect the fact that his views are very neutral regardless of the country he is explaining."
"Finally, a course that puts worldwide events in context so that you know how the French revolution was connected to what was going on in Haiti, the US and Asia at the same time."
Organized and engaging lessons.
"It is a really well organized and interesting course."
"The lessons and the exercices are well organised"
"This course, and the follow up Part 2 course, are some of the most interesting courses I've ever taken."
Knowledgeable and insightful professor.
"Professor Philip Zelikow is very nice and an extremely competent authority who teaches History in a way that makes you want to know more and more about World events of the last centuries."
"The professor is exceptional, offering insight and information through a very friendly and intimate style."
"His ability to negotiate his way through the years from 1750 to the present day, and it make it come alive for us, assist us to see the threads running through modern human history. I've learned so much!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910 with these activities:
Review the syllabus and readings for the course
Reviewing the syllabus and readings will help you to get a head start on the course and to identify any areas that you may need to focus on.
Browse courses on Course Syllabus
Show steps
  • Read the syllabus carefully.
  • Read the assigned readings for the first few weeks of the course.
  • Take notes on the key points.
Join a study group for the class
Joining a study group can help you to stay motivated, to learn from others, and to get help with difficult concepts.
Show steps
  • Find a study group that meets your needs.
  • Attend the study group meetings regularly.
  • Participate in the discussions.
Watch documentaries on the history of the 19th century
Watching documentaries can help you to visualize the events and people that you are studying, and it can also help you to understand the different perspectives on historical events.
Browse courses on 19th Century History
Show steps
  • Find a list of documentaries on the history of the 19th century.
  • Watch at least three documentaries.
  • Write a summary of each documentary.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Organizing your materials will help you to stay organized and to study more effectively.
Show steps
  • Create a system for organizing your notes.
  • Create a system for organizing your assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Review your materials regularly.
Create a timeline of the major events of the 19th century
Creating a timeline can help you to visualize the sequence of events and to understand how they are connected.
Browse courses on 19th Century History
Show steps
  • Gather information about the major events of the 19th century.
  • Create a timeline that includes the dates, events, and key figures.
  • Write a brief description of each event.
Read 'A History of Modern Europe' by Hajo Holborn
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the period covered in the course, and it will help you to understand the major themes and events that shaped the modern world.
Show steps
  • Read the book in its entirety.
  • Take notes on the key points of each chapter.
  • Write a summary of the book.
Volunteer at a historical museum or site
Volunteering at a historical museum or site can help you to learn more about history and to connect with the past in a meaningful way.
Browse courses on Volunteering
Show steps
  • Find a historical museum or site that interests you.
  • Contact the museum or site and ask about volunteering opportunities.
  • Volunteer for a few hours each week.

Career center

Learners who complete The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past. This course can help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to succeed in this role by providing a deep understanding of global historical events from 1760 to 1910. You will also gain insights into the causes and consequences of major historical transformations, which can be valuable for understanding current events and making informed decisions.
Archivist
An Archivist collects, preserves, and makes accessible historical documents and artifacts. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in global history, which is essential for understanding the context and significance of the materials you will be handling. You will also develop research and analytical skills that are crucial for success in this role.
Museum curator
A Museum Curator is responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as caring for and interpreting museum collections. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of global history, which is essential for curating exhibitions and developing educational programs. You will also gain experience in research, writing, and public speaking, which are all important skills for success in this role.
Librarian
A Librarian helps people find and access information. This course can provide you with a broad understanding of global history, which is essential for answering reference questions and selecting materials for the library's collection. You will also develop research and analytical skills that are crucial for success in this role.
Teacher
A Teacher develops and implements lesson plans, teaches students, and assesses their learning. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of global history, which is essential for teaching this subject effectively. You will also gain experience in research, writing, and public speaking, which are all important skills for success in this role.
Journalist
A Journalist gathers, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of global history, which is essential for understanding the context and significance of current events. You will also develop research and writing skills that are crucial for success in this role.
Political Scientist
A Political Scientist studies political systems, institutions, and processes. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of global history, which is essential for understanding the development of political systems and the challenges they face. You will also develop research and analytical skills that are crucial for success in this role.
Economist
An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of global history, which is essential for understanding the development of economic systems and the challenges they face. You will also develop research and analytical skills that are crucial for success in this role.
Sociologist
A Sociologist studies human society and social behavior. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of global history, which is essential for understanding the development of social institutions and the challenges they face. You will also develop research and analytical skills that are crucial for success in this role.
Anthropologist
An Anthropologist studies the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of global history, which is essential for understanding the development of human societies and the challenges they face. You will also develop research and analytical skills that are crucial for success in this role.
Archaeologist
An Archaeologist studies past peoples and cultures by excavating and examining their remains. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of global history, which is essential for understanding the development of human societies and the challenges they face. You will also develop research and analytical skills that are crucial for success in this role.
Geographer
A Geographer studies the Earth's surface and its human and natural environments. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of global history, which is essential for understanding the relationship between humans and their environment. You will also develop research and analytical skills that are crucial for success in this role.
Lawyer
A Lawyer provides legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. This course may be useful for developing a strong foundation in global history, which can be helpful for understanding the legal systems of different countries and the historical context of legal issues.
Doctor
A Doctor provides medical care to patients. This course may be useful for developing a strong foundation in global history, which can be helpful for understanding the different health challenges faced by people around the world and the historical development of medical treatments.
Engineer
An Engineer designs, builds, and maintains machines, structures, and systems. This course may be useful for developing a strong foundation in global history, which can be helpful for understanding the historical development of engineering and the different engineering challenges faced by people around the world.

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read two articles that feature The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910:

Reading list

We've selected 26 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910.
By Christopher Bayly provides a wide-ranging history of the modern world from the 15th century to the present day. It offers a global perspective on the major events and trends that have shaped the modern world.
By William McNeill provides a sweeping history of the human quest for power from the earliest civilizations to the present day. It offers insights into the nature of power and its role in shaping human history.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning book that explores the environmental and historical factors that have shaped human development across different regions of the world.
By Jürgen Habermas offers a critique of Fukuyama's end of history thesis. He argues that history is not over and that the future is still open. He offers a vision of a future that is characterized by democracy, solidarity, and ecological sustainability.
By David Armitage provides a global perspective on the world in 1800. It explores the political, economic, and cultural connections between different regions of the world and the ways in which these connections shaped global history.
By Peter Mathias provides a comprehensive overview of the Industrial Revolution from a global perspective. It explores the origins, spread, and impact of industrialization in different regions of the world.
By Thomas Pakenham provides a detailed account of the European colonization of Africa in the late 19th century. It explores the political, economic, and social forces that drove this process and the impact it had on African societies.
By David Landes provides a comprehensive overview of the Second Industrial Revolution, which transformed the world economy in the late 19th century. It covers topics such as the rise of new industries, the growth of global trade, and the impact of technological innovation.
By Paul Kennedy provides a sweeping history of the rise and fall of great powers from the 15th century to the present day. It offers insights into the factors that contribute to the success and decline of nations.
By Karl Polanyi provides a classic analysis of the social and economic transformation that occurred in Europe during the 19th century. He argues that the market economy is not a natural system but rather a product of human action.
A groundbreaking study that challenges traditional narratives of economic development, emphasizing the role of institutions and culture.
A groundbreaking work that challenges traditional narratives of pre-Columbian America, highlighting the advanced civilizations and complex societies that existed before European arrival.
A groundbreaking study that explores the interconnectedness of global history through the lens of the Silk Roads, highlighting the exchange of ideas, goods, and cultures across different continents.
By Francis Fukuyama argues that the end of the Cold War marked the end of history as we know it. He argues that liberal democracy is the final form of human government and that the future will be characterized by peace and prosperity.
A comprehensive history of European colonialism and its global impact, providing insights into the power dynamics and cultural exchanges that shaped the modern world.
This classic work by John Stuart Mill defense of individual liberty. It explores the limits of government power and the importance of freedom of speech and thought.
A firsthand account of the Boxer Rebellion written by a British sinologist, offering a unique Chinese perspective on the events.
A comprehensive history of the Black Death, providing insights into its origins, spread, and devastating impact on global society.
A classic work on the Industrial Revolution, exploring its origins, impact, and global consequences.

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