Three Postwar Eras in Comparison: Western Europe 1918-1945-1989

Three times in the 20th century-in 1918, 1945, and again in 1989-Europe was confronted with major questions of restructuring and rebuilding. But can Europe's development be organized into postwar eras? Why was the period 1945-1989 so much more stable and prosperous than 1918-1939? Has the end of the cold war changed the basis of the post-1945 settlement? This comparative collection offers some unique insights into these questions.

Author Biography: Carl Levy is Senior Lecturer in European Politics in the Department of Social Policy and Politics at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Mark Roseman is Professor of Modern History at the University of Southampton.