Between the years 1815 and 1945, Europe achieved unrivaled global dominance, only to see it shattered by two world wars. This frenetic rise and fall was attended by immense societal change. In 1815, Europe remained largely agricultural and dependent upon horsepower. By 1945, the power of the atom had been unleashed. Two industrial revolutions occurred in the interim—the first founded upon coal, iron and steam, the second upon oil, steel, electricity and internal combustion. The implications for humanity were profound.

This concise yet comprehensive study is divided into three sections. The first documents the rise of the modern nation-state, the second chronicles the expansion of empire and the rush towards imperialism, while the third section details the cataclysmic world wars that destabilized the continent and bent nations towards totalitarianism. By tracing the events and undercurrents that shaped a vital period in European history, this work offers trenchant insights for the lay reader and the student of history alike.