Themes in Modern European History 1780-1830

"Themes in Modern European History 1780-1830" provides a brief yet authoritative account of the issues which have shaped modern Europe. The significance of its "themes"--the 1789 Revolution, Napoleon and the impact of revolution and war on Europe, the scope of Europe's population growth and economic change--never ceases to fascinate and provoke controversy. This volume presents and instructive guide both to what happened and to why these issues have led to such passionate ideological debate. In the socially-privileged Europe of the 1780s the confidently optimistic claim of the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen of 1789 was indeed revolutionary. Much of this volume concerns itself with the ways in which the Declaration was interpreted--and neglected. "Themes in Modern European History 1780-1830" brings together a number of specialists to discuss broad themes. This book will prove a compelling and instructive guide to Modern European History.