Two essays, each worth 30 points. Two of the three essay prompts below will appear on the final exam.
1. World War I arguably resulted both from deep, systemic problems within Western societies and from more immediate causes in 1914 and in the years immediately prior to 1914. Describe these general and proximate causes of the war. What in your view were the most important factors that led the Western powers to war in 1914? In addition, the war left behind a difficult, bitter legacy. In the last part of your essay, describe the immediate post-war settlement and discuss its influence in the subsequent two decades. Your essay should include material from at least two primary sources in our source textbook, Sources of the Western Tradition.
2. From the late eighteenth century to the present nationalism has had a tremendous influence on many Western states and peoples. Describe the main characteristics of nationalism and then discuss instances in which nationalism was a factor either for the unifying of peoples and states or for dividing and destroying them. Be sure to include at least one example from the nineteenth century and one from the twentieth century. Your essay should include material from at least two primary sources in our source textbook, Sources of the Western Tradition.
3. Select a topic from our course syllabus from the sixteenth, seventeenth or eighteenth century that you feel has particular implications and resonance in today’s world. Possible topics include the wars of religion of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and others. First, describe the main characteristics and significance of these events for the times in which they took place. Second, discuss and analyze the ways these events and developments inform the challenges and opportunities the Western world faces today. Your essay should include material from at least two primary sources in our textbook. 30 points
