Freedom and equality were the great promises of the Enlightenment, which were realised across Europe after 1789. But the 19th century proved to be an age of contradictions: alongside the pursuit of democratic ideals there were nationalistic ideas and practices of exclusion. Industrialisation opened up endless possibilities – and brought about new social conflicts. And as Europe made a grab for the world, colonialism and imperialism spawned new constellations. Historian Willibald Steinmetz portrays the period from 1800 to 1914 as a time of persistent competition between nations and empires. Today we know: The contest is far from over. A grand, sweeping panorama, a penetrating look at the foundations of the modern world.
