The second paper of this semester will select a NEW writer to analyze. Read their work widely! Search for secondary analysis of their work and how they fit into the historical record. The period known as the “Long Nineteenth Century,” as conceptualized by European historians, typically includes the period of the French Revolution through at least World War I. Some scholars have argued that the first half of the twentieth century represents a new “Thirty Years War” with a ceasefire in the middle, allowing for World War II to be folded into this “Long Nineteenth Century.” This period, spanning elements of three centuries, represents great social, political, and cultural change, reflected in literature, the flow of ideas, and social commentary.
To select your subject, consider the following criteria:
● Should fit chronologically the Industrial era up through the end of World War II
● MUST be European
● Does not HAVE to be an author we specifically read in class, but must fit into the above parameters and be communicated to me in advance
Details and Logistics
Once you have selected your subject (e.g. Hobson, Mussolini, Schiller, etc.), analyze his/her work, his/her background, and the context in which he/she wrote. Focus on your specific subject as he/she relates to one of the following questions:
What were the main issues or questions your subject wrote or spoke about? Be sure to be clear and thorough, and support your points with citations (Chicago Style).
How did your subject impact the cultural, social, or intellectual environs of the 18th, 19th, and/or early 20th centuries (that is, what was your subject’s main influence, and how do you see it)?
