Growth | The Shortest History of Europe - John Hirst (2009)

🐵 I. One-sentence summary:

The Shortest History of Europe by John Hirst is a concise and accessible overview of European history from ancient times to the present day, designed to be used as a teaching resource for university students in Australia.

The motivation behind the book was to provide students with a clear and engaging introduction to European history that was easy to understand and remember. Hirst had previously taught European history at La Trobe University in Melbourne, and he drew on his lecture notes and teaching experience to create the book. The result is a lively and informative guide that covers key events, movements, and figures in European history in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking.

“…how they have been reconfigured through time; to show how new things take their shape from old; how the old persists and returns.”

“…the book deals chiefly with western Europe. Not all parts of Europe are equally important in the making of European civilization. The renaissance in Italy, the Reformation in Germany, the parliamentary government in England, and revolutionary democracy in France: these are of more consequence than the partitions of Poland.” - John Hirst

I picked up the book from the Munich airport in 2018. I read the book again to refresh my knowledge of European history having lived in London for six years - it’s been a while since I learned this topic in school. Korea has 5,000 years of history, but people are taught a lot about the West in School because the West used to be deemed 'role models' for prosperity and economic development. I also learned about European history in South Korea and Canada, so I am sure my perspective is a bit biased or influenced by the ‘interpretation’ of European history by South Koreans or Canadians or ironically you might say the version I learned could be as neutral and objective as one can get given history is always written by winners from their perspectives. You do not learn much about Europe in the US, so I wanted to tap into the bubble of the land’s league and history - beyond the conversations I have been having with my European friends from a slightly different yet more neutral angle. From an Aussie perspective (you may argue that Aussie would be Anglo-Saxon friendly, and that might be true, but let’s find out). Hope you enjoy!

1. Europe Classical and Medieval:

• Europe emerged as a distinct entity with its own cultural identity: In this chapter, Hirst covers the early history of Europe, from the ancient Greeks to the Middle Ages. He notes that despite the many different tribes and cultures that existed in Europe during this time, a distinct European identity began to emerge. This identity was influenced by the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, as well as by the spread of Christianity.
• Ancient Greece and Rome had a significant impact on European civilization: Hirst emphasizes the lasting impact of classical civilization on European culture, particularly in areas such as philosophy, literature, and art. The Greeks and Romans developed important concepts such as democracy, the scientific method, and the concept of citizenship, which continue to shape European societies today.
• The Roman Empire's collapse led to the emergence of feudalism in Europe: Hirst discusses how the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century led to a period of instability and insecurity in Europe. This contributed to the rise of feudalism, a social system based on relationships of loyalty and service between lords and vassals. Feudalism provided a measure of stability and security during a chaotic time in European history.
• The medieval period saw the development of Gothic cathedrals and illuminated manuscripts: Hirst describes some of the cultural achievements of the Middle Ages, such as the construction of magnificent cathedrals and the creation of illuminated manuscripts, which were beautifully illustrated copies of religious texts. These works of art reflected the deeply religious character of medieval Europe and served as symbols of its cultural sophistication.

2. Europe Modern:

• The Renaissance period saw significant developments in art, science, and philosophy: Hirst notes that the Renaissance, which began in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe, marked a period of great creativity and innovation. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo produced some of the most iconic works of art in Western history, while philosophers such as Machiavelli and Erasmus questioned traditional assumptions about politics and religion. The period also saw significant advances in science and technology, such as the development of printing and the exploration of the New World.
• The Reformation led to religious wars and political upheaval across Europe: Hirst highlights the impact of the Protestant Reformation, which began in the early 16th century and led to a split in the Christian Church. The ensuing religious wars and political upheaval, which lasted for several centuries, had a profound impact on European history. In addition to causing significant human suffering, the conflicts ultimately led to the emergence of new nation-states and the weakening of the power of the Catholic Church.
• The Scientific Revolution paved the way for modern science and technology: Hirst emphasizes the importance of the Scientific Revolution, which began in the 16th century and saw a fundamental shift in the way people thought about the natural world. Scientists such as Galileo, Newton, and Descartes developed new methods for studying the universe and made groundbreaking discoveries in areas such as physics, astronomy, and biology. The Scientific Revolution paved the way for the development of modern science and technology, which continue to shape the world today.

3. Invasions and Conquests:

• The Vikings and Mongols had a significant impact on Europe during the medieval period: Hirst highlights the impact of the Vikings, who raided and traded across Europe from the late 8th to the 11th century. The Vikings' raids disrupted trade and communication, but they also helped to create a new European identity by bringing together different cultures. Hirst also notes the impact of the Mongols, who invaded Eastern Europe in the 13th century and established a vast empire that stretched from China to Europe. The Mongol invasions had a significant impact on European history, but they also helped to spread ideas and technologies across different regions.
• The Crusades were a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims: Hirst emphasizes the importance of the Crusades, a series of religious wars that took place between the 11th and 13th centuries. The Crusades were fought between Christian knights from Western Europe and Muslim armies in the Middle East, and they had a profound impact on both Europe and the Middle East. Hirst notes that the Crusades helped to shape European identity and fostered new ideas about chivalry and military valor. However, the Crusades also had a significant impact on the Muslim world, leading to widespread devastation and displacement.
• The Ottoman Empire expanded into Europe and threatened the continent's stability: Hirst highlights the importance of the Ottoman Empire, which began as a small Turkish state in the 14th century and eventually became one of the most powerful empires in the world. The Ottomans expanded into Eastern Europe and threatened the stability of the continent, leading to a series of wars between the Ottomans and European powers. Hirst notes that the Ottomans had a profound impact on European history, influencing everything from art and architecture to politics and religion. Ultimately, the decline of the Ottoman Empire paved the way for new power struggles and conflicts in Europe.

4. Forms of Government I:

• Monarchy was the predominant form of government in Europe during the medieval period. Kings and queens ruled over their subjects with absolute power, and were often viewed as having divine right to rule.
• Feudalism was a social and economic system that emerged in medieval Europe. It created a system of social hierarchy and obligations, where the monarch would grant land to nobles in exchange for their loyalty and military service. The nobles, in turn, would grant land to peasants in exchange for their labor and produce.
• The Magna Carta was a document signed by King John of England in 1215, which established the principle that the king was not above the law. It granted certain rights and protections to the king's subjects, such as the right to a fair trial and protection from arbitrary imprisonment. This was an important milestone in the development of constitutionalism, which is the idea that a government's power should be limited by law and the rights of citizens.

5. Forms of Government II:

• The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement in the 18th century that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism. It paved the way for modern democracy by challenging traditional forms of authority and advocating for the rights and freedoms of individuals.
• The French Revolution was a period of political and social upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799. It marked a significant shift in European politics, as the ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity spread throughout the continent. Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power in the early 19th century further transformed European politics, as he introduced new legal and administrative systems that helped to modernize and centralize government.
• Nationalism emerged as a powerful force in the 19th century, as people began to identify themselves more strongly with their nation and culture. This led to the rise of modern nation-states, where sovereignty was based on a shared sense of identity rather than traditional forms of authority.

6. Emperors and Popes:

• The Holy Roman Empire was established in the 10th century and lasted until the 19th century. It was a complex political entity that encompassed parts of modern-day Germany, Austria, Italy, and other parts of Europe. The Holy Roman Emperor was elected by a council of princes, and the emperor's power was often limited by the authority of local rulers.
• The Pope was the leader of the Catholic Church, which had a significant influence on European politics and culture during the medieval period. The Pope claimed to have authority over secular rulers and often intervened in political affairs. The Papacy also had a significant impact on art, architecture, and education.
• The Investiture Controversy was a conflict between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor over the appointment of bishops. The Pope argued that only the church had the authority to appoint bishops, while the Emperor believed that he had the right to appoint bishops in his own territories. The conflict was eventually resolved in favor of the church, which gained greater independence from secular rulers as a result.

7. Languages:

• The development of the printing press in the 15th century* facilitated the mass production of books and other written materials, leading to greater literacy rates across Europe. The standardization of spelling and grammar helped to establish more formal versions of European languages.

Note) here comes my Korean perspective: Johannes Gutenberg of Mainz, Germany, is acknowledged as the first to invent a metal movable-type printing system in Europe: the printing press, 78 years after Jikji (the oldest preserved book printed with movable metal type) had been printed in Korea. It is said the movable printing was developed in Korea 150-200 years before Gutenberg was born. Here is a UNESCO article about it.

• During the medieval period, Latin served as the language of scholarship, theology, and international diplomacy. The Catholic Church used Latin as its official language until the 20th century, and Latin continues to be used in fields like medicine, law, and science.
• The rise of vernacular languages, or the languages spoken by the common people, contributed to the development of national identities in Europe. For example, Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy," written in Italian in the early 14th century, helped to establish Italian as a literary language.
• In addition to Latin and vernacular languages, other languages played significant roles in European history. Arabic, for example, was the language of science and philosophy during the Islamic Golden Age, and had a profound influence on European thought through translations of works by scholars like Aristotle and Ibn Rushd (also known as Averroes).

8. The Common People:

• The medieval period saw the rise of the merchant class and the emergence of a new urban culture. As towns grew, so did the need for laborers, and this led to the rise of the bourgeoisie, a new class of urban merchants and artisans. The growth of trade and commerce also led to the development of banking and finance, which played a crucial role in the growth of European economies.
• The Black Death had a significant impact on European society, leading to labor shortages and the end of feudalism. The plague, which swept across Europe in the 14th century, killed millions of people and disrupted social and economic structures. The labor shortage led to increased wages for workers and the end of serfdom in many parts of Europe.
• The Peasants' Revolt in England marked a significant shift in the power dynamic between the ruling class and the common people. In 1381, a group of peasants rebelled against the English monarchy and demanded better working conditions and political representation. Although the rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, it helped to spark a growing sense of class consciousness among the common people and set the stage for future social and political upheavals.

9. Industrialization and Revolution:

• The Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century in Britain and rapidly spread throughout Europe, bringing with it new technologies and modes of production that led to significant changes in social and economic structures. Industrialization led to the growth of cities, the expansion of the middle class, and the decline of traditional agricultural practices. It also contributed to environmental degradation and social problems, such as poor working conditions and child labor.
• The French Revolution was a period of political upheaval that began in 1789 and saw the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. The revolution was driven by Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy, and led to the execution of King Louis XVI and the Reign of Terror. The revolution also had significant impacts on European politics and culture, inspiring similar movements across the continent.
• The Communist Revolution in Russia, which began in 1917 with the overthrow of the Tsar, led to the establishment of the Soviet Union and the spread of communist ideology across Europe. The revolution had significant impacts on world politics and led to the emergence of the Cold War, a period of political and ideological tension between the Soviet Union and the Western powers. The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the communist experiment in Europe.

10. Two World Wars:

World War I:

• World War I was sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914, and the conflict soon escalated into a global war involving multiple major powers.
• The war was characterized by trench warfare, new weapons technologies, and unprecedented levels of destruction and casualties.
• The Treaty of Versailles, which ended the war in 1919, imposed significant penalties on Germany and set the stage for the rise of fascism in Europe.
• The war also led to the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire, and set the stage for the rise of new nation-states in Europe.

World War II:

• World War II was sparked by the aggressive expansionist policies of Nazi Germany, which sought to dominate Europe and beyond.
• The war involved many of the same major powers as World War I, but also saw the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as major players on the global stage.
• The war was characterized by large-scale military offensives, genocidal atrocities, and the use of nuclear weapons for the first time.
• The war ended in 1945 with the defeat of Germany and the establishment of the United Nations to promote international peace and cooperation.

Aftermath and the European Union:

• The aftermath of World War II led to significant changes in Europe, including the division of the continent into two ideological blocs: the Western democracies led by the United States, and the Soviet-led Eastern bloc.
• The Cold War between the two superpowers dominated global politics for decades, but also spurred a wave of technological innovation and economic growth.
• In the aftermath of the Cold War, many European nations came together to form the European Union, a political and economic union aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity on the continent.
• The European Union has faced many challenges over the years, including economic crises, refugee and migration issues, and political divisions, but it remains a major force for cooperation and integration in Europe.

💯 II. Key takeaways:

Did you find the book objective? The book’s key message can be summarized as:

1. Europe's history is characterized by a complex interplay of cultural, political, and economic forces, with significant contributions from a wide range of individuals and groups.
2. Europe's classical and medieval periods saw the development of distinct cultural identities, the emergence of feudalism, and significant religious and political conflicts.
3. The modern period was marked by the rise of democracy, the development of new technologies, and the formation of modern nation-states.
4. Europe's history has been shaped by invasions, conquests, and wars, with the two world wars having a particularly significant impact on the continent.
5. Despite these challenges, Europe has also experienced periods of significant growth, cooperation, and cultural exchange, with the European Union representing a major milestone in the continent's history.

🛰️ III. Other suggested references:

Crash Course European History - John Green did it again! The crash course team created 50 episodes on European History covering Middle Ages to the last 700 years or so.

Want to understand how the EU came about? Please note this was created before BREXIT.

Here is another short overview in 24 min.