The Long 19th Century: European History from 1789 to 1917

By: Robert I. Weiner, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Robert I. Weiner

Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Few periods of history offer such captivating complexity as Europe in the long 19th century between 1789 and 1914. From the idealism of the French Revolution to the power of the Industrial Revolution to the chaos of World War I, this fascinating whirl of events, personalities, and forces formed the foundation for the modern world.

Over the course of 36 engaging lectures Professor Weiner leads you on a spirited journey across an ever-changing European landscape, examining the forces and personalities that reshaped the continent's physical borders, diplomatic relationships, and balance of power. Assuming no prior knowledge of this era and no professional vocabulary, he explores this turbulent and important era with interest, curiosity, and passion.

You'll look at what the transition to modernity meant for peasants, workers, the middle class, aristocrats, women, and minorities. And you'll consider the political and diplomatic moves of the great powers - Great Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Italy - in the context of the deeper economic, social, and cultural forces at work and how they reflect the impact of some of history's most significant names, including Napoleon Bonaparte, Otto von Bismarck, and Kaiser Wilhelm II.

With this ambitious look at the evolution of the environment that ultimately made World War I possible, Professor Weiner explores more than factual history - the dates, battles, and treaties. He repeatedly steps back from on-the-ground events to clarify historical trends or patterns, providing a comprehensive look at this engaging era.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2005 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2005 The Great Courses

Incredibly Interesting

This was a fascinating review of European history from the French Revolution and Industrial Revolution to the inception of the Great War. The professor began a bit fast but eventually you adjust to the pace of the course and he does a brilliant job explaining each country’s position and role during this captivating period of European history. A++

Not as Good as Most Great Courses

I should start with the positives. First, the professor is clearly enthusiastic, and the last one-third of the course is better than the first two-thirds. That being said, I was mostly disappointed in this course relative to other Great Courses history classes. That's not to say that this course is bad...it is just not as good as what I am used to receiving from the Great Courses. There are several problems with the design of this course:
1. The professor structured the lectures more as commentaries than lessons, making it much more important to read the recommended source materials. The problem with this approach is that I listen to Great Courses precisely because I do not have time to read the source materials. While I appreciate the Great Courses providing a guidebook, and I understand that reading the guidebook can be helpful, I've come to expect Great Courses to be presented in a way that does not rely on the guidebook or recommended readings.
2. The course lacks sufficient chronology. The course is mostly topical and sometimes jumps back and forth through the 19th century to the point of confusion without providing sufficient detail.

Again, I do not want to be too harsh in my review. The Great Courses almost always produces an enjoyable and informative product. This course meets the minimum threshold of quality. However, the structural deficiencies makes this course less stellar as I have come to expect.

Great Overivew!

There is a lot of history to cover in 120 years and the focus on themes rather than a narrative was very insightful and interesting!

Interesting info, Good Organization

Enjoyed learning about this period, as well as the organization of the information. Organized in sections with each section covering a few decades, and hitting on the major players history in their own chapters within the section. Performance was acceptable, nothing incredible but not distracting either

A great historical overview with no academic pressure

I thoroughly enjoyed this lecture series. Although this course had its fair share of specific dates and events, the context and overview of the time period made them relevant and easier to comprehend.

The19th century was a pivotal and complex time and Europe was the most powerful and volatile continent. A lot happened.

Professor Weiner is a master of the topic. He offers great insights into the trends of humanity, the effects of the events that shaped 19th century Europe and its impact on the 20th century and beyond.

I had a difficult time keeping track of all the political and social systems that came into play during this century because many were launched and tried during this tumultuous time. If I were to follow the book recommendations of the professor I'm sure I'd have a clearer understanding of 19th century liberalism, early anarchism and socialism - to name a familiar few.

This was my first experience with the "Great Courses" lecture series and I can only hope that my next one will be as informative and fulfilling.

Wonderful Presentation

I thoroughly enjoyed Dr Wieners historical review of the 19th century. I’m a history buff and have been my entire life from childhood on. Sometimes I wish I had a similar interest in math and science. But we are who we are. Originally I was captivated by the 20th century and particularly the Cold War. But the more I studied the 20th the more I realized it was the logical culmination of what had transpired in the 19th.

Kudos toDr Weiner’s content rich succinct lecture series and to Audible for presenting it.

I didn't love this one

There are few Great Courses lectures I don't enjoy. i did not enjoy this one.

for whatever reason, the lecturer spends lecture after lecture talking about the 20th century. I wanted to know how ideas shaped these modern nations, and he wanted to talk about Nazi Germany. I was unaware that the World Wars took place in the 1800s before this lecture.

I did not learn much I did not already knew - and all I really knew was France and Marxism bad, Germany and America industrialized, and Queen Victoria.

This course was very engaging

From beginning to end it kept me interested. I have listened to about 10 or so great courses and this one of the best.

Great content, not so great narration

Very good lecture, but I had to crank the audio speed up to 150% to make it bearable. Professor Weiner speaks very slowly and in bursts, with too many unnecessary pauses, very annoying. Even so, I totally recommend this audiobook.

Excellent overview

Very thorough, balanced and analytic. A lot of material but not just poured out. Many suggestions for additional reading included.