Explores the impact of catastrophic war, revolutionary upheavals and genocide in Twentieth Century Europe alongside the development of progressive social policies. Reassesses the nature of Europe's century and places that history within its broader geographical and historical contexts. Themes include: ideological conflict (Fascism, Communism, Social Democracy, Liberalism), societal change (consumerism, inter-generational conflict, gender issues), and state formation (totalitarianism, welfare state capitalism, 'the Third Way' options). Identifies the key themes and junctures that have defined European history since the First World War.