AP European History

Advanced Placement European History studying European civilization from 1450 to present.

Advanced Topics

The World Wars

Catastrophe and Change

World War I (1914–1918) and World War II (1939–1945) were defining events of the 20th century, involving most of Europe and causing massive destruction.

Causes and Consequences

  • WWI: Nationalism, alliances, militarism, and imperialism.
  • WWII: The rise of totalitarian regimes, unresolved issues from WWI, and expansionist policies.

Major Outcomes

  • Collapse of empires and rise of new nations.
  • The Holocaust and other atrocities.
  • Creation of the United Nations and the European Union's origins.

Why It Matters Today

The wars reshaped borders, societies, and the global balance of power. Their lessons continue to inform diplomacy and peace efforts.

Examples

  • The Treaty of Versailles redrew the map of Europe after WWI.

  • After WWII, European countries formed alliances like NATO and the EU to prevent future conflicts.

In a Nutshell

The World Wars devastated Europe but also led to new efforts for peace and cooperation.