The Best Books on Western European History

The history of Europe is a tumultuous one. It can be as brutal and cruel as it is inspirational, uplifting, and revolutionary. That’s why it’s important to have a good grasp of the various threads that pull the continent together. This is especially true with current events in the wake of Russia’s war in Ukraine. So here is a list of some of the best books on Western European history.

As a general overview, these books will give you the bigger picture. For instance, they’ll help you understand how the European Union came to be and how it works in practice today. They’ll also teach you about the various regions of Europe and their cultural uniqueness. They’ll also cover how each region met the challenges of preserving its own identity and developing an industrialized economy.

In the wake of a bloody Second World War that left millions dead, injured, or displaced, European politicians set out to build what would become known as the European Union. The first step was the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, followed by the Treaty of Rome in 1957, which created the European Economic Community. By the end of the 20th century, goods and people moved freely across most of the countries in Western Europe without the need for passports or customs checks.

This is a time of unparalleled social and cultural change. Western European societies evolved toward self-determination, welfare state provision, and liberal democracy. In contrast, eastern and southern European societies shifted more slowly and in different ways. Consequently, scholars have varied in their approach to the study of early medieval continental Europe. Some, such as Brown 1971, have emphasized cultural continuities; others, like Smith 2005 and Wickham 2010, emphasize socio-economic developments, while prioritizing a comparative perspective.

In a continent that has been the site of so much violence and death, these are some of the books that will make you appreciate just how remarkable it is that Europe has ascended to its position of global power. The bloodshed that has occurred in the past makes the present seem all the more fragile. This is why a book such as Bloodlands is so important in reminding us of what a savage and destructive force it can be when it is unleashed upon the innocent.

This book takes you back to the very beginning of Europe, from the rise of the first empires to the fall of Nazi Germany and beyond. In addition, it covers the natural world in all its glory and shows you how it has been both destructive and restorative. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the fascinating and complicated history of Europe.