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Time Capsule 0: Trailer Video
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
Time Capsules is a fast-paced approach to some key topics in European history. These videos are meant as broad overviews to lay a foundation for my classes and to prepare students for readings and discussions. All viewers are most welcome!
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Time Capsule 1: Marxism
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
In this brief video, Karl Qualls tells you a little about Karl Marx the person and reviews a few of the key ideas from his numerous writings. If you have heard of Marx but didn't want to read all his books, start with this Time Capsule.
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Time Capsule 2: Russian Revolutionaries
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
In this Time Capsule we explore the development of the Russian revolutionary movement in the lead up to the three revolutions in 1905 and February and October 1917. What role did Marxism play? How "Russian" was this revolutionary movement? These are just a few of the questions we will address.
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Time Capsule 3: Modernity
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
Do you think you know what "modernity" means? It probably isn't the same as scholars' meaning. In this Time Capsule we walk you through the definition of "modernity" and show you several examples of how democracies and dictatorships share more than you think.
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Time Capsule 4: World War I Alliances
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
In this Time Capsule we discuss the winding road to 1914. The two great alliances--The Triple Entente and Triple Alliance--were not inevitable. In the four decades leading up to WW I, alliances changed dramatically. How and why are the key questions we will address in Time Capsule 4. And yes, we know that some of the maps are anachronistic, but we want students to see the old and new Europe.
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Time Capsule 5: Interwar Science and Art
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
In this Time Capsule on European science and art between the two world wars, we explore developments in quantum physics, Freudian psychology, Dadaism, Surrealism, and much more. What do these themes have in common? They all sought to reveal hidden forces, either at the quantum level or in our internal thoughts and emotions.
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Time Capsule 6: Interwar Politics
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
In this Time Capsule on European politics between the two world wars, we focus on the causes of the rise of extreme ideologies on the left and right. What role did WW I and the Versailles Treaty play? To what degree were these political parties a rejection of capitalism, democracy, and modern society? How did disillusionment with leaders and systems of power lead to Italian fascism, Soviet communism, and German National Socialism?
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Time Capsule 7: The Industrial Revolution
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
In this Time Capsule we discuss the origins of the Industrial Revolution, why Great Britain was the first major industrial power, and how historians differ in their assessments of the Industrial Revolution.
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Time Capsule 8: The Cold War
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
In this Time Capsule, we explore the Cold War, a four-decade period of relative peace in Europe. The two great super powers--the United States and Soviet Union--lorded over not only a divided Europe, but also an increasingly divided world. Although the conflicts in Europe did not result in direct conflict (a hot war), proxy wars and covert operations ("cold" wars) in the developing world led to the toppling of elected leaders, installation of dictators, the death of hundreds of thousands, and a lasting legacy of division, militarization, destruction, and poverty wherever the two powers used their influence.
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Time Capsule 9: Romanticism
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
In this Time Capsule we explore the intellectual and artistic movement known as Romanticism. We briefly discuss how Romanticism differs from the Enlightenment and then provide examples in literature, painting, and music.
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Time Capsules: Report from Behind the Scenes
Karl D. Qualls and Aleks Syniec
This video provides a short overview of the process of creating the Time Capsules videos.