Europe Since 1815, Volume 2

19th century Europe produced some of the greatest soldiers, statesmen, scientists, artists, and thinkers of any period in recorded history. And by the middle of that century nationalism had emerged triumphant from Ireland to Greece, and many new nations, including Germany and Italy, had appeared. But nationalism was accompanied by a chauvinistic impulse toward militarism. At the same time, new explorations were beginning to open the continent of Africa to colonial opportunities, an activity also pursued in Asia and the Pacific. Along with the new political developments came astounding scientific advances led by men like Louis Pasteur, Charles Darwin and Alfred Einstein. Meanwhile, the economic theories of Marx and the philosophical musings of Nietzsche roiled the minds of millions and produced profound undercurrents of political and social tension. Across this fabric of seething ethnic emotions and boundless imperial ambition strode the mighty figure of Otto von Bismark, the greatest s