19th Century Germany
HIST 2510A: 19th Century Germany
Fall 2026
Instructor: Sean Eedy
Introduction: Looking across the long nineteenth century, HIST 2510 explores German and Austrian history from the Napoleonic Wars through to the end of World War I. In doing so, we will discuss some of the dominant military and political developments of the period, including the 1848 Revolutions, the wars of Unification, and the colonization of Africa. We will explore the roots of German nationalism at a time when the German-speaking lands were struggling for identity and how this nationalism changed across the nineteenth century.
At the same time, this course intersects everyday life through discussions of women, the working-class, youth and children’s culture and the use of those histories in constructions of modern German identities. Lectures and assigned readings examine the parallel and intertwined aspects of the course as perceptions of race, gender, culture, and civilization are used to justify exclusion in the German states while liberals and radicals demand the expansion of rights and representation.
Class Format: HIST 2510 is scheduled once per week for a three-hour in-person lecture.
Aims and Goals: This course allows students opportunity to develop their critical analytic and communication skills. Being able to interpret historical documents and analyze the works of historians is central to the discipline as is the ability to clearly, concisely, and convincingly argue one’s position. As such, students will be introduced to the historical practice and methodology and the importance of argumentation and the use of evidence in the construction of their writings.
Assessments: Students will be required to submit formal written assignments that demonstrate engagement with the three primary readings in the course. Guidelines will be made available in the course syllabus. In addition, there will be a cumulative final exam.
Texts: Students will be assigned sections from The German Worker edited by Alfred Kelly, as well as the complete texts of Effi Briest by Theodor Fontane, and A Butcher’s Tale by Helmut Walser Smith. Those sections of The German Worker will be made available on Brightspace. Effi Briest and A Butcher’s Tale will be available through the university bookstore, though students may choose to find versions from online vendors. A print copy of each of these texts is available in the university library. Effi Briest is also in the public domain.