Deze serie biedt inzichtelijke verkenningen van cruciale figuren in de wereldgeschiedenis vanaf 1500. In plaats van traditionele biografieën zijn dit beknopte interpretatieve essays die belangrijke carrièreaspecten binnen hun historische context analyseren. De boeken onderzoeken hoe individuen politieke, economische en sociale gebeurtenissen hebben gevormd en bieden zo een genuanceerd begrip van macht en invloed.
The book delves into the life of Cavour, a pivotal figure in Italian unification, showcasing his transformation of Piedmont from a struggling state into the heart of the new Italy through strategic manipulation of European powers. It explores his role as prime minister and his complex personality, portraying him as a ruthless yet brilliant politician. The study also places Cavour within the broader context of the Risorgimento and international power dynamics, offering a nuanced perspective on his contributions and character.
The biography explores the significant impact of Gustavus Adolphus on Northern Europe during his reign, highlighting his role in establishing Sweden as a dominant power and his contributions to the Protestant cause in the Thirty Years War. It emphasizes his dual talents as both a skilled administrator and military leader, along with his reforms that shaped modern governance. This revised and expanded edition of a previously unavailable study, authored by a leading historian, offers fresh insights into his influential career.
Focusing on Kaiser Wilhelm II's political career, the book traces his journey from youth at the Hohenzollern court to his reign as German Emperor and King of Prussia until 1918. It explores the complexities of his leadership during the Wilhelmine era, his role in the events leading to World War I, and the consequences of his forty-year rule on Germany. This new interpretation sheds light on the controversial monarch's influence and the historical context of his time.
In this first biography in English for fifty years, Derek McKay avoids the limitation of seeing Frederick William primarily as precursor of the 'Enlightened' Frederick the Great. Instead, he roots him firmly in his own time, a dynastic, protestant ruler like many another in Germany, but gifted with the toughness and opportunism to overcome the hostility of his local nobilities and of the surrounding great powers.
R.J. Knecht has written a gripping narrative of one of the most controversial of all historical figures, Catherine de'Medici (1519-89), who was the wife of one king of three more. She was powerful enough to be hated and was -- in her own lifetime and since -- the subject of a "Black Legend".
Christopher Clark verfolgt die Karriere des letzten deutschen Kaisers und beleuchtet seine schwierige Jugend, die Etablierung seiner Macht sowie seine politischen Auseinandersetzungen und Ziele. Mit dem Ersten Weltkrieg und der Niederlage des Deutschen Reichs endet die Herrschaft Wilhelms II., der abdanken und den Rest seines Lebens im Exil verbringen muss. Clarks sorgfältig recherchierte Arbeit bietet eine neue, provokative Interpretation des umstrittenen Monarchen und seiner dreißigjährigen Regentschaft. Er stellt die Frage, ob Deutschland einen anderen Weg eingeschlagen hätte, wenn ein anderer Herrscher das Land ins 20. Jahrhundert geführt hätte, und inwieweit Wilhelms Persönlichkeit die deutschen Geschicke prägte. Clark betrachtet Wilhelms Kindheit, geprägt von den politischen Ansichten seines Vaters und Großvaters, und beleuchtet seine Thronbesteigung 1888. Zudem untersucht er Wilhelms außen- und innenpolitisches Wirken sowie seine Rolle im Sommer 1914. Nach dem verlorenen Krieg wurde Wilhelm II. zum Objekt des Hasses, und sein negatives Image hält bis heute an. Clarks Ziel ist nicht die Rehabilitation des Kaisers, sondern die kritische Reflexion über die Dämonisierung, die die Geschichtsschreibung möglicherweise betrieben hat.
David Arnold's exploration of Gandhi reveals the extraordinary impact of a man who, despite lacking political power or military command, became a powerful anti-colonial figure. The book delves into Gandhi's life, his influence, and the complex emotions he evoked among both Indians and Westerners, offering insights into his legacy.
Cold, clever and ruthless, Richelieu governed France for 18 years until his death. Recent interpretations have been more favourable, and in this study, the author uses recent research to reassess his career and achievements
Set against the backdrop of 1930s and 40s America, the biography explores Franklin D. Roosevelt's transformative leadership during crises of unemployment and World War II. It delves into his privileged upbringing, the impact of polio on his life, and his dynamic political career, emphasizing his groundbreaking New Deal and the significant role of his wife, Eleanor. Renshaw presents FDR as a pivotal figure, arguing that his presidency not only reshaped American politics but also elevated the U.S. to global prominence.
This profile explores the complex figure of Charles Maurice Prince de Talleyrand, who navigated multiple regimes in turbulent French history. Philip Dwyer analyzes Talleyrand's pragmatic role, portraying him as a mediator rather than a traitor, and highlights his influence during significant political shifts, including the Congress of Vienna.
The biography delves into the complex legacy of Pétain, a pivotal figure in modern French history, who was both a national hero at Verdun during WWI and later tried for treason as the leader of the Vichy government after WWII. It examines whether his actions were those of a traitor or a patriot confronting his country's collapse. Nicholas Atkin's exploration not only scrutinizes Pétain's choices but also uncovers the broader divisions and uncertainties within France during these tumultuous periods.
Focusing on the extraordinary political career of Britain's youngest Prime Minister, the book delves into how he maintained power throughout his 19 years in office. It explores his complex relationship with King George III, his influence over cabinet members, and his adeptness at managing Parliament and public opinion. Additionally, it highlights his pivotal role in revitalizing Britain following the loss of America and his strategic maneuvers during the conflicts with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France.
The biography delves into the life and legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the architect of modern Turkey, highlighting his significant reforms that aimed to secularize and westernize the nation. It provides a fresh perspective on Atatürk's impact amidst current challenges from Islamic fundamentalism and the geopolitical shifts following the Soviet collapse. The work not only reassesses Atatürk's pivotal role in shaping Turkey but also addresses ongoing debates about the country's identity and international relationships.
Focusing on Oliver Cromwell's complex role in English history, Barry Coward examines his life through his own words and actions, providing insights into his political significance. The book delves into the controversies surrounding Cromwell's exercise of power, highlighting the historical challenges he faced. This introduction offers a nuanced perspective on a figure who continues to provoke debate and intrigue.
Exploring the life and ideology of a pivotal revolutionary leader, this book delves into Lenin's role in shaping modern political thought and the Soviet Union. It examines his early years, revolutionary activities, and the impact of his theories on global communism. The narrative emphasizes key events, such as the October Revolution, and provides insights into his leadership style and the challenges he faced. Through detailed analysis, it sheds light on Lenin's legacy and the enduring influence of his ideas in contemporary politics.
Concise portrait of an extraordinary statesman explores Adenauer's personal influence in policies pursued. Knowledge of Adenauer era is essential for any real understanding of post-war Germany politics and history. Provides point of comparison for Germany today. German Federal Republic was West European lynchpin during Cold War this book explains why and how. Adenauer's achievements live on today European Union, German democracy.Known as the Father of the new Germany, Konrad Adenauer was one of the big three leaders who helped rebuild Europe from the ruins of the Second World War. Ronald Irving reviews Adenauer's record in office from Mayor of Cologne in pre-Nazi Germany to his post-war emergence as leader of the Christian Democratic Union and his election to the Chancellorship in 1949. This latest offering in the "Profiles in Power" series examines how Adenauer united Catholics and Conservatives for the first time under the liberal democratic banner, and integrated West German society into liberal democratic values underpinned by the social market economy. It also explores how Adenauer also played a vital role in ensuring that the traditional enemies, France and Germany, came together in co-operation and partnership in the new European Economic Community.Ronald Irving is at the University of Edinburgh.
Focusing on the pivotal reign of Elizabeth I, this influential study explores the dynamics of her rule during Britain's 'Golden Age.' It delves into her strategies for expansion and the unique methods she employed to wield power effectively. The analysis sheds light on the significance of her leadership in shaping a transformative era in British history.
This invaluable account provides an excellent introduction to the Presidency
of John F. Kennedy. To understand Kennedy's aims and achievements in the White
House, it looks at Kennedy the man and outlines his background and early
career and the influences upon him. Hugh Brogan shows Kennedy as a... číst
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Focusing on Trotsky's years in power, this biography provides a nuanced portrayal of his life, revealing a complex figure marked by both human qualities and ruthless ambition. It explores his vital role in the October Revolution, the Civil War, and the establishment of the Soviet state, utilizing previously unexplored archival materials. The analysis includes Trotsky's theory of permanent revolution, his military organization of the Red Army, and his fraught relationships with Lenin and Stalin, ultimately highlighting his misinterpretations of post-revolutionary dynamics.
Bismarck was one of the single most important figures in German history. This new Profile evaluates his political career in the light of most recent considerations of his achievement.
This series provides critical studies of key political figures in world history since 1500. The books are not biographies, though inevitably they contain much biographical material; rather, they are interpretive essays, analyzing the major features of the career within the context of its own time.
The book offers a fresh perspective on Lloyd George, presenting a comprehensive analysis of his life and political career. It disputes the common perception of him as an outsider, highlighting his significant contributions to British politics and society. By examining his political, economic, and social achievements, the study reveals the depth of his influence and the transformative changes he helped bring about during his time in office.
