The period 1918-91 represents an ‘Age of Extremes’ born from the ruins of the World War One. By 1918, the old power systems had crumbled and new dynamics, power-brokers, and ideologies took centre stage. This course will investigate the global impacts of American-style capitalism, varieties of fascisms, and Soviet-style socialism. Europe’s shifting role in world affairs will be set in the context of the continuing rise of global nationalism. In line with the theme of extremes, the course begins with the Bolshevik revolution and ends with the collapse of the communist utopian experiment. The age of extremes was dominated by warring ideologies, conflict and Cold War confrontation. At the same time, it experienced a global explosion of rich popular culture expressed in music and movies, fashion and fads. Beneath the dominant cultures grew subversive alternatives expressive of general change. Again, as for History 1A, Australia will be used where appropriate as a reference point for global developments.