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A review by krista7
Where Have All the Soldiers Gone?: The Transformation of Modern Europe by James J. Sheehan
5.0
Sheehan, a Modern Germanist, describes Europe's 20th century as a creation of a "civilian state," in which great social weight is placed on economic power and diminished prestige, power, and money are invested in military affairs. He traces the development of the civilian state through the usual road markers of the 20th century--WWI, WWII, Cold War, 1990s. The book that resulted from this investigation is a fairly brief monograph that might be used as an addition to a 300-level Euro course, serving to show how Europe's history is truly European (not German/French/Russian, etc.)
A few points of curiosity:
He compares Gorbachev to Lenin, saying Lenin feared releasing power (for his life) and therefore wouldn't, whereas Gorbachev knew (thanks to the civilian state) he would live, and so let matters take their course in 1991.
He suggests the mass popularity of WWI (as traditionally mentioned in texts) is a myth, and in fact a creation of a censored wartime press.
He suggests peace is a relatively modern idea, because it makes the life and death of individuals a matter of concern. (From a state wherein thousands would die namelessly--see the 30 Years' War--to a state for which the Unnamed Soldier would be enshrined, and all efforts made to make sure few went unnamed.) Peace as a concept is also born in response to mass-produced warfare, itself a product of the industrial age.
He points out the huge economic power of the EU (1/4 of the world's economy) and its almost invisible military presence.
Overall, the book is studded with interesting smaller points like this, and is an interesting argument for the development of concepts of peace.
A few points of curiosity:
He compares Gorbachev to Lenin, saying Lenin feared releasing power (for his life) and therefore wouldn't, whereas Gorbachev knew (thanks to the civilian state) he would live, and so let matters take their course in 1991.
He suggests the mass popularity of WWI (as traditionally mentioned in texts) is a myth, and in fact a creation of a censored wartime press.
He suggests peace is a relatively modern idea, because it makes the life and death of individuals a matter of concern. (From a state wherein thousands would die namelessly--see the 30 Years' War--to a state for which the Unnamed Soldier would be enshrined, and all efforts made to make sure few went unnamed.) Peace as a concept is also born in response to mass-produced warfare, itself a product of the industrial age.
He points out the huge economic power of the EU (1/4 of the world's economy) and its almost invisible military presence.
Overall, the book is studded with interesting smaller points like this, and is an interesting argument for the development of concepts of peace.