The 20th century witnessed the dramatic fall of long-standing monarchies across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. This course explores the forces behind their decline and why some royal systems endured. We examine the impact of war, revolution, political reform and shifting social values, tracing the fall of empires such as Russia, Germany and Iran. The course also considers the monarchies that survived and how they adapted to modern democratic societies. A compelling exploration of power, tradition and transformation in recent history.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Forms of monarchy in ancient, mediaeval and modern history and their different characteristics, especially in relation to absolute or limited constitutional powers
2. The demise of the Romanoffs in Russia, Pahlavis in Iran, Hohenzollerns in Germany, Hapsburgs in Austria-Hungary, Qing dynasty in China and the Ottomans in Turkey.
3. Problematic monarchies of the 20th century, including Cambodia, Spain, Greece and Italy which found survival impossible, in contrast with monarchies which did survive including the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and the UK.
4. The demise of monarchies in African and Asian nations in the 20th c and factors which contributed to their demise including neo colonialism.
5. Possible scenarios for the future regarding the survival of monarchies about the future of monarchies beyond the 2040s .

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Gain an appreciation of the factors which may bring about the fall of a monarchy in the 20th century after centuries of power and influence
2. Discuss the most significant factors which combined to ensure the collapse of so many monarchies across the world in the 20th century