The Global Age of Revolutions, 1776-1848

New for 2024!

This research area focuses on the period of history that resulted in the change from absolutist monarchies to representative governments as we know them today. It endeavours to examine the history of revolutions which shook Europe and its global empires in the eighteenth and nineteenth century—spanning the American Revolution (1776), the French Revolution (1789), the Haitian Revolution (1791), the Latin American Wars of Independence, the Revolutions of 1848, and the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The projects in this area will focus on the causes and consequences of these revolutions, including the emergence of the nation-state and the origins of decolonization.

Intended audience

Research projects in this stream are open to students from all disciplines but may be of particular interest to students in in European History, South Asian History, Caribbean History, and Political Science.

Previous knowledge

Familiarity with history of early modern Europe and its empires is preferred but not essential.

Assessment

Dissertation (no more than 6,000 words): 100% of the total.

Research Topics

The potential research proposals you could pursue on the programme are listed below. The specific research focus of your project will be determined and confirmed with guidance from your supervisor. The exciting research topics in this research area are:

1. The political thought of the American Revolution
2. The causes of the French Revolution of 1789
3. The emergence of the ‘nation state’ and nationalism
4. The origins of decolonization
5. The study of ‘comparative revolutions’.

Prefer to follow a research idea of your own?

Take a look at the Open Stream.