HIST 3081

Crises of Capitalism and Democracy since 1870

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course examines the intertwined histories of capitalism and democracy from the 1870s to the present day. We will explore how modern capitalism became a global force at the same time as democratic ideas and practices struggled to establish themselves. In doing so we will grapple with key questions of history, political economy, and ethics. Do economic crises tend to weaken democracy? Is stability or crisis the norm? Can mass politics ever control the international monetary and financial system? Are our political systems and societies fatally dependent on ever-increasing growth? Is there any reason to think they can handle challenges such as increasing inequality and drastic climate change? We will look for answers to these questions by studying key moments in the history of global capitalism and democracy.

Distribution Requirements (HA-AG, SBA-AG), (HST-AS, SSC-AS)

Last 3 terms offered 2023FA, 2021FA, 2020FA

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