This history traces the development of democracy in Europe from its origins in ancient Greece up to the present day. Considers all the major watersheds in the development of democracy in modern Europe. Describes the rediscovery of Ancient Greek political ideals by intellectuals at the end of the eighteenth century. Examines the twenty-year crisis from 1789 to 1815, when the repercussions of revolution in France were felt across the European continent. Explains how events in France led to the explosion of democratic movements between 1830 and 1848. Compares the different manifestations of democracy within Eastern and Western Europe during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Considers fascism and its consequences for democracy in Europe during the twentieth century. Demonstrates how in the recent past democracy itself has become the object of ideological battles.

This history traces the development of democracy in Europe from itsorigins in ancient Greece up to the present day.* * Considers all the major watersheds in the development ofdemocracy in modern Europe.* Describes the rediscovery of Ancient Greek political ideals byintellectuals at the end of the eighteenth century.* Examines the twenty-year crisis from 1789 to 1815, when therepercussions of revolution in France were felt across the Europeancontinent.* Explains how events in France led to the explosion ofdemocratic movements between 1830 and 1848.* Compares the different manifestations of democracy withinEastern and Western Europe during the latter half of the nineteenthcentury.* Considers fascism and its consequences for democracy in Europeduring the twentieth century.* Demonstrates how in the recent past democracy itself has becomethe object of ideological battles.

Prologue.1. A constitution imbued with Hellenism: Greece, Europe, and theWest.2. The beginning: democracy in ancient Greece.3. How Greek democracy came back into play, and finally left thestage.4. Liberalism's first victory.5. Universal suffrage: act one.6. Universal suffrage: act two.7. Trouble for the "old mole".8. Europe "on the march".9. From the slaughter of the Communards to the "sacredunions".10. The Third Republic.11. The second failure of universal suffrage.12. The "European civil war".13. Progressive democracies, people's democracies.14. The cold war: democracy in retreat.15. Towards the "mixed system".16. Was it a new beginning?.Epilogue.Notes.Bibliography.Index