The Twentieth Century World

African American children with dolls sitting on a stoop.

Girls with Barbies, East Harlem / Camilo Jose Vergara, Library of Congress

Scholars and students working in this field combine deep knowledge of the history of one world region or nation within the broader context of the world in the twentieth century. Through international, comparative, and transnational historical approaches, we explore the spread of technologies, ideas, and practices across political borders. This field also grapples with the issues that marked the century, such as warfare and diplomacy, migration, trade and economic relations, gender and sexuality, race and the environment.

Sub-fields

Faculty