Call for papers: World War I and Central and Eastern European History

The anniversary of World War I has brought a focus on Central and Eastern Europe, in particular the former Habsburg lands. This conference aims to bring together scholars working on the history of Central and Eastern Europe in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It will be structured around World War I in order to provide an opportunity to reflect on the pre-war conditions, the course of the war and its consequences.

World War I had a profound effect on the region. The war began in the region and, with its conclusion, new countries were formed, the map redrawn and the Habsburg Monarchy dissolved. This conference aims to re-examine the region's history in the long perspective. Some possible overarching themes for the conference could be:

1. To what extent was World War I a rupture in the history of the region?
2. What continuities existed after the war?
3. Can we speak of a unique Central and Eastern European experience during this pivotal period?

In general, the organisers define the conference topic in the widest terms. While papers need not necessarily deal directly with the war, the place of World War I in the region's history will act as the spine of the conference. We wish to facilitate an exchange of ideas, research and discussion among Central Europeanists, East Europeanists and Habsburg historians.

The conference will be held at the Austrian Cultural Forum, London on Friday, 12 September 2014. 

Deadline for proposals: 28 February 2014

Please send proposals (500 words long) and a short CV to Dr Jonathan Kwan based in the Department of History.