One sentence summary:
“The Century” by Peter Jennings is a comprehensive and detailed account of the most significant events and changes that occurred in the 20th century.
Book genre:
Non-fiction
Main topic of the book:
The major events, transformations, and discoveries that shaped the world in the 20th century.
Key ideas:
- The 20th century was a period of immense change and progress, marked by wars, revolutions, technological advancements, and social and cultural shifts.
- The interconnectedness of events across the globe, as well as the impact of individual actions, had a ripple effect that shaped the course of history.
- The book also explores the role of media and journalism in shaping public opinion and understanding of these events.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
Part One: The World Goes to War
This section covers the period of 1900-1914, focusing on the build-up and outbreak of World War I and its aftermath. Key events discussed include the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the rise of nationalism and militarism, and the Treaty of Versailles.
Part Two: The Rise of the United States
This part examines the US in the 1920s and 1930s, highlighting its economic boom, cultural influence, and struggle through the Great Depression. It also delves into the country’s role in shaping global affairs, from the League of Nations to the stock market crash.
Part Three: Darkness Descends
The focus shifts to the rise of authoritarian regimes in Europe, with a particular focus on Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Russia. It also explores the consequences of their ideologies on the world stage, leading up to World War II.
Part Four: The Atomic Age
This section covers the post-World War II era and the beginning of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. It delves into the advancement of nuclear weapons, the space race, and the civil rights movement in the US.
Part Five: The Global Village
The final part of the book looks at the latter half of the 20th century, including the Vietnam War, the rise of technology and globalization, and the collapse of communism. It also explores the impact of media and international cooperation on world events.
Key takeaways:
- The 20th century was a period of intense change and transformation, marked by both progress and devastation.
- Events in one part of the world had a significant impact on others, highlighting the interconnectedness of global affairs.
- Media and journalism played a crucial role in shaping public understanding and opinions of these events.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Peter Jennings was a renowned Canadian-American journalist and anchor for ABC World News Tonight. He covered major events in the 20th century, including the Berlin Wall coming down, the fall of the Soviet Union, and the Gulf War. He also received multiple awards for his journalistic work.
Target audience:
This book is suitable for anyone interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the significant events and changes that occurred in the 20th century and their impact on the world.
Publisher and first publication date:
Anchor Books; April 6, 1999