What role did imperialism play in European history from the 1880s to the 1960s (the age of “new imperialism” through the process of decolonization)?

The American Revolution and the French Revolution.
September 9, 2019
How were the French and American Revolutions similar and different
September 9, 2019

What role did imperialism play in European history from the 1880s to the 1960s (the age of “new imperialism” through the process of decolonization)?

Question Description

1) What role did imperialism play in European history from the 1880s to the 1960s (the age of “new imperialism” through the process of decolonization)? In particular, what was the relationship between imperialism, the two World Wars, and the Cold War?

2) Compare the outbreak and development of the French Revolution to at least one of the other major revolutions discussed in class (European Revolution of 1848, 1917 Russian Revolution, Revolutions of 1989). What are the most important similarities and/or differences between the revolutions in question (e.g. causal factors, declared aims, relative “success” or “failure,” use of violence, opposition faced, etc.)? Based on your assessment, is there a common set of parameters that define a “revolution in modern European history, or not?