The historical evolution of Eastern Europe as a region
Iván T. Berend
What is Eastern Europe? There are geographical and political interpretations of the term. “Eastern Europe,” territory east from river Elbe, first all a historical category, for region has evolved over thousands years. Europe was already displaying specific traits as early very beginning medieval European development in 5th to 8th centuries. After discovery America merging Atlantic trade, left on “periphery” modern world system, lagging behind Western until 18th century. The “double revolution” late century–the Industrial Revolution England socio-political revolution France–posed many challenges Europe. met these with series reforms based an imitative strategy catchup. In aftermath World War I, developed new patterns reactions, prompted by backwardness its belated start, hindrances problems economic, social, national development, presence numerous only partly assimilated national-religious minorities. As result power relations within however, specifically East socialist model came fruition following II. Political became almost identical
International Organization