Post-1945 World | The Real History Guide

The post-1945 world did not begin in a well-ordered rulebook. It began in a bombed-out city. So says John Darwin in After Tamerlane: The Rise and Fall of Global Empires 1400 to 2000.

In this history guide, I step you through the chapter on the post-1945 world from John Darwin’s masterpiece of world history. It will help you understand the key patterns in world history after 1945. It will help you live in tune with the changing world of today.

The penultimate chapter of John Darwin’s book After Tamerlane: the Rise and Fall of Global Empires, 1400 to 2000 describes the real history of the post 1945 world.

This guide provides a close reading of this chapter so you can understand that real history. What happened? How has was this modern ‘world order’ created? Who led its development? Was it the USA? And what does it mean for us today as we adapt to this changing world in which the post-1945 world is breaking down?

John Darwin’s book is a brilliant narrative and subtle argument. It is a demanding book that is widely listed on university history reading lists. But with a little guidance this acclaimed, influential history is accessible to all curious readers. That is what my history guide to the post-1945 world aims to do.

I have edited my 2024 articles on the post-1945 world, written a fresh introduction, and packaged all the reading tips, links to recommended books and advice on primary sources - so you can do your own historical research - into one thirty-page booklet.

That booklet is available for all paid subscribers below.