Lecture Notes: Eric Hobsbawm and His Historical Impact

Introduction

• MI5 raided a house in North London in 1955, where Ronald Berger stored files for the British Communist Party.
• Among the files was Eric Hobsbawm's autobiography submitted to the Communist Party.

Eric Hobsbawm: Background

• Born in 1917 in Egypt to an English father and Austrian mother.
• Moved to Vienna in 1919; faced economic hardship and loss of parents.
• Lived in Berlin during the rise of Hitler; joined the Communist Party.
• Moved to London in 1933.

Academic and Political Life

• Studied at King's College, Cambridge; joined the Communist Party of Great Britain.
• Served in the army during WWII; became a subject of MI5 scrutiny.
• Failed to secure a teaching job at Cambridge; taught at Birkbeck, London.

Career as a Historian

• Known for blending Marxism and historical analysis.
• Debated the standard of living during the Industrial Revolution.
• Published significant works such as 'Primitive Rebels' and the 'Age' series.
• Explored topics like nationalism, social banditry, and the history of modern world.

Personal and Political Challenges

• Faced personal struggles, including a failed marriage and emotional challenges.
• Stayed with the Communist Party despite widespread departures post-1956.

Influence and Legacy

• Influential article "The Forward March of Labour Halted" impacted British politics.
• His "Age" series offers a comprehensive history of the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Known for his writing style which made complex topics accessible.
• Critiqued the impact of capitalism and nationalism on modern society.

Later Life and Legacy

• Lived a productive life with his second wife, Marlene, and family.
• Continued to write and impact historical thought until his death in 2012.
• Left a legacy as a leading historian who provided a broad, integrated view of history.