Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven’t posted on this blog for a while. I’ve been super busy with other things including creating content for the Ministry YouTube and social media. If you haven’t already, please do follow us on those channels! Links are at the bottom of the page.

So as some of you know, I am currently studying for a history master’s degree at the University of Birmingham. I recently submitted my first essay for assessment and I just received it back! I got 68 out of 100 which, in the British university marking system, is an upper second-class honours (2:1), and two marks off a first-class honours (70 or above)! Naturally I am disappointed not to get a first, but to be just two marks off is still something to be proud of I think, especially at master’s level.

The essay constituted 100% of the assessment for a module called Mass Society & Modernity, in which we explored how the world became modern and what defines modernity today. The essay examined how the invention of modern communication technologies—such as the telegraph and radio—shaped propaganda and diplomacy in Britain and Germany between 1890 and 1945. I found this topic absolutely fascinating, as it allowed me to research my favourite historical periods: pre-World War I imperial Europe and the world wars. As this was a master’s-level degree, the focus was not just on what happened but also the historiography—how historians have interpreted and debated these events over time.

It was a wonderful experience writing this essay, I got to read some fascinating books, for example The Echo of War by Sian Nicholas about the BBC during the Second World War and how it had to walk a difficult tightrope between wartime interference by the government that wanted to disseminate propaganda to keep morale up and its precious and fundamental editorial independence.

Anyway, below I have published my essay for you all to read if you are interested. Please let me know your thoughts! I will also make a YouTube video about this in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out for that!

Link to read essay: Modern Communications Technology and High Modernity: Historiographical Perspectives on Diplomacy and Propaganda in Britain and Germany, 1890–1945.

Cheers.

Artie

Minister of History