Caldron of Conflict tells the story of Eastern Europe in the tumultuous, often violent years 1918-1945. After introducing the region, Wynot traces the differing paths each nation took from imperial rule to independence following World War I. The author next explores how each fared in the two decades of peace, when so many high political and economic hopes were dashed on the rocks of antidemocratic movements and the financial reefs of the Great Depression. It concludes with a survey of World War II and its aftermath.

Caldron of Conflict is essential reading for anyone trying to comprehend the recent and ongoing destruction in this explosive and pivotal region ofthe world.

After completing his graduate degrees at Indiana University, Edward D. Wynot, Jr., joined the faculty at Florida State University, where he is professor of East European history. Among his publications are books on Polish Politics in Transition: The Camp of National Unity, 1935-1939; Warsaw Between the Wars, 1919-1939; and the Coming of the Second World War, along with numerous scholarly articles. He has served on the editorial boards of professional journals and won several teaching awards at Florida State.