to the webpages of the Division for Early Modern History at the University of Bremen! The Division for Early Modern History focuses on events, processes, research questions and problems between 1450 and 1850. It was during this period of upheaval and re-orientation, known also as premodernity, that far-reaching changes affecting all areas of society took place, effecting transformations without which the modern world would be unimaginable (state formation, confessionalisation, media revolution, the Scientific Revolution). In particular, the entangled histories between Europe and the rest of the world date back to this period. At the same time the early modern period functioned according to its own logics of action and values, many of which have become foreign to us today. Focusing on this period thus not only acquaints us with traditions that reach into our present; it is also an exercise in comprehending the ‘other’ as well as a variety of historical perspectives.

The Division covers all aspects of early modern history, with a geographical focus on the German-speaking regions, western and southern Europe and the interdependency between these regions and the rest of the world. In coming years, members of the Division will focus in particular on human trafficking and abolitionism in the Holy Roman Empire and its neighbouring states, funded through an ERC consolidator grant for the project ‘German Slavery’. Another longterm research focus comprises the history of sport and physical exercise, body techniques, implicit knowledge and embodiment (exhibition at the Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel and DFG scientific network). Teaching and research in the Division for Early Modern History profits from the spatial proximity to and cooperation with the Bremen State Archive and the Institute for German Press Research.

The following pages contain further information on people and projects in the Division for Early Modern History.