With a strong emphasis on social and cultural history, this book focuses on the major international themes and historical processes that shaped the 20th century.

Turbulent Passage is a truly global text that looks at the historical antecedents of current issues, and challenges students to make connections and draw parallels between historical and contemporary events and trends. The text's narrative encourages students to think analytically and presents important overall arguments for students to grapple with, as opposed to simply stating the facts of history.