When I was doing my bachelor's degree in history not too long ago, I found that most of my professors felt European political and military history have long received too much emphasis, and their courses were structured accordingly. While I respect their perspective, one result of it is that I received no real foundation in either of these subfields. I would be interested in acquiring such a foundation both for my own edification and so that I have a better appreciation of the school of thought (if you will) which my professors were reacting against. What texts would you recommend to me?

If what I have outlined above is too broad: geographically, Britain and France are of special interest to me; chronologically, the nineteenth century is. However, I am open to as wide a range of suggestions as you are willing to offer me.

Thank you so much!