The German Empire - Softcover

Michael Stüermer

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1842125893 ISBN 13: 9781842125892

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson History, 2002

Synopsis

The period of almost half a century from 1871 to 1919 was one of huge upheaval, restlessness and change in Germany. Situated at the crossroads of history and geography, the country under Bismarck was struggling to preserve the predominance of Prussia and its traditional ruling elites, whilst also recognising the importance of modernisation. By the turn of the century Germany had overtaken Britain as the workshop of the world in industry, science, ideas and the arts, with enormous investments being made in these areas. Many people lost or swapped their traditional livelihoods, moved from the countryside to the cities, and embarked on a road to a prosperity unparalleled in Europe. Then in 1914 came the outbreak of the First World War, unleashing one of the greatest catastrophes of the twentieth century.

About this title

About the Author

Michael Sturmer is professor of history at the University of Erlangen-Nurnberg. He has been a visiting professor at Harvard, the Institute of Advanced Study at Princeton, the Sorbonne, the University of Toronto and the Institute for Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. He has written and edited books on various subjects, including Europe and the Middle East.

Review

Michael Stürmer's The German Empire is an excellent introduction to the period of German history from unification under Bismarck to the founding of the Weimar Republic and the Versailles Peace Settlement after the first world war. For anyone who wants to better understand the causes of that conflict - which, in turn, led to the second world war - then Professor Stürmer's potted history is the perfect, well-written, balanced account, and acts as a fine counter to the reactionary rhetoric of populist historians such as AJP Taylor and his ilk. Concise and unintimidating, it is also an excellent read for those who wish to increase their understanding of modern Europe and the place of Germany within that. First rate. --By Ms. A. Kendal

A brilliant brief history of the German history how the empire rises and falls. I love it because it is a clear and well explained --By Mrs. A. MULLINS

An excellent taster for the Germany of this period, with an interesting number of observations and surprising facts. An interesting contrast with AJP Taylor's "Struggle for the Mastery of Europe 1848-1918" which covers some of the same issues, but in much greater depth. Would appear to be written from a Prussian perspective. Does not REALLY explain the territorial issues with Austria, Poland etc. and the shape of the German Empire, as a successor state to the German Confederation. Still, worth a read - but dont expect to see a big book!! --By Jennifer Okonkwo

Edition details

• Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson History
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1842125893
• ISBN 13: 9781842125892
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144