Bismarck and the German Empire: 1871û1918

by Abrams; Lynn

• ISBN13: 9780415363099
• ISBN10: 0415363098
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-05-26
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Lynn Abrams provides a concise and accessible introduction to this important period in German history. The author examines the political, economic and social structures of the Empire and how Bismarck consolidated his regime, as well as the period leading up to the outbreak of the First World War. This book does not only provide a history of the events of the time but also provides a discussion of social and cultural developments. This second edition has: been fully updated and expanded with all the latest research in the area a new introduction, further reading section including useful websites.

Author Biography

Lynn Abrams is Professor of Gender History at the University of Glasgow.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix
Glossary and abbreviations	x
Chronological table of events	xii
Map: The unification of Germany 1867-71	xiv
1 Introduction	1	(8)
The Sonderweg thesis and its critics	2	(3)
Personalities	5	(4)
2 The new German state	9	(17)
Nationalism and unification	10	(3)
Political structures	13	(4)
The economy	17	(3)
Society	20	(4)
Conclusions	24	(2)
3 Bismarck and consolidation 1871-90	26	(23)
Bismarckian ruling strategies	28	(15)
Foreign policy	43	(3)
Conclusions	46	(3)
4 Confrontation and integration 1890-1914	49	(19)
Wilhelm II and the Bismarckian inheritance	51	(3)
Pressure groups and politics	54	(12)
Conclusions	66	(2)
5 War and revolution 1914-19	68	(10)
The road to war	68	(2)
The experience of war	70	(4)
Revolution	74	(3)
Conclusions	77	(1)
6 Interpretations	78	(4)
Notes	82	(3)
Further reading	85	(5)
Index	90