Synopses & Reviews
This book explores the German idea of federalism denoting 'diversity withinunity'. Historians, linguists and political scientists examine how federalism emerged in the Holy Roman Empire, was re-shaped by 19th Century cultural movements, and was adopted by the unified state in 1871 and again after 1945. The myth of federalism as a safeguard against totalitarianism is tested in regard to the Third Reich and the GDR. The book concludes with an outlook on German federalism's future in Europe.
Review
"A must for all those interested in the German past, present or future." --Jonathan Steinberg, University of Pennsylvania
Synopsis
This book explores the German idea of federalism denoting 'diversity withinunity'. Historians, linguists and political scientists examine how federalism emerged in the Holy Roman Empire, was re-shaped by 19th Century cultural movements, and was adopted by the unified state in 1871 and again after 1945. The myth of federalism as a safeguard against totalitarianism is tested in regard to the Third Reich and the GDR. The book concludes with an outlook on German federalism's future in Europe.
About the Author
Maiken Umbach is Lecturer in Modern European History at the University of Manchester.
Table of Contents
Introduction: German Federalism in Historical Perspective--M. Umbach * Federal Habits: The Holy Roman Empire and the Continuity of German Federalism--J. Whaley * History and Federalism in the Age of Nation-State Formation--M. Umbach * Federalism and the Heimat Idea in Imperial Germany--A. Confino * Political Unity and Linguistic Diversity in Nineteenth-Century Germany--M. Durrell * Federalism and the Nazi State--J. Noakes * Democratic Centralism and Regionalism in the GDR--M. Fulbrook * Federalism from Cooperation to Competition--C. Jeffery * Challenges and Perspectives of German Federalism--W. Renzsch * German Federalism in History: Some Afterthoughts--A.J. Nicholls