Synopses & Reviews
"This is the second volume of a two-volume sequence on the history of Prussia in modern times. This volume covers the unification of Germany around the state of Prussia, Prussia's fortunes in the imperial period (1870-1918), and Prussia under the Third Reich. It ends with the dismemberment of Prussia in 1947. The Introduction by Philip Dwyer looks at the theme of continuity and change in modern Prussia, and is followed by a chapter covering the history and historiography for Prussia in this period. The remainder of the volume is divided into four parts which examine different aspects of the modern Prussian state through specially-commissioned chapters written by leading authorities in the field and cover conservatives and the monarchy, the urban and rural environments, religion in state and society, and the state, the army and Prussianism. For those interested in modern European or German history. Also available in Hardcover - 0-582-29270-0, $ 59.95Y. iscount Code Y.
Synopsis
The rise of Prussia and subsequent unification of Germany under Prussia was one of the most important events in modern European history. However, the fact that this unification was brought about as a result of the Prussian military has led to many misconceptions about the nature of Prussia, and consequently of Germany, which persist to this day. This collection sets out to correct them. Beginning in 1830, and finishing with the official dissolution of Prussia by the Allies in 1947, the book takes a broad approach: chapters cover the conservatives and the monarchy, industrialisation, the transformation of the rural and urban environment, the labour movement, the tensions between Catholics and Protestants within the state, and the debate about the links between Prussian militarism and the final tragedy of Nazi Germany. By focusing on the social, religious and political tensions that helped define the course of Prussian history, the book also throws light on the development of modern German history.