Synopses & Reviews
The Second Reich is part of the Cambridge Topics in History series that looks at historical topics through a stimulating selection of original documents and other sources. William Simpson examines the possible reasons why the Second Reich, established with such high hopes in 1871, came to a humiliating end in 1918. Students are invited to consider the relevant original sources and the interpretations of recent German historians such as Fritz Fischer and Hans-Ulrich Wehler.
Synopsis
William Simpson examines the nature and characteristics of the German empire, and the policies pursued by its governments, from the foundation of the empire in 1871 until its collapse in 1918. Two areas are given particular attention: the failure of Imperial Germany to develop into a stable parliamentary democracy; and the increasingly aggressive foreign policy pursued by Germany after 1890.
Synopsis
Uses a range of primary sources to examine the possible reasons leading to the humiliating end of the Second Reich in 1918.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 140-142) and index.