Description
Originally published in 1986, and bringing together essays written over a 10 year period, this volume offers a coherent and challenging interpretation of the German past. The book argues that the German Empire between 1971 and 1914 may have enjoyed greater stability and cohesion than is often assumed. It suggests that Imperial Germany's political institutions showed considerable flexibility and capacity for growth and puts forward the idea that without WWI, or in the event of a German victory, the Empire might well have demonstrated its viability as a modern state. In that case, the origins of fascism should be sought mainly in the subsequent experiences of war, revolution and economic crisis and not so much in the Empire's so-called structural backwardness.
Reviews
'Eley is one of the most interesting, trenchant and controversial historians of Germany.' Paul Kennedy
'Eley is perhaps the most original and exciting historian working in the field of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century German history...' Richard J. Evans
Book Information
ISBN 9780367231071
Author Eley Geoff
Format Paperback
Page Count 298
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g
