A Concise History of Germany

Abstract

This book provides a clear and informative guide to the twists and turns of German history from the early middle ages to the present day. The multi-faceted, problematic history of the German lands has provided a wide range of debates and differences of interpretation. Mary Fulbrook provides a crisp synthesis of a vast array of historical material, and explores the interrelationships between social, political and cultural factors in the light of scholarly controversies. First published in 1990, A Concise History of Germany appeared in an updated edition in 1992, and in a second edition in 2004. It is the only single-volume history of Germany in English which offers a broad, general coverage. It has become standard reading for all students of German, European studies and history, and is a useful guide to general readers, members of the business community and travellers to Germany.

“A witches' dance of numbers”

“…Power was only returned by the military command to civilian rule when, during the summer of 1918, it became evident that the war was lost (Fulbrook, 2002). However, in spite of political reforms introduced by the new civilian government under von Baden, " [a]ll the cautious moves for reform from above were swept away by a revolutionary tide on the streets which, by early November, it was no longer possible for Max von Baden's government to control" (ibid., p. 21).…”

“…However, in spite of political reforms introduced by the new civilian government under von Baden, " [a]ll the cautious moves for reform from above were swept away by a revolutionary tide on the streets which, by early November, it was no longer possible for Max von Baden's government to control" (ibid., p. 21). The trigger for the revolutionary movement was a revolt by sailors during the last days of the war (Fulbrook, 2002;Layton, 1995). News of the revolt "fanned the flames of discontent throughout Germany" (Layton, 1995, p.75) and within days workers' and soldiers' councils had been formed in many German cities and taken control of local government (ibid.…”

“…News of the revolt "fanned the flames of discontent throughout Germany" (Layton, 1995, p.75) and within days workers' and soldiers' councils had been formed in many German cities and taken control of local government (ibid. ; Fulbrook, 2002).…”

“…Shortly afterwards a republic was proclaimed. General Groener offered the army's support to the new temporary government, and Ebert accepted (Fulbrook, 2002;Layton, 1995). According to Fulbrook (2002, p. 22): In this pact lay the seeds of many future problems.…”

“…Specifically, the allegiance with the army was responsible for the repression of the radical left and for the split between the different factions of the socialist movement (Fulbrook, 2002;Layton, 1995). Uprisings by the radical left were unsuccessful, and " [s]treetfighting, strikes, demonstrations and barricades provided the backdrop for a national campaign for the elections of 19 January 1919" (Fulbrook, 2002, p. 24).…”