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Start your review of Claret and Fe: The Rising and Fall of the High german Empire 1871–1918

Jan 21, 2022 Geevee rated it really liked it

Nineteenth century Europe is a circuitous world specially where politics, treaties, dynasties and wars are concerned. Arguably none more than then than the states that came to be the German nation.

In Katja Hoyer's well presented and readable account she brings order, simplicity and covers much ground in a relatively short account.

Starting non in 1871 but earlier in 1815 she provides context to inter-country relationships - notably France, Prussia and Russia with Austro-hungarian empire accompanying - and the ge

Nineteenth century Europe is a circuitous world especially where politics, treaties, dynasties and wars are concerned. Arguably none more so than the states that came to be the German nation.

In Katja Hoyer's well presented and readable account she brings order, simplicity and covers much ground in a relatively short business relationship.

Starting not in 1871 but earlier in 1815 she provides context to inter-country relationships - notably France, Prussia and Russia with Austria-hungary accompanying - and the general shape of Europe up to and just past the Franco-Prussian war of 1870.

From this point Wilhelm I, German emperor, Otto Von Bismarck and Wilhelm Ii take centre stage equally we read of the cosmos of the German nation and its identity. There is of form coverage on Bismarck'southward approach to domestic and international politics, including his intertwined treaties and alliances, also aspects such as trade, social condition and guild in general. German political parties and their personalities feature, peculiarly where parties worked for or against each other, especially after Bismarck has retired and Wilhelm's replacements are in play.

As the German nation grows in trade, status and military might, notably for France and Russia on land and for Britain at sea, we see alliances shift and the phase sets for the catastrophe of WWI and the impact it had on Germany and its people.

The final chapter deals with the fate of Wilhelm I and his subjects noting exile for i and starvation, broken lives and hardship for the other. To her great credit Professor Hoyer does not sign off her book with a chapter on post 1918 and what came after just leaves the German story well placed for a further book or for readers to follow their own path to the 1920s and beyond.

Blood and Iron is recommended for both newcomers to the subject expanse and for those who have interacted with this period and wish to read a impressive unmarried volume of the period.

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A concise history of Frg. The maps and diagrams are difficult to read.

Jul 13, 2021 Dropbear123 rated it information technology was amazing

5/v Highly recommend

Really skillful. Information technology packs a lot of detail into only 240 pages and is accessible to read with good writing. Despite the title saying 1871 the book begins in 1815 with the end of the Napoleonic Wars. This commencement chapter is mainly about the emergence of a German nationalist motility and Bismarck's actions in the 1860s before Germany was unified. The second affiliate is virtually Bismarck's Germany and covers it in a thematic style, beginning with the political structure before moving onto

5/5 Highly recommend

Really skilful. It packs a lot of detail into simply 240 pages and is accessible to read with proficient writing. Despite the championship maxim 1871 the book begins in 1815 with the cease of the Napoleonic Wars. This first affiliate is mainly about the emergence of a German nationalist motility and Bismarck's actions in the 1860s before Frg was unified. The 2nd chapter is about Bismarck's Deutschland and covers it in a thematic style, first with the political structure before moving onto the anti-Cosmic Kulturkampf/culture war and the economical state of affairs and how this effected socialism. This chapter likewise covers the treatment of minorities like the Poles and French in the German language Empire before finishing with Bismarck's foreign policy. A very short third chapter for the catamenia after Kaiser Wilhelm I's decease until the resignation of Bismarck. Chapter 4 covers the prewar Kaiser Wilhelm II's Frg through a mix of chronologically post-obit the diverse chancellors and thematic subsections on topics like Weltpolitik, culture, and the Kaiser's embarrassing moments. Finally, chapter 5 covers WWI, including a summary of Deutschland's state of war, the spirit/mood of 1914 equally the war economy and the sacrifices of the German language people before finishing with the collapse of the empire and the Kaiser's abdication. The book has some historiography in it saying what other historians think and where they may be wrong or outdated. The book is more positive towards the German language Empire and especially more positive towards Bismarck than from what I've seen elsewhere.

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This is a recently translated edition of a book past a young German historian, Katja Hoyer. Its bailiwick is the history of the German Empire - in effect this is a detailed case study of the Bismarckian country from its institution afterwards the Franco-Prussian war in 1871 until the appearance of the Weimar Republic and the cease of the German language Empire in 1918 following the end of WW1.

If one is familiar with the bones history hither, this book is a refresher to the rise of unified Federal republic of germany and the end of that empi

This is a recently translated edition of a book by a young German historian, Katja Hoyer. Its subject is the history of the German Empire - in effect this is a detailed example study of the Bismarckian state from its establishment after the Franco-Prussian war in 1871 until the advent of the Weimar Republic and the end of the German Empire in 1918 following the end of WW1.

If one is familiar with the basic history here, this book is a refresher to the ascent of unified Deutschland and the end of that empire in 1918. On that level alone, the book is well worth reading. The story is well known and tragic but worth remembering.

What defenseless my attention about this book was the perspective that a young and active German historian brings to this study given the High german catastrophe up through the Weimar and Nazi years, the total destruction of WW2, the Cold War years, and the reunification of Germany in 1990. Why write this story once more now?

In that location are lots of reasons, all of them relevant and important. First, Professor Hoyer makes clear early that she is responding to a general tendency to expect at Germany's trigger-happy 20th century history and conclude that such a terrible result was a necessary result of Bismarck'due south accomplishment of unifying the German country in 1871, an consequence arguably one of the most important developments in European and global history since the French Revolution. Her argument is that matters could accept turned out very differently for Frg had a number of primal turning points developed differently. A backwards "post hoc ergo prompter hoc" argument is non defensible. I concur with this and Hoyer is persuasive. Aye, mistakes were certainly made but it is unreasonable to blame information technology on Bismarck.

Related to this, I enjoyed how Professor Hoyer emphasized how critical decisions actually got made and how inattention to management and process certainly contributed to other bad judgements forth the style. The broader macro problems remain critical, of course, but how German worked as a policy making and decision making entity contributed much to the end of the German empire and the terrible 20th century that followed.

An additional issue, although not fully developed, concerns what the German unification story has to say to the US of the early 21st century. At that place is much talk about the United states of america falling autonomously into multiple countries and along economical and cultural cleavages. This has been huge in pop policy studies since the 2016 election. The idea is that such a fragmentation along economical, regional, ethnic, or cultural lines is a new development in the US and should be remedied through improve policy and leadership - or something like that.

Hoyer's book presents the opposite case of a big culturally adult population with great industrial potential that had been politically fragmented for centuries - especially since Charlemagne. Movements adult in the direction of German unification forth some model - under Prussian leadership? Under Austrian leadership? In a confederation? … or another way. The German unification of 1871 provided a political solution to the problem of cultural similarities but political fragmentation. Hoyer makes clear that such a unification equally Prussia accomplished was seen as about impossible due to all of the different divergences among the various sub states and Prussia and that only Bismarck had the skill to pull it off every bit he did. Given how hard unification was, what would happen when leadership inverse and was not expert enough to manage the tensions? That is what happened, of course and Germans ended up non beingness reunified until 1990 - a century later on Bismarck left office.

So the United states situation is the reverse of the German one - or is information technology so dissimilar, especially every bit Deutschland, where the Olaf Schulz, successor to Angela Merkel tries to solidify power and actually govern the German language state in 2022? Perhaps appeals to culture wars might not be constructive in the The states. Be careful what one wishes for. Germans got their unity but how did that work out? Sure, meliorate more than recently merely an ongoing difficult problem for leadership. Maybe the US should pay attention.

Finally, the story upwards until the end of 1918 is so complex that I had to marvel at the balanced approach of Professor Hoyer in telling her story then well and in such a balanced style.

Not bad for a brusk history volume!

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A slim volume that doesn't waste a word. Covers the period from the Napoleonic Wars ("The Wars of Liberation") through the immediate backwash of the Get-go World War. The first third of the volume covered the fabric I'yard least familiar with, only even her treatment of the menses I'grand virtually familiar with (the Wilhemine period) was excellent and I learned a good deal.

The star of the bear witness? Bismarck. None of his contemporaries possessed a fraction of his political acumen. Flawed to be certain, and probab

A slim volume that doesn't waste material a word. Covers the period from the Napoleonic Wars ("The Wars of Liberation") through the immediate aftermath of the First Globe War. The start 3rd of the volume covered the material I'chiliad least familiar with, but fifty-fifty her handling of the period I'm nigh familiar with (the Wilhemine period) was excellent and I learned a skilful deal.

The star of the show? Bismarck. None of his contemporaries possessed a fraction of his political acumen. Flawed to be sure, and probably non fun to spend time with, merely he played 5D chess while his opponents played checkers. The guy orchestrated (and won!) 3 wars, founded a new nation-state, and set the first social welfare program. The funny matter near the wars is that Bismarck placed heavy accent on the ability of diplomacy and avoiding military engagement; I guess he was a jack of all trades. Ultimately his cosmos faltered considering but he knew how to control it properly -- and Hoyer would say because information technology was sustained in large part by violence. I walk abroad from this book wanting to read more well-nigh Bismarck (and about Wilhelm II, a man whose qualities made him uniquely sick-suited to take up the reins from Bismarck).

My favorite passage from the book:

"The at present infamous incident of the so-called Captain of Kopenick epitomizes this perfectly. An unemployed cobbler by the name of Wilhelm Friedrich Voigt with a long criminal record decided in 1906 that the blind German belief in military structures could exist exploited. He bought used items of a helm's uniform from different shops and wore them on the morning of 16 Oct to see how far they would get him. He marched to his local army barracks and told four grenadiers whom he institute there to come with him. He picked up half dozen more from the local shooting range, and together the group went on a railroad train journey to Berlin Kopenick, where Voigt told 'his' soldiers to occupy the town hall. The authority of his uniform was not only enough to commandeer the soldiers effectually, but he likewise told the local police to keep police and order while he went about his of import concern. Voigt had the mayor and the treasurer arrested (for supposed fraud) and confiscated four,000 marks (with receipt!) before he told his soldiers to split up into two groups, i taking the prisoners to the Neue Wache in Berlin for questioning, the other to stand guard at the town hall. He the inverse back into civilian clothes and disappeared. This ridiculous episode may exist a one-off, but it serves to exemplify the obedience and respect a German regular army uniform commanded at the turn of the century." Wild!

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Feb 17, 2021 Jack Haugh rated information technology actually liked information technology

A joy from start to finish and the perfect introduction to an important period of history.

The German Empire was born on January 18, 1871, in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, following a stunning victory past the N German Confederation and its southern allies—guided past Prussia'south ingenious Minister President, Otto von Bismarck—over the Second French Empire. The moment marked a dramatic reversal of fortunes from the beginning of the century, when Napoleon had hands defeated and subjugated the German language people, who at that fourth dimension inhabited a gallimaufry of independent states, most of the The High german Empire was born on January 18, 1871, in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, following a stunning victory by the N German Confederation and its southern allies—guided past Prussia's ingenious Minister President, Otto von Bismarck—over the 2d French Empire. The moment marked a dramatic reversal of fortunes from the beginning of the century, when Napoleon had hands defeated and subjugated the German people, who at that time inhabited a gallimaufry of independent states, nearly of them small and weak. The new Reich became at once the most powerful and populous state in Europe; and as the patchwork of political territories was molded into a cohesive whole with arable natural resources and a commanding, if precarious, position in the center of the continent, it quickly became an economic and industrial powerhouse as well.

Twoscore-eight years later to the day, in the same Hall of Mirrors, with the Empire at present defunct and Europe charred by the bloodiest war the world had always known, delegates from around the globe met for the beginning of the Paris Peace Conference.

What happened in the interim is largely the story of two titanic figures in German history: Bismarck and Wilhelm 2. The Iron Chancellor had forged the Empire through the careful application of war, diplomacy, and political virtuosity; and he shaped its constitution in the image of his overbearing and micromanaging personality. He stabilized the new nation by working inside a parliamentary system—though the Reichstag could non initiate legislation and its parties were often split apart past Bismarck's ploys—to conserve the primacy of the Kaiser and his own junker aristocracy, while also making necessary concessions to liberals, warding off socialists, and bringing political Catholicism to heel by creating a national identity that superseded centuries-old sectarian divisions. Guiding the Reich'southward foreign policy, Bismarck wove an intricate spider web of diplomatic arrangements, both formal and confidential, with the master purpose of depriving the however-smarting France of an eastern ally with which it could open a multifront state of war against his newfangled nation.

The system worked well enough with one of history's greatest statesmen at its helm; but upon the death of Wilhelm I—the grandfatherly Kaiser who had been politically and emotionally dependent on Bismarck from earlier the unification of Deutschland, and who took a perpetual backseat to his scheming Chancellor—in 1888, followed quickly by that of his son, Friedrich 3, yielded the throne to Wilhelm'southward immature, ambitious, bombastic, and politically-obtuse grandson. The German constitution did not leave room for ii personalities every bit outsized and domineering every bit those of Wilhelm II and Bismarck; and the latter was compelled to resign in 1890. Nor was information technology suited to the designs of the new Kaiser, who attempted, with limited success, to neuter the Reichstag and rule autocratically. With piffling knowledge of the delicacy of Germany's diplomatic position, Wilhelm abandoned Bismarck'south cautious pragmatism and embraced the nationalistic preening that would drive the Reich, with near of Europe, toward ending. Pursuing a policy of Weltpolitik, with which Germany sought to gain "a place in the sun" by acquiring overseas colonies and undertaking a naval buildup to support them—alarming United kingdom and French republic—Wilhelm made his country the bull in the proverbial prc shop—with fateful consequences, though of course ones for which Deutschland was non solely responsible.

The Second Reich would vanish as suddenly equally information technology came into beingness, leaving it both a golden memory and a utopian aspiration in the minds of a demoralized, listless, and embittered German people.

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Jul xx, 2021 Dale rated it really liked information technology

Hoyer provides a solid political history of the German language Empire. It'southward is a concise and like shooting fish in a barrel to assimilate narrative of the formation and downfall of the Kaiserreich.

I came into this book with a fair amount of background knowledge in High german military development, the Balkans wars, Morrocan crises, Weltpolitik, and kulturkrieg. Further a solid knowledge of the Franco-Prussian disharmonize and the development of the series of events leading to nifty state of war.

This volume provides an excellent backdrop given the kno

Hoyer provides a solid political history of the German language Empire. It's is a concise and like shooting fish in a barrel to assimilate narrative of the formation and downfall of the Kaiserreich.

I came into this book with a fair corporeality of background knowledge in German military development, the Balkans wars, Morrocan crises, Weltpolitik, and kulturkrieg. Further a solid knowledge of the Franco-Prussian conflict and the development of the series of events leading to nifty war.

This book provides an excellent backdrop given the noesis base of operations I had. It glosses over, non in a negative manner, many of the military adventures of the second Reich and focusses more upon its domestic politics, foreign policy, and societal history. Which is excellent given the broad availability of literature based upon High german militarism.

Very concise and piece of cake to read I would highly recommend this volume every bit either an introductory piece on the development of Germany, out of the ashes of the holy Roman Empire and the recessing of the influence of the French under Napoleon. But, also, I would advise it to the pupil who has studied 19th and 20th century European conflicts and wishes to gain a solid background in the development of German nationhood and politics.

Thanks for reading

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This is a fine history of the second or Wilhelmine German Empire but there is something lacking. It is not an heady read - merely the fault lies non with the author - whose writing is clear and scholarship excellent - but the subject itself. The German Empire was very much the cosmos of Bismarck and the system designed for governing was made for Bismarck working with the outset Kaiser. Unfortunately Bismarck could not work with the Kaiser's grandson, and the empire could not actually work without This is a fine history of the second or Wilhelmine German language Empire simply there is something lacking. It is non an exciting read - simply the fault lies not with the author - whose writing is articulate and scholarship excellent - only the field of study itself. The High german Empire was very much the creation of Bismarck and the system designed for governing was made for Bismarck working with the kickoff Kaiser. Unfortunately Bismarck could non work with the Kaiser'due south grandson, and the empire could not really piece of work without him. Every bit the empire existed for such a short time and was so much wrapped up in the lives of the homo who created information technology, Bismarck, and destroyed it, Kaiser Wilhelm II, hat I tin can't help but recommend anyone to read one of the contempo new biographies of Bismarck or Wilhelm II.

I am sorry to appear to be negative about this piece of work, it just didn't have any real 'buzz' or excitement. An first-class history - but very flat.

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An admirable short history of a big, circuitous field of study; thorough but curtailed, incisive but not obscure, well-organized and readable throughout. Blood and Iron succeeds at Herbert Butterfield'southward observation that historians are ever striving for the full general statement that hints at its own underlying complexity, and this is a good thing, as the book straddles the political and war machine, the economic and commercial, the regal, the ideological, and with some space left over for individual personali An admirable brusque history of a big, circuitous subject; thorough but concise, incisive only not obscure, well-organized and readable throughout. Blood and Iron succeeds at Herbert Butterfield'south ascertainment that historians are e'er striving for the general statement that hints at its ain underlying complication, and this is a good thing, equally the book straddles the political and armed forces, the economical and commercial, the imperial, the ideological, and with some space left over for individual personalities (Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm II particularly) and German culture. This terminal is important, equally one of the major themes of Hoyer's book is a artificial shaping of a unified "German" culture out of the disparate and diverse cultures of the 39 states of the former Holy Roman Empire for political purposes.

Highly recommended.

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Aug 12, 2021 Celia rated it it was amazing

Would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in either of the World War'southward. Covers such a key flow that influenced the thoughts and make up of a country. Well written and like shooting fish in a barrel to read considering information technology is packed with data. Will definitely be looking in the bibliography and would honey to see what Katja Hoyer writes next.

Feb 27, 2022 Nick rated it really liked information technology

A slim, useful history of the High german Empire. I found the passages on creating a sense of unity within the the context of a newly united and soon-to-be industrial powerhouse Empire in central Europe to be enlightening. Solid accounts of Bismarck's machinations and Wilhelm Two'south shortcomings. A slim, useful history of the German Empire. I found the passages on creating a sense of unity within the the context of a newly united and soon-to-be industrial powerhouse Empire in fundamental Europe to exist enlightening. Solid accounts of Bismarck's machinations and Wilhelm Two'due south shortcomings. ...more than

This niche period of interests me, but I was expecting quite a difficult read. However, it's excellently written and engaging.

Mar 21, 2021 Neil Fox rated it actually liked it

Historian Katja Hoyer's first volume is a readable, lucid and comprehensive account of the Second Reich, the crucial formative period in modernistic German language history which stretched from unification following the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71 upward to the end of the Outset World State of war, simply whose story began to unfold post-obit the seismic shake-upwardly in European ability politics after the Napoleonic Wars.

The central grapheme of the menstruum is Bismarck. Hoyer deftly paints a 3 dimensional portrait of the groovy

Historian Katja Hoyer'due south first book is a readable, lucid and comprehensive account of the 2nd Reich, the crucial determinative period in modernistic German history which stretched from unification following the Franco-Prussian state of war of 1870-71 up to the terminate of the First World War, but whose story began to unfold following the seismic milk shake-upwardly in European power politics after the Napoleonic Wars.

The cardinal character of the period is Bismarck. Hoyer deftly paints a three dimensional portrait of the greatest statesman of his time, a canny, cunning practitioner of Realpolitik and argent-tongued schemer who craftily carved out a High german National identity following unification from previous division and fragmentation. The central theme of Hoyer is that German Unity was forged in the fires of blood and fe, which influenced and conferred a predestination on all that was to come upwards to the First Globe War.

Hoyer skips over details of the Wars of reunification of the 1860's culminating in the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War which saw the nascency of the new High german Empire, and moves on to a detailed clarification of the economical, political and social progress under Bismarck from 1871-1888 during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm I, as a sense of German National identity was carved out. She then moves on to the menstruum 1890-1914 during the reign of Wilhelm Two when Bismarck was forced aside by the cocky-aggrandizing and pompous Wilhelm, a peculiar mix of swaggering overconfidence and obvious insecurity, easily flattered and manipulated with disastrous results. During 1890-1914 Wilhelm fostered the rise of militarism centrolineal with Nationalism which took the course of rapid armament and colonial adventurism.

Hoyer takes a balanced view every bit to the degree of blame for the First World State of war that deserves to be laid at the door of Wilhelm and Prussian militarism; she is apparently inspired by the nuanced works of Christopher Clark on this, who is referenced throughout, just does not shy away from apportioning responsibleness where information technology conspicuously lies, and avoids any apologist trend for Germany's share of the blame for the cataclysm that brought a Nation of proud thinkers, inventors and scientists besides an an economic and military superpower to it's ruin. In that, she concludes with the theme that runs throughout, that the German language Empire, whose birth was forged in blood and iron, was always destined to end in the aforementioned mode.

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Whistle Stop Tour of the Second Reich

A great first publication by the talented Katja Hoyer. The book was so engaging that I couldn't put it down and finished it within two days. Hoyer is fair in her assay and comes from the more modern school of idea that Germany and the Kaiser were not warmongers prior to the Starting time World War although there were uncontrollable evens and structures which did contribute. Some of this bled into causing the Second World War, but as she points out the German Em

Whistle Stop Tour of the Second Reich

A groovy first publication by the talented Katja Hoyer. The book was so engaging that I couldn't put it down and finished it within two days. Hoyer is fair in her analysis and comes from the more modernistic school of thought that Germany and the Kaiser were not warmongers prior to the First Earth State of war although there were uncontrollable evens and structures which did contribute. Some of this bled into causing the 2d World War, but as she points out the German Empire was not destined to create Nazi Germany! The book is curt, only excellently written and fast paced. And even though merely 224 pages I learned quite a lot, such equally Bizmarcks political genius and structures, some of which still survive today. Refreshing read, not bad writer.

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April 11, 2021 Laff rated it it was ok

The writer explains clearly how the 2d Reich came about and how Federal republic of germany was allowed to drift into a position whereby war was unavoidable by 1914, simply thereafter, in that location is very little almost what was happening in Federal republic of germany during the war and hardly anything virtually what the Kaiser really did.

good read! this is going to be the most american review always, but i read richard white's the republic for which it stands which covers half of the roughly equivalent catamenia of american history and it's interesting to compare how to the two countries candy a lot of the same trends that were happening around the world. some of them are bit more than obvious similar gratuitous trade and the second industrial revolution, merely others are chip odder similar protestant vs secular involvement in education and how cath expert read! this is going to be the most american review ever, simply i read richard white's the commonwealth for which information technology stands which covers one-half of the roughly equivalent period of american history and information technology's interesting to compare how to the two countries candy a lot of the same trends that were happening effectually the world. some of them are bit more obvious like free trade and the second industrial revolution, just others are bit odder similar protestant vs secular involvement in pedagogy and how catholics interacted with the broader political system in a protestant land with a secularizing streak.

every bit a full general review of the book, i've wanted to read a history of the high german empire for a while now, just at that place weren't many (whatever?) recent books on the discipline in english language. hoyer fills that gap and does information technology very well, writing a book that is readable and educated to the those in the normie audience like me. strongly recommended to anyone with an interest in the turn of the 19th-20th century, europe, or just history in general. germany'southward never been the most interesting country to me, but hoyer's book makes me desire to read a more than in-depth take on the german empire and read well-nigh what happened next in the weimar era.

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Jul 14, 2021 Toby rated information technology it was amazing

A brusque and sweetness overview of an interesting menses of history. The book provides a interesting take on each of the "main characters" in the story, developing their personality beyond what is normal in this type of business relationship. Bismark and Wilhelm are especially well described.

It is ever interesting to read about the rising and fall of a society, peculiarly whilst observing and drawing parallels with the societies of today - both those on the rising and those moving in the other direction. There are

A curt and sweet overview of an interesting period of history. The book provides a interesting take on each of the "main characters" in the story, developing their personality beyond what is normal in this blazon of account. Bismark and Wilhelm are specially well described.

It is always interesting to read virtually the rise and fall of a society, especially whilst observing and drawing parallels with the societies of today - both those on the rise and those moving in the other direction. There are certainly similarities with today'south world.

Ultimately, this account rightly dispels of any notion that the grear state of war came from unrelenting German warmongering, and instead - like virtually wars - from externalised internal conflict.

Very readable - possibly a bear upon too brusque.

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An insight into an often overlooked function of modern German history merely yet incredibly important in what patterns there were in socio-political and socio-economic aspects of Frg for what would come up subsequently. Hoyer's work neatly encapsulates Bismarckian realpolitik, the attempts at personal rule past Wilhelm 2, as well equally the social, cultural, and economic problems of the periods.

If you want an introduction to this period or a fresh update then you can't become far wrong with picking up this volume.

An insight into an often overlooked function of modern German history only still incredibly important in what patterns there were in socio-political and socio-economic aspects of Germany for what would come later. Hoyer's work neatly encapsulates Bismarckian realpolitik, the attempts at personal rule by Wilhelm Two, as well as the social, cultural, and economic issues of the periods.

If yous desire an introduction to this period or a fresh update and so you can't get far wrong with picking upwardly this book.

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Apr 11, 2021 Matt rated information technology information technology was amazing

Having unsuccessfully trying to find an attainable book on the German Empire for some time, this book by Katja Hoyer brilliantly outlines the origins of the Kaiserreich. From its beginnings in the N German language Confederation, patronage of Bismarck, the naivety of Wilhelm II and the disastrous slide into the Keen War which would somewhen see the death of the Kaiserreich and Prussian hegemony, Hoyer's 'Blood and Iron' is *the* single volume for a fascinating era of European history. Having unsuccessfully trying to discover an accessible volume on the German Empire for some fourth dimension, this book by Katja Hoyer brilliantly outlines the origins of the Kaiserreich. From its beginnings in the Due north German language Confederation, patronage of Bismarck, the naivety of Wilhelm II and the disastrous slide into the Dandy War which would eventually see the death of the Kaiserreich and Prussian hegemony, Hoyer's 'Blood and Fe' is *the* single volume for a fascinating era of European history. ...more

Jun 02, 2021 John Marshall rated it actually liked it

Given that so much of European and world history stemmed from the unification of Frg post-obit the Franco Prussian War, something only hugely extended by the Great War, and then picayune attending is given in the English language speaking world to the 2nd Reich, the Kaiser's Germany. This history is a good primer for those wanting to sympathize where Germany and so Europe came from and will aid empathize what followed.

Aug 06, 2021 Nick rated it it was amazing

This book is fantastic. It comes beyond as the author knowing what she wanted to write and has a masterful noesis of the subject. It is succinct yet detailed and at no bespeak did I feel thay it suffered for being shorter than your average history not fiction book.

She perfectly lays the scene of the build up to WW1 from a German point of view and through her writing y'all can see how the state of war was about inevitable for 100 years before the outcome. Was gripped for the 239 pages.

Aug 24, 2021 Sarah Bath rated it really liked it

The writer writes at a breathtaking speed, which will be familiar to fans of Simon Sebag Montefiore. So if you like your history snappy you'll enjoy this business relationship of "what went earlier". If y'all've already been reading nearly European history it will definitely provide some of the missing bits of the jigsaw. Every bit, if you lot're interested in today'due south Europe this gives a skilful foundation for understanding young man-Europeans.

A gripping and lucid read

This is an splendid book. Clear, concise, and at times reads like a thriller. The boxing between conservatives, liberals, and socialists under the tutelage of Bismarck, so Kaiser Wilhelm Two has lessons that can exist learned in today's fractious politics.

A gripping and lucid read

This is an first-class book. Clear, curtailed, and at times reads like a thriller. The battle betwixt conservatives, liberals, and socialists nether the tutelage of Bismarck, and so Kaiser Wilhelm II has lessons that can be learned in today'due south fractious politics.

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Aug 27, 2021 John Stephen rated it it was amazing

I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It was an easy to understand description of the cosmos of Germany. I particularly liked how Katja structured the volume explaining different elements of the history in separate sections. The last section providing a summary of the Corking State of war is the best quick overall summary of the consequence that I have ever read.

October thirty, 2021 Gerald Wright rated it really liked information technology

Excellent! I've listened to Katja Hoyer on a few history podcasts, and her volume was as intelligent, engaging, and enjoyable equally I'd been led to believe. I'm so glad to finally understand a little improve this complicated 19th-century German history. Hoyer covers a lot of ground in a short book, and she manages to provide important details as well equally a large picture view. Fantabulous! I've listened to Katja Hoyer on a few history podcasts, and her book was every bit intelligent, engaging, and enjoyable as I'd been led to believe. I'm so glad to finally understand a piddling better this complicated 19th-century German history. Hoyer covers a lot of ground in a short book, and she manages to provide important details equally well as a big film view. ...more

Dec 11, 2021 Dave rated it really liked information technology

This is a well written account of the beginning of Federal republic of germany as a nation, the unifying power of blood and iron and the problems that mentality created. Overall a adept introduction all the same at times it felt repetitive. I would recommend to history fans for sure none the less. Thank you lot to the publisher for providing me with this drc bachelor through edelweiss.

Good but rather slight. The politics are covered more than thoroughly in Robert Massie'south Dreadnought, though dispatched hither adroitly. Of more interest are the social / cultural analyses. An interesting reminder of just how short the duration of the German Empire was; a tiny fraction of the lifespan of the Austrian Habsburg Empire, which brutal at the same fourth dimension. Good but rather slight. The politics are covered more thoroughly in Robert Massie's Dreadnought, though dispatched here adroitly. Of more interest are the social / cultural analyses. An interesting reminder of only how brusk the elapsing of the German Empire was; a tiny fraction of the lifespan of the Austrian Habsburg Empire, which fell at the aforementioned fourth dimension. ...more

You lot know how the story ends, but Blood and Iron takes you to new places and revealing details on the manner. I hardly put the volume downwards from beginning to end as Katja Hoyer whisked me at the pace of a thriller through unstoppable forces, missed opportunities, inevitabilities that with hindsight turned out not to exist, and, as always, the vagaries of people being people. Highly recommended read.

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