A History of Modern Germany: 1800 to the Present, 2nd Edition

This second edition of A History of Modern Germany offers a comprehensive overview of German history from its transformation as a loose patchwork of states in 1800 to its emergence as the most powerful unified nation in Europe today.

The narrative begins with the Napoleon's impact on a fragmented Germany, tracing the development of a national consciousness, and the tensions between reform and reaction, culminating in national unification. The book addresses the tumultuous events from Germany's past, including the rise and fall of the German Empire, the failure of the Weimar Republic, the twelve fateful years of the Third Reich, the division of post-war Germany, the collapse of Communism and developments since reunification.

For this new edition, distinguished historian Martin Kitchen delves deeper into issues relating to Germany's social structure to offer additional insights into the complexities of Germany's turbulent history. He also examines the course of the German Democratic Republic in greater depth, and reflects on the country's current internal challenges and its evolving role within the wider international community.