Germany - The Tides of Power

`... one of the clearest and most accessible accounts of the history of the Federal Republic, Professor Balfour is particularly good at sorting out the economic and political complexities of the period of four-power control from 1945-1949.' - History

Auteur

Michael Balfour

Texte du rabat

Balfour explains the factors which have shaped the German social, political and economic character. Tracing the movement from the Middle Ages right up to unification of Germany, he seeks to lead the reader to an understanding of modern Germany.

Résumé

In Germany - The Tides of Power, Michael Balfour sets out to explain the factors which have shaped the German social, political and economic character. Tracing the movement of power from the Middle Ages onwards, he seeks to lead the reader to an understanding of modern Germany - why Germany precipitated, and lost, two major wars this century; how the astonishing growth of wealth over the last half-century was achieved; the meaning behind the recent unification of Germany. As German economic expansion continues into the 1990's, Professor Balfour discusses the power held by this technologically advanced nation - and considers the acceptance of this power by the rest of the world.

Contenu

1. From Tribe to National State: the First Reich 2. The Second Reich 3. The First Attempt at Democracy 4. The Third Reich 5. The Post-war Settlement 6. Towards Two Germanies 7. Crisis and Miracle: 1948-1949 8. The German Republics are Founded 9. Rearmament and the Restoration of Sovereignty 10. Adenauer's High Noon 11. The Erhard Interlude 12. The Great Coalition 13. The Brandt Government 14. The Schmidt Government 15. The Kohl Government 16. The Impossible Happens : 1989-1990 17. What Now?