Bismarck's German empire has been regarded as something of a paradox--from the mid-19th century, Germany experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization with the accompanying social upheavals, yet these changes occurred within a pseudo-democratic political state which never established itself as a modern liberal democracy. Using the most up-to-date critical research, Bismarck and the German Empire 1871-1918 examines this formative period in modern German history.

Bismarck and the German Empire 1871-1918 describes the political, economic, and social structures of the Empire in 1871 and goes on to examine the repressive and manipulative techniques used by Bismarck to consolidate the regime. The study continues to explore the period of Wilhelm II's reign, and finally the outbreak of war and revolution.

This period of German history is a key element of modern European history. This book should appeal to anyone interested in an up-to-date interpretation of this era.