An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

31. The Second Reich

March 11, 2021

Description

It emerged from the Prussian victory over France in 1870 and was destroyed by the First World War less than fifty years later. German historian Katja Hoyer joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook...
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Books Referenced

Blood and Iron

Author: Katja Hoyer

Context:

Introduced as the book written by their guest Katja Hoyer, described as being about 'the Kaiser's Germany' covering the period from 1870 to the Second World War. The title comes from Bismarck and reflects the militaristic nature of German unification.

Wilhelm II (biography)

Author: John C. G. Röhl

Context:

Mentioned as one of two major Wilhelm biographers - described as British and noted for having a very negative view of Wilhelm ('Röhrle hates Wilhelm'). Referenced in discussion about how German historians avoid writing about Wilhelm.

Kaiser Wilhelm II: A Life in Power

Author: Christopher Clark

Context:

Mentioned as an Australian biographer of Wilhelm, alongside discussion of his Prussia book. Noted that Clark seemed to become more sympathetic to his subjects as he researched and wrote about them.