Bismarck and the Foundation of the German Empire

by James Wycliffe Headlam

Bismarck was a brilliant statesman who laid the foundations for the German Empire and wielded a clever, oftentimes cunning, foreign relations policy. His stunning achievements in playing rival nations against each other pushed the German Empire into primacy in the late 19th century.

Contents include:

Birth and Parentage
Early Life
The Revolution
The German Problem
Frankfort
St. Petersburg and Paris
The Conflict
Schleswig-Holstein
The Treaty of Gastein
Outbreak of War with Austria
The Conquest of Germany
The North German Confederation
Outbreak of War with France
Foundation of the Empire
The New Empire
The Triple Alliance and Reform
Retirement and Death

Genres: History, Biography, Politics

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2006

About the author

Sir James Wycliffe Headlam-Morley (b.1863-d.1929) was a British historian. He served as a government advisor and civil servant, and was knighted in 1929. He was the younger brother of theologian Arthur Cayley Headlam.

Reviews

[David Lowther · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got what I needed from this book; an idea of German history during the nineteenth century and in particular the role played in the beginnings of modern day Germany by Bismarck. It was written in 1899, not long after Bismarck's death so has the big advantage of not being put together with hindsight.

However, the writing was fairly dull and frequently used long words like jurisprudence and also archaic spellings such as shew (not show. It is a labour of love, well-researched and making full use of Bismarck's letters and diaries. It is a portrait of a man who was indeed an 'iron' Chancellor of Germany. He was discarded by the hot-headed young Kaiser, Wilhelm II, while still able to offer political advice. Had that not happened, the who history of the 20th. century might have been different.

David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil (www.thebluepencil.co.uk)
davidlowtherblog.wordpress.com

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite a few shortcomings due to being published the same year it's major subject died, this narrative of Bismarck and the founding of the German empire was well-written and interesting. I feel I understand much better how Bismarck's Germany could end up in Hitler's nightmare 40 years later. Bismarck planted the seeds and sadly Hitler harvested the fruit.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short & readable. Gave me a good introduction to some history that I was ignorant of.

[Lidik · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me forever to finish this book, mainly because I wrote recaps of every chapter. But I am so glad I read it. If anyone would like to learn everything they need to know about Germany, a lot about European Diplomatic Service, and about this specific brand of Constitutional Monarchy this is my number one recommendation. I can definitely place this in a list of books which have shaped my ideas and viewpoints. I almost feel sad that I'm not going to be constantly reminding myself to finish this.

[Ariyasacca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pro Bismarck