The Kaiser: New Research on Wilhelm II's Role in Imperial Germany

Description

This is a collection of innovative essays examining the role of Wilhelm II in imperial Germany, focusing in particular on the later years of the monarch's reign. The essays highlight the Kaiser's relationship with statesmen and rulers, at home and abroad; his role in international relations; the erosion of his power during the First World War; and his ultimate downfall in 1918. The book demonstrates the extent to which Wilhelm II was able to exercise 'personal rule', largely unopposed by the responsible government, and supported in his decision-making by his influential entourage. But it also shows that there was no lack of contemporary critics of Wilhelm and Wilhelmismus. The essays are based on the latest research and on a wide range of archival sources, and provide an up-to-date evaluation of the role and importance of this controversial monarch.

Annika Mombauer is Lecturer in European History, The Open University. Wilhelm Deist is Honorary Professor in the History Department, Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat Freiburg, Germany.

'... excellent collection of essays on Wilhelm II ... extraordinary ... this book is considerably more than a biography of the Kaiser. Each essay covers some facit of his life in scholarly detail and gives the reader a deeper insight into the politics of Germany before and during World War I ... The editors are to be congratulated on managing to publish a book with such a wide ranging theme by a number of scholars and yet provide a continuity which will intrigue both scholar and lay reader.' Open History 'These essays are readable, well crafted and remarkably free of academic jargon.' Stand To! (The Journal of the Western Front Association)