Retallack reveals the complex and contradictory nature of the Second Reich, presenting Imperial Germany as it was seen by outsiders and insiders as well as by historians, political scientists, and sociologists ever since.
Political Limits of the Authoritarian Imagination
Focusing on the complexities faced by German conservatives, the book compiles two decades of research by James Retallack on the German right amid the challenges of democracy and social change. It features groundbreaking studies on Prussia and Saxony, alongside critical insights into evolving historiography. This work is essential for anyone deeply engaged in the history of the German Kaiserreich, offering a profound understanding of the painful choices that shaped its political landscape.
A Documentary History, 1870-1914
Utilizing diplomatic reports from Germany to Britain, the book explores the emergence of social democracy and the various attempts to suppress it. Through this lens, it reveals insights into the political climate and the dynamics between the two nations during a pivotal period in history. The analysis highlights the interplay of social movements and governmental responses, providing a unique perspective on the evolution of social democracy in Germany.