Focusing on the historical context of German unification, the book challenges the notion that the 1871 German state was a straightforward result of nationalism and Prussian power. It emphasizes Austria's significant influence over the German lands throughout the 19th century and argues that German nationalism emerged alongside nation-state formation. The second edition explores Prussia's modernization as a key factor in shifting power dynamics and situates Germany's unification within broader European nationalist trends. This resource is essential for understanding this pivotal period in German history.
