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Germany - Before the War, 1871-1918

 
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About this Course

About the Course

In this course, Professor Matthew Jefferies (University of Manchester) looks at Germany during the period before the First World War. In the first module, we explore what Germany was like in 1914, particularly how the country was geographically and socially structured. In the second module, we consider whether Germany, in 1914, was an unfinished Nation State, before in the third module turning to look at how Imperial Germany was governed. In the fourth module, we debate the extent to which Kaiser Wilhelm II succeeded in establishing personal rule, looking at his character, sexuality, nationality, and personal entourage. In the fifth and final module, we look at how the German Empire is viewed today, in particular discussing the debates surrounding German monuments and the historical legacies that are maintained.

About the Lecturer

Professor Matthew Jefferies is Professor of German History at the University of Manchester. His research interests focus on the German Democratic Republic, in particular its architecture, art, culture, politics, and photography. His recent publications include Contesting the German Empire 1871-1918 (2013), Imperial Culture in Germany, 1871-1918 (2003), and Politics and culture in Wilhelmine Germany (1995).