German Federalism Past, Present and Future [Hardcover]

This book explores the German idea of federalism denoting 'diversity within unity'. Historians, linguists and political scientists examine how federalism emerged in the Holy Roman Empire, was re-shaped by nineteenth-century cultural movements, and was adopted by the unified state in 1871 and again after 1945. The myth of federalism as a safeguard against totalitarianism is tested in regard to the Third Reich and the GDR. The book concludes with an outlook on German federalism's future in Europe.Foreword: H.Schulze Notes on the Contributors Introduction: German Federalism in Historical Perspective; M.Umbach Federal Habits: The Holy Roman Empire and the Continuity of German Federalism; J.Whaley History and Federalism in the Age of Nation-State Formation; M.Umbach Federalism and the Heimat Idea in Imperial Germany A.Confino Political Unity and Linguistic Diversity in Nineteenth-Century Germany; M.Durrell Federalism and the Nazi State; J.Noakes Democratic Centralism and Regionalism in the GDR; M.Fulbrook Federalism from Cooperation to Competition; C.Jeffery Challenges and Perspectives of German Federalism; W.Renzsch German Federalism in History: Some Afterthoughts; A.J.Nicholls Index

'This authoritative and stimulating examination of an important but neglected problem is one of the most important books on German history to have been published in recent years.' - Professor T.C.W. Blanning, F.B.A., Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge

'A unique exploration of the cultural meanings of federalism which have informed political and administrative debates in Germany. Federalism emerges as a constantly changing, frequently renewed political tradition - and as a persistent cultural idiom, embodying fundamental collective attitudes and experiences of the nation. Anyone interested in understanding why Germany continues to be a place where political unity can never be taken for granted must read these insightful essays.' - Celia Applegate