Wilhelm II and the Germans A Study in Leadership [Hardcover]

This book explores the personification inherent in the notion of Wilhelmian Germany by investigating the psychological dimension of Wilhelm II's leadership of the Germans. Despite his historical reputation, many Germans welcomed the Kaiser's leadership. The years between 1890 and 1914 were known as the Wilhelmian era in Germany, and even critics of Wilhelm II thought it somehow fitting that he should be the German emperor. The author argues that Wilhelm II's personal needs and the needs of Germans in an age of intense nationalism made him the symbol of the nation.

Kohut's study is the best psychological analysis of the Kaiser to date. --American Historical Review

Kohut argues his thesis with insight, sophistication and a wealth of detail culled from a wide reading of primary sources. This is psycho-biography at its best....An intelligent and perceptive study, and one which no student of the period can afford to ignore. --Times Literary Supplement

Well reasoned, well researched, and very readable. It can be recommended to the general reader, though a modicum of background knowledge of the period would be helpful. --The Historian

An impressive example of what a historian can do in investigating the mixture of unconscious pressures, private motives, and public postures that affect political decisions. --Peter Gay, Yale University

Much more than a biography--a study in German national fantasy, ssymbolism, and policy. It is a tribute to Kohut that he has developed a eprspective which has added new dimensions to the discussion of Wilhelmian Germany....An important book. --Peter Loewenberg, University of California, Los Angleles

Do leaders determine the course of history, or are historical factors responsible for bringing leaders into prominence? Now historian Thomas Kohut addresses this problem in a book about Kaiser Wilhelm II....Drawing on his father's self psychology, Thomas KlĂ