Abstract This paper discusses and reviews Barbara Tuchman's book, "The Proud Tower." It assesses how Tuchman handles the twenty-four year period in Europe which preceded the Great War. The paper specifically examines Tuchman's writing style. Finally, it analyzes her failing to make the linkage between the horrific events of late summer 1914 and the Bismarckian diplomacy, which helped to make the great conflagration inevitable.
From the Paper "As a final comment upon the book, it should be added that the text, while it does passably well at describing the state of affairs in each of the major nations, never really explores the ugly situation in the Balkans - principally between Serbia and Austria, but also between each of the Balkan states. As a result, the internal divisions which were tearing apart what was left of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire by 1914 (and which certainly helped precipitate war) are given "short shrift" in the text. This oversight, at least in the view of this writer, diminishes Tuchman's chapter on the European and American anarchists (63-117) insofar as an exposition of the problems facing the Austrians as they clung to the remnants of empire would have given the novice reader a greater understanding of what socio-political dynamics made a hate-filled and destructive (and anti-government) movement like the Black Hand (and others) so appealing to disenchanted Serbians and to disenchanted young Eastern Europeans in general."
Abstract This paper studies the causes of German immigration to the United States. It investigates the treatment of German immigrants from approximately 1810-1860 by other Americans and explores why this immigration was considered particularly successful.
From the Paper "Around the year 1700, many Germans were fleeing their homeland to find an easier life in other European countries, the Western Hemisphere, and Australia due to extremely violent conditions. Armies of various nationalities were repeatedly attacking the country. Inhabitants of the southwestern part, especially, were constantly robbed and tortured. Entire villages were often burnt down and their inhabitants killed. In 1709 about 15,000 Germans left for Britain, and 3,000 crossed the Atlantic to New York. In 1745, there were an estimated 45,000 Germans living in Pennsylvania alone. (Adams, p 2)"
Abstract This paper examines how Bismarckian and Prussian conservative/authoritarian policies provided a stepping-stone to Nazi Germany. First, the paper explores the parallels between Nazi Germany and the policies and tactics that were used by Bismarck. Additionally, the paper focuses on the manner in which Prussian conservative/authoritarian policies influenced Nazi Germany.
From the Paper "Otto Von Bismarck is the notorious leader for which Bismarckian politics is named. The historic and controversial figure is essential to European history. Bismarck is credited with national unification and creating policies that changed Germany and the rest of the world forever. Initially, Bismarck's approach to foreign affairs was revolutionary and encouraged solidarity with Russia and Austria. Eventually this solidarity was challenged and Bismarck felt the need to focus on the unity of Germany. There are many different tactics and policies that Bismarck utilized in an effort to control his subjects and support his ideals of unity."
