Interpretations of the Two Germanies, 1945-1990

Studies in European History

by Mary Fulbrook

The two Germanies, arising from the unpromising ashes of defeated Nazi Germany, came to represent opposing models of state and society. The Federal Republic established itself as a remarkably stable democracy and successful social market the German Democratic Republic developed an apparently exemplary form of "actually existing socialism" and became a pillar of the Soviet bloc. Then in 1989, the "gentle revolution" in East Germany added a new twist to the collapse of Communist rule. With rapid reunification, the united Germany of 1990 faced new challenges as the unprecedented transformation created a multitude of economic problems and social tensions. Previously published in 1992 as "The Two Germanies", this book has been fully revised and updated to take account of later developments in German history.

Genres: History, Germany, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1992

About the author

Mary Jean Alexandra Fulbrook (née Wilson) is a British academic, historian and author. Since 1995, she has been Professor of German History at University College London. She is a noted researcher in a wide range of fields, including religion and society in early modern Europe, the German dictatorships of the twentieth century, Europe after the Holocaust, and historiography and social theory.

Reviews

[Char · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really interesting insight into both sides of the debate and was structured in a clever way making it easier to follow. However, my only criticism is that it was overly wordy for no apparent reason, making it difficult to read sometimes and hard to retain the information once read. However the argument was strong and convincing.

[Mohammed Galal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fascinating for a number of reasons,the 1st of which is that it is objectively written.Rarely do we come across such books,specially at this eventful era.Plus,there is a variety of opinions about the fall the Berlin Wall.. It is also amazing to know about a country as great country as Germany..From leading the world during the years of the war to its post-war humiliation,Germany has gone though harsh time...If anybody has an amount of extra odium in ur heart,Hitler is a perfect choice ( or shall I say garbage basket?) to get rid of it!!