European Alliances and Alignments, 1871-1890

by William L. Langer

THIS book, the like of which does not exist in any language, is an effort to present the evolution of the European states system, and to show how individual leadership, together with strong economic, nationalistic and military currents, welded the major powers first into the great combination known as the Bismarckian system and then into rival Triple Alliance and Triple Entente. The author takes full account of the influence of strategic considerations, of imperialistic pressure, and of literary movements as expressed in nationalist and racial doctrines, He pays particular attention throughout to the movements of public opinion, and assesses the importance of this elusive power in the formulation of foreign policy.

Professor Langer has been able to deal with his great subject in something approaching a definitive manner. He has made full use of the various collections of documentary material, including the recently published French documents, as well as the innumerable secondary studies and the monographic researches of English, French, German, Italian, and Russian scholars. Our knowledge of this whole period has been revolutionized by the publications of the last decade, which have rendered most of the older books practically worthless. The bibliographical notes, appended to the various chapters, taken together, form the only comprehensive critical survey of the literature of the subject available in any language.

All in all, this is a contribution of the first importance and one of which American scholarship may well be proud.

Genres: History, International Relations, 19th Century

509 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1931

About the author

William Leonard Langer was an historian specializing in the diplomacy of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A graduate of Harvard University, he taught at Clark University before accepting an appointment at Harvard University, where he eventually served as the chairman of the history department. He was on leave during World War II as head of the Research and Analysis Branch of the Office of Strategic Services, and served as president of the American Historical Association in 1957.

Reviews

[Ангел Златков · Rating 5 out of 5]

Едно много добро, задълбочено и интересно написано изследване за отношенията между Великите сили в Европа в края на XIX в. Горещо препоръчвам на всеки, изкушен от историята и от начина на мислене на великите мъже в Европа през втората половина на XIX в.
Книгата дава възможност да си обясним редица събития от българската история и да излезем от това провинциално мислене, че всеки ни е длъжен и че Великите сили неуморно трябва да работят за решаването на проблемите на българите. Стига човек да има желание да го направи, разбира се. : )

Ако някой има желание да прочете "книжката", мога да му я изпратя на мейла.