Germany Tried Democracy: A Political History of the Reich from 1918 to 1933

by S. William Halperin

This book takes a good long look at that chaotic brand of democracy that characterized the Weimar Republic. It opens with a chapter on Bismarck’s empire of 1871-1914, when Wagner was glorifying everything German, Nietzche was developing the German power complex, and depressions were already being blamed on the Jews. From that point there is a play-by-play description of the political happenings: the formation of innumerable parties; the influence of dozens of leaders from the right, the left, and the center; the making of the peace; the dictates of Wilson; the establishing of the Republic; civil war; Versailles; the first sounds from Adolf Hitler; the Dawes Plan; the presidency of von Hindenburg; the Young Plan; the Great Depression; the first major triumph of the Nazis; Hitler’s Dusseldorf speech; von Hindenburg’s re-election and the advance of the Nazi tide; and finally the advent of Adolf Hitler himself.

Genres: History

580 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

An expert on European diplomatic history, Samuel William Halperin taught at the University of Chicago.

Reviews

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 16 y/o with a love for Germany and its history (can't forget the language of course) I found this book very intriguing. I bought it for £1 out of a charity shop as I was just curious to the premise of the book.

Before reading the book I refreshed my mind briefly on the timeline of WW1 and WW2 (not exactly relevant to the book but relevant nonetheless).

Let me tell you, that yes, the language is hard to follow at times (I'm 16, what do you expect?) but it's an amazing book. I've read a lot of books similar to the format of this one and they all fail to keep the reader in line - the timeline is rather confusing - but with this book, Halperin has done it amazingly.

If you're into history, politics, etc, read this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was originally published in 1946 and is probably still the best book about the politics of the Weimar Republic. Although I was fascinated by the events, in many ways it was too difficult for me. The cast of characters is huge and the day-to-day events overwhelming. However, it was worth it (I doubt I'll have the patience for a second read, which it really deserves).

How did Germany go from losing World War I to a democracy and to Hitler--it's complicated. The author tries to give the many factors: The treaty of Versailles, reparations, Germany's refusal to take responsibility for the war, unemployment, the great depression. Each one played into Hitler's hands. Those in power underestimated Hitler and allowed him to step up as Chancellor--they didn't realize he was someone they couldn't control or influence or control.

The book is entirely about the political situation. I wish it had included some of the cultural events in Germany--film, music, art.

For people really interested in the period.

[stig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't read to the end, only the first half before Hitler shows up, because that's why I got the book in the first place: to see what were the circumstances before his ascent. It's old-school history, dry, fact-filled, thorough, minimally speculative.