The Wars of German Unification (Modern Wars)

When casual historians – even some professional ones – think of the wars of German Unification, they think of Moltke and the Dreyse rolling up the Danes, Austrians and the French. This concept is far too facile. In the second edition of his The Wars of German Unification, Prof. Dennis Showalter shows that the wars were a culmination of a process beginning in1820.The German Confederation was a political menge a trois between Prussia, Austrian and the middle states to either gain prominence or independence in the North. Prussia and Austria argued each other to a standstill while the middle states shifted allegiances while keeping an eye on France. Showalter emphasizes the role of economics and railroads during this period.The Revolutions of 1848 changed all this with the interjection of liberal nationalism. Prussia and Austria put down internal revolts while the Confederation and Prussia fought a long, losing war with Denmark over Schleswig-Holstein. The Confederation was reformed and Austria gained the upper hand by emphasizing Prussian military weakness at Olmuetz. Showalter describes these convoluted processes very well.The 1850s in Prussia was a time when the government struggled to understand a constitutional monarchy while reforming the army. This struggle created the constitutional deadlock of 1860 when the Bundestag blocked army reform by refusing to pass the budget. Wilhelm I reluctantly turned to Bismarck as first minister. Again, Showalter clarifies a tangle of political and inter-personal threads to explain the dominance of the Iron Chancellor. Meanwhile, Austria learned the wrong lesson in the Italian war of 1859.The Confederation began the wars of unification by going against the Danes again in 1864 with Austrian and Prussia as allies. Although he gives short shrift to the Danes, Showalter gives a clear even-hand description of the 1866 and 1870-71 conflicts, remarking on the tactical, logistical and technological aspects. He delineates the French war by writing the chapters on it: war against the Empire, war against the Republic and war against France, the last describing the French guerrilla operations.The topic of this book is difficult. Geoffrey Wawro, et al, have done good work on the military aspects but only Showalter has set the wars in their larger context.

This is a very good book. The author shows his complete command of the material. I especially enjoyed his examination of the strengths and weaknesses of the German, Austrian and French military. Even his discussion of the superiority of the German medical service was enlightening. I wish he would consider a biography of Bismarck. I think that he would do a great job.No book is perfect and when the author comes around to his third edition, I would suggest the following:1. I found some of the writing some dense and on the Teutonic side. For example, the last paragraph on pg. 202.2. In a book of over 340 pages, there is not a single photographs. Each of the warring countries have rich archives whose pictures of the major figures and battlefields would have been a welcome addition.3. Within the chapter, the chapter was often broken up with the Roman numbers, I, ii, etc. I would suggest including titles to aid the reader. Maybe break up some of the chapters and have more of them.4. Most of the presentation was quite good but I must admit that my eyes glazed over on the discussion of the pro and cons of having enlisted periods of two or three years. Maybe this material could be condensed somewhat.Overall, a very good book and job well done.

This is a comprehensive description of the European history of the German unification that began after the Napoleonic time and ended after the Franco-Prussian war. Although the author is better known as a military historian, he provides also a good overview of the political developments in all the German states involved. His description of the battles focuses more on the command level than on the soldier experience. The author's assessment of the main personae, like Bismarck, Moltke and King William is interesting and provides a different picture than the existing historiography. The writing style of the author is not always easy to follow and his frequent comparisons to military occurrences in the US Civil War may not be easily understood by Euroepan readers. Nevertheless this is an outstanding book and an excellent overview of the period described.

Mr Showalter provides a concise history of this topic. Further, he describes the unification effort in political terms in addition to the military actions. Also, he doesn't needlessly bog us down in the minutia of the combatants. Finally, this book provided an impartial view of the events. In too many cases authors since WW 2 present all Prussian / German actions, regardless of the timeperiod, as inherently evil, not so by Mr Showalter.

Great book! Written at the level of an upper grad school seminar course for 19th century middle European history majors.

i have read Frederick ii by this author and found that interesting and informing, but here i have had to read a number of paragraphs twice not to lose his train of thought. for those who must get this stuff under your belt, the author's text is a model of clarity. its just my concentration which is at falt.

This is an outstanding book on the formation of modern Germany. His other books on the German subject are just as good.Well written, easy to read.

The only recent English account I am aware of covering the Wars of 1864. 1866 and 1870-1 < It start with good background to political and military developments from 1815 to 64, Prussians military reforms, the political backgrounds to the three wars as well as a dwetailed analysis of the campains and battles, with the strnegths and weakness of the Prussians and their opponents.

Working through this book - about half way, just finishing the 1866 war review. Fairly well written but a little jumbled with the various players in discussing the battles (thankfully i've read about the specifics previously otherwise i'd likely be lost). Enjoying the details and overviews.

A very goon back ground for those wishing to understand the rise of German militarism and the subsequent wars in Europe. It throws light onto present concerns regarding the German hegemony within the current EU structure.

an excellent book