We Men Who Feel Most German: A Cultural Study of the Pan-German League, 1886-1914

This book explores the cultural sources of the Pan-German Leagues appeal and influence in Imperial Germany, focusing on the symbolic dimensions of its literature and activities and the relationship between the League and other patriotic societies. It uses concepts from psychology and anthropology and includes archival material from both East and West Germany.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 378 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1984, this comprehensive volume offers the first systematic exploration of the cultural roots that shaped the appeal and influence of the Pan-German Leagues in Imperial Germany. It delves into the symbolic dimensions of the Leagues literature and activities, aiming to unravel the allure of its aggressive ideology to specific social groups. Furthermore, the study examines the intricate relationship between the League and other patriotic societies in Imperial Germany, shedding light on their interactions and cooperative efforts. By employing concepts from psychology and anthropology, the study draws upon a rich documentary foundation, encompassing archival materials from both former East and West Germany.

The Pan-German League emerged as a powerful force in German politics during the late 19th century, driven by a shared desire for national unity and territorial expansion. Its ideology was rooted in the idea of a "German Empire," which sought to unite all German-speaking territories under a single government. The League's influence was particularly strong in the German states of Prussia, Bavaria, and Austria, where it enjoyed widespread support from the ruling elites and the general public.

One of the key factors that contributed to the League's appeal was its ability to tap into the nationalist sentiment that was prevalent in German society at the time. The German Empire had recently lost a series of wars, including the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, which had left the country in a weakened state. Many Germans saw the League as a means of reclaiming lost glory and restoring the nation's prestige on the international stage.

The League also appealed to those who were dissatisfied with the political status quo in Germany. Many Germans felt that their country was being dominated by foreign powers, particularly France and Russia, and that their interests were not being adequately represented in the government. The League promised to champion the cause of German nationalism and to promote the interests of the German people within the Empire.

Another factor that contributed to the League's success was its ability to harness the power of propaganda and public relations. The League employed a skilled team of propagandists who worked tirelessly to promote the League's ideology and to undermine its opponents. They used a variety of tactics, including newspapers, magazines, and public speeches, to spread their message and to convince people of the righteousness of the League's cause.

Despite its successes, the League was not without its critics. Many Germans saw the League as a threat to the stability of the Empire and to the democratic principles that were cherished in Germany. Some opponents of the League even went so far as to organize resistance movements and to launch terrorist attacks against the League's leaders and supporters.

Despite these challenges, the League continued to grow and to exert a significant influence on German politics. In the years leading up to the First World War, the League played a key role in mobilizing a broad "national opposition to the German government." The League's leaders were able to convince many Germans that the government was not pursuing the interests of the German people and that it was instead pursuing a policy of expansion and aggression that would lead to the destruction of the Empire.

The League's influence was particularly strong in the German states of Prussia, Bavaria, and Austria, where it enjoyed widespread support from the ruling elites and the general public. The League's leaders were able to convince many Germans that the government was not pursuing the interests of the German people and that it was instead pursuing a policy of expansion and aggression that would lead to the destruction of the Empire.

In conclusion, the Pan-German League was a powerful force in German politics during the late 19th century, driven by a shared desire for national unity and territorial expansion. Its ideology was rooted in the idea of a "German Empire," which sought to unite all German-speaking territories under a single government. The League's appeal was fueled by a combination of nationalist sentiment, dissatisfaction with the political status quo, and effective propaganda and public relations tactics. Despite facing criticism and resistance, the League continued to grow and to exert a significant influence on German politics, playing a key role in mobilizing a broad "national opposition to the German government" in the years leading up to the First World War.

Weight: 703g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367230531