Bismarck and the German Empire

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Summary: Eyck Gives Us A Formidable View Of Germany's Iron Chancellor
Review: 'Bismark and the German Empire' is a facinating look at the 19th century's most cunning diplomat and statesman. The reader is taken on a journey through the political life of Bismark and his Machiavellian scheming that brought Prussia to new hieghts of power. We also see the beginnings of the systems of alliances which would come into play in the First World War. For anyone interested in late 19th century European politics 'Bismark and the German Empire' is must reading.

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Summary: A perceptive view of a formidable man
Review: Erich Eyck has written a history of the political career of Otto von Bismarck , explaining how Bismarck united the loose collection of weak German states during the mid 1800s by skillfully manipulating international relations and domestic politics. We see how Bismarck recklessly used his understanding of the desires and weaknesses of those around him. This perceptive understanding rarely failed Bismarck.

Erich Eyck tells only enough of Bismarck's early life to display his self confidence. Eyck tells how in his early life Bismarck declined to work in the Prussian government, because, as Bismarck explains, "The Prussian official is like a member in an orchestra, but I want play only the music which I myself like, or no music at all." Eventually Bismarck got the chance to play the music he wanted to play, even if no one else but the king wanted to hear it.
Bismarck became the preeminent individual in international politics. Bismarck was also the master of German domestic politics, manipulating the various parties for his own ends. Eventually no one in Europe would dare leave Bismarck out of their calculations. But Bismarck finally wore out his welcome when the times he had created changed and he did not change with them.
Bismarck had gaps in his understanding. Bismarck could not understand anything he could not control or manipulate. He could not understand economics. He could not understand that someone could act from purely altruistic reasons, what he called humanitarian rubbish.
Erich Eyck writing contains much shrewd analysis, although this makes his writing as labyrinthine as Bismarck's tactics.

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Summary: Bismarck and the German Empire
Review: Erich Eyck's Bismarck and the German Empire is a thorough analysis of German history that demonstrates how Bismarck emerged as the premier European statesman of his day and what that meant to German development. Eyck's book is not biographical, but rather shows how Bismarck permeated every aspect of German politics.. At times Eyck's writing is as complex as Bismarckian diplomacy, but the reader will find this an indispensable addition to understanding German history.

Eyck illustrates Bismarck's genius in working to unify Germany under Prussian leadership, but is not afraid to criticize Bismarck when warranted (he even uses a using biblical reference to chastise Bismarck at one point). Bismarck used alliances with Austria, France, Italy, and Russia at various times to further Prussian or German objectives, then subsequently dissolved many such alliances as Bismarck's ambitions changed. Eyck suggests that European history would have been vastly different had Bismarck pursued a similar alliance with Britain. But because Bismarck could never dominate British diplomats like he did those from the continent, such an alliance proved impossible. However, part of Bismarck's genius was knowing when to stop wars of aggression (Bismarck did not fight a war after he defeated France in 1871) and opt instead to pursue diplomatic channels.

Eyck works Bismarck's career to its natural conclusion when he came into conflict with the new emperor, Wilhelm II. The old chancellor is portrayed as having outlived his effectiveness and alienated most Germans in his attempts to retain power.

Eyck's writing style is at times cumbersome, but more importantly is the confusing editing. Many times foreign phrases are not translated, particularly lengthy sentences that are part of some important point. However, several short phrases are translated, even those that are quite self-explanatory. But Eyck remains a credible scholar proven by the fact that this volume is still in print in spite of the fact that it is nearly forty years old.

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating account of the life of the consummate diplomat
Review: For those interested in the intricacies of 19th Century balance-of-power European politics, this is a must-read. Eyck portrays the inimatible Iron Chancellor as the deceitful, cunning statesman that dominated the international political scene of that era, and germinated the uncertainty and mistrust that cast the Continent into its tragic downward spiral toward war. Students of political science convinced of the preeminence of command diplomacy and impressed by the ability of statesmen to bend the will of others should learn a valuable lesson from the tragic role of Bismarck. The book, quite candid in its representation of Bismarck's successes and failures, is an informative biography of the man who transformed the Concert of Europe into the struggle for power that brought about the most horrible conflict known to humanity at the time. An integral reader in any course concerning post-Lutheran German history.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I also endorse this book for those wanting to know more about Bismarck and the diplomacy of Germany in the 19th century.