The Victory of Realism

The book investigates the quest for international security in mid-19th century Germany from a new and inspiring perspective. Under the influence of international events Germany's citizens believed that they lived at a dangerous time when relations between countries and nations were increasingly defined by the law of the strongest instead of written law. Regardless of their origin, political views, gender and social status they participated in debates about the future of Germany, Europe and the world and tried to determine how to better ensure external security, develop justice and achieve a more stable peace. This fundamental but hitherto historiographically neglected process became manifest in numerous Phenomena analysed independently in the past such as the rise of German nationalism, the call for naval armament and colonial expansion, the birth of Realpolitik and the concept of Mitteleuropa, the deterioration in relations and wars with other nations and the participation in the organised peace movement.