Myth and Reality of German Unity

This chapter examines the complexities surrounding the formation of Germany during the Napoleonic Wars, challenging the notion that Germans united as one against Napoleon. It critiques the romanticized narratives of the Wars of Liberation and highlights the fragmented nature of German principalities, exploring shifting allegiances and national identities post-1815. The discussion also delves into the implications of historical revisionism, the role of historians, and the motivations driving nations to construct victorious narratives.