The Rest Is History 31. The Second Reich
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Mar 11, 2021 
In this enlightening discussion, historian Katja Hoyer, the author of "Blood and Iron," delves into the fascinating yet tumultuous history of the German Second Reich. She explores Prussia's rise to prominence following its victory over France in 1870 and its complex identity framed by militarism and cultural heritage. The intricate relationship between Prussia and Austria is dissected, revealing the challenges of German unity. Hoyer also reflects on Kaiser Wilhelm II's controversial legacy and how these historical currents shape contemporary German identity.
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What is Prussia?
- Prussia, a historically complex entity, originated in the Baltic region and later encompassed parts of northern Germany.
- Its disparate geography and diverse ethnicities contributed to its difficult-to-define nature.
Germany: Real or Imagined?
- Germany's identity was a complex mix of real and imagined elements, influenced by both liberal nationalists and those invested in separate German states.
- This duality shaped the nation's development and its relationship with its own identity.
A Nation Forged in War
- The Second Reich's creation through war, reflected in the title "Blood and Iron," highlights its militaristic foundation.
- Bismarck himself recognized the inherent challenges in unifying disparate German states, particularly integrating southern states with different political and religious identities.