This book explores the German idea of federalism denoting 'diversity within unity'. Historians, linguists and political scientists examine how federalism emerged in the Holy Roman Empire, was re-shaped by nineteenth-century cultural movements, and was adopted by the unified state in 1871 and again after 1945. The myth of federalism as a safeguard against totalitarianism is tested in regard to the Third Reich and the GDR. The book concludes with an outlook on German federalism's future in Europe.

'This authoritative and stimulating examination of an important but neglected problem is one of the most important books on German history to have been published in recent years.' - Professor T.C.W. Blanning, F.B.A., Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge

'A unique exploration of the cultural meanings of federalism which have informed political and administrative debates in Germany. Federalism emerges as a constantly changing, frequently renewed political tradition - and as a persistent cultural idiom, embodying fundamental collective attitudes and experiences of the nation. Anyone interested in understanding why Germany continues to be a place where political unity can never be taken for granted must read these insightful essays.' - Celia Applegate

'This rich, multidisciplinary collection examines the important tension between historical contingency and continuity in the practice of German federalism from the Holy Roman Empire to the present.' - Professor Simon Bulmer, Head of the Government Department, University of Manchester

'This remarkable book offers an alternative reading of German history. It denies the traditional arguments about the inevitability of the national state in German history but also questions fashionable ideas about the role of federalism. It question all the orthodoxies. A must for all those interested in the German past, present or future.' - Jonathan Steinberg, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of Modern European History, Philadelphia

Foreword: H.Schulze
Notes on the Contributors
Introduction: German Federalism in Historical Perspective; M.Umbach
Federal Habits: The Holy Roman Empire and the Continuity of German Federalism; J.Whaley
History and Federalism in the Age of Nation-State Formation; M.Umbach
Federalism and the Heimat Idea in Imperial Germany A.Confino
Political Unity and Linguistic Diversity in Nineteenth-Century Germany; M.Durrell
Federalism and the Nazi State; J.Noakes
Democratic Centralism and Regionalism in the GDR; M.Fulbrook
Federalism from Cooperation to Competition; C.Jeffery
Challenges and Perspectives of German Federalism; W.Renzsch
German Federalism in History: Some Afterthoughts; A.J.Nicholls
Index

MAIKEN UMBACH is Lecturer in Modern European History at the University of Manchester. Her award-winning thesis appeared as Federalism and Enlightenment in Germany, 1740-1806. She has published on various aspects of modern German political cultural history.