Kaiser Wilhelm II - A Life In Power - Christopher Clark

Having thoroughly enjoyed two of Christopher Clark's other efforts, "Iron Kingdom" and "The Sleepwalkers", I was eager to see what his book about the last German Kaiser was like.

The book feels much more streamlined than the others, with little in the way of preliminaries, and we go straight into the early stages of the subject's life. The author emphasizes that his aim is not to present a straight biography of his subject, but to examine and weigh his relationship with, and exercise of, power. With this in mind, the book is not structured in a strict chronological order, but rather dedicates specific chapters to individual aspects of Wilhelm's reign and stewardship.

I detected the main thrust to be the fluctuations in Wilhelm's fortunes, and the ongoing battle of wills and wits with the Reichstag and with his ministers and advisers.

There is a look at court life, and Wilhelm's military tutelage and education.  On the surface, the latter would seem to have boded well for a balanced, relatively enlightened approach, but the author argues that it may have contributed to later failings, by encouraging disjointed and uncoordinated views.

Clark documents the shift in Wilhelm's stances, citing the influence of both his grandfather and his wife.  I would have liked to hear more about the precise reasons why and how this came about, other than the supposed rubbing off of certain people's attitudes on the future emperor. Was he just an opportunist, seeing as he got older the potential for carving his own niche?  Did this in turn make Wilhelm more susceptible to manipulation and intrigue by others, for their own ends?

The early stages of the book afford a tantalizing glimpse of how history might have worked out differently had Friedrich III not succumbed to cancer after a very brief reign.  The relating of Wilhelm's fractious relations with his parents is quite illuminating.  Even at a comparatively early stage, he was having to demonstrate and assert his independence from cliques and conspiracies, and the very nature of the German system of that time may have encouraged that sort of thing.

Clark does his best to explain how the idiosyncrasies of the imperial and Prussian systems impacted on the Kaiser's conduct of his office, and clarifies one or two misconceptions about how "absolutist" the situation was. One of the most valuable sections of the book is that dealing with his relations with Bismarck, and his part in the downfall of the "iron chancellor".

As regards Wilhelm's views, there is more evidence to support the notion that he disliked economic liberalism, although on the surface his stance on some social issues seems reasonably admirable. He may have been acting as a "chameleon", currying favour with various sectors of society in order to court popularity. A clever decision by Clark here is to use relatively "mundane" topics to demonstrate trends and traits.

The author has some interesting things to say about Wilhelm's apparent lack of closeness to the German military just prior to the 1914-18 war, and also the amount of control exerted by the civilian politicians during those crucial days. He may have been "militaristic", but Clark expresses doubts as to how much this translated into action before the war.

The closing chapters of the book examine Wilhelm's role in the war, his attitude to unrestricted submarine warfare, and his eclipse by Hindenburg. There is also an intriguing, if brief, look at his period in exile in the Netherlands, and his views on post World War One developments in Germany.

Not as intoxicating a read as a couple of Clark's other efforts, but a high quality read nonetheless...

The Sleepwalkers - Christopher Clark - book review

After being hugely impressed by his imperious book "Iron Kindgom", a study of Prussia, I was excited to discover that Christopher Clark had written an analysis of the events which led up to the outbreak of the First World War. This book is entitled, quite aptly, "The Sleepwalkers".

Many television documentaries about military history receive deserved plaudits, but the more I read the more I realize that even the most substantial of these programmes are at best superficial, at worst downright misleading. Such documentaries are superbly produced and entertaining, but in order to acquire any authoritative understanding, it is essential to read meticulously researched investigatory works. The Sleepwalkers is the type of study which reinforces this view. It is a truly masterly piece of scholarship, impressive both in its scope and its flavour.

Even in the early pages, I was struck by Clark's characteristic capacity to blend intricate language with an accessibility and infectiousness which compels people to read on. This was one of the great joys of "Iron Kingdom".

Refreshingly, the "how" tends to supersede the "why". No preconceptions and smug premises. He takes a detailed and open-minded look at what unfolded in the run-up to the conflict. Beginning with receptive minds helps to minimize prejudices and inflexible conceits.

Early on, there is a clear and lucid account of how Serbia's position, and that in the Balkans generally, evolved. The minutiae are probably little known to most people. We are reminded how economic and social conditions in a country can impinge on its fate.

As regards Austria-Hungary, a somewhat different picture is painted than is ordinarily the case. The empire is portrayed as more benign, and less recalcitrant, than is customary. The Habsburgs were not entirely blameless, but equally they were battered by extraneous factors. The author also stresses the impact of the peculiar "dual monarchy" and the attendant machinery of government.

Throughout the book, there is superb examination of the motives and insecurities behind the alliances which emerged in the decades leading up to 1914. An example of this is the suggestion of how suspicions about Britain's intentions and reliability contributed towards the Franco-Russian understanding. Clark allows himself time and space to elaborate on these processes, but does so cogently.

Much of this work is given over to an analysis of the fall-out from conflicts, imperial ambitions and trouble-spots in the preceding decades, and their effects on international relations, allegiances and diplomacy. Particular attention is paid to the Moroccan crisis and the Balkan Wars, and also to the ambitions of Russia in central Asia and the Far East.  These chapters underline the extent to which the cementing of alliances was partially dictated by calculations arising from matters on the periphery.

The book slowly begins to focus on the salient factors, and the extent to which the blossoming of the Entente alliance isolated Germany, whose assumptions and calculations could no longer sustain the desired balancing act. Clark cleverly and convincingly argues how hostility was focused and channeled, with the Balkans assuming greater gravity as tensions elsewhere were subdued or diminished.  The mechanisms by which the orientation of Turkey and Bulgaria occurred are revealingly related.

I was particularly impressed with the passages devoted to an explanation of the foreign policy machinery which existed in the European states, and how this affected developments. The account of the role, approach and outlook of Kaiser Wilhelm II is possibly a little at variance with the widely accepted view.  Attention is drawn to the indistinct and multi-faceted structures in some of the nations, and how these influenced the course of the crisis. The detailing of cliques, factions and upheavals is expertly and tidily undertaken.

Some stress is given to the role of the Entente Powers in tacitly sanctioning sorties, for example Italian operations in Libya, which had repercussions, including in the Balkans, and the attempts of the Central Powers to discourage such moves. Again, stripping away the veneer of popular conceptions about what elevated tension, and who was culpable. The author also points out instances where "nationalism" was used as a cloak for avarice, self-interest and megalomania.

There is a probing exploration of apparent French belligerence and assertiveness, and its assessment of the strategic implications of Germany's "two-front" dilemma. The analysis of the rough and tumble of French political life is valuable, as is the depiction of the fluctuations in sentiment seen in both Russia and Britain.

An extensive look at the fallout from the Sarajevo assassination is naturally an important part of this book. During the July crisis itself, whatever its strident behaviour of preceding years, was Germany guilty of misjudgment rather than malevolence, particularly concerning Russian intentions in the Balkans?  Clark highlights ambiguities in the sequence of events which are seldom included in modern accounts. It also becomes clear how many of the Powers formulated multi-layered approaches to the situation, downplaying the chances of others intervening whilst clinging to allies in the event of war.

Austria seemed blinkered in its obliviousness to the prospect of external interest in the Balkan theatre. The Austrian ultimatum to Serbia also comes into sharp focus, including the degree to which the Serbian response was conditioned by the likelihood of Russian support.

This work also looks at less publicized aspects of the crisis, such as the attitude of the Hungarians and the minorities within the Habsburg lands, and France's campaign to embolden and bolster Russian resolve to intervene on the side of Serbia.

It is interesting to note how fixated the Entente Powers seemed on preserving their alliance by whatever means, rather than in objectively appraising Austrian (and German) intentions on the Serbia issue. The importance of Russian mobilization is also thrown into sharp relief. In this reading, there appeared to be a distinct absence of war-mongering on the part of Germany.  In fact, imperial Germany comes across less as almighty and overbearing than clumsy and inept.

We also get a brilliantly articulated critique of how Britain arrived at its decision to get involved, the strategic balancing act which it attempted, and the domestic considerations which weighed heavily.

In recent times, it seems to have become the norm to observe that all of the combatants were claiming defensive motives, and seeking to portray others as the aggressors.  I would contend that this book adheres to that view to some degree, but crucially it fleshes out the subtleties and discrepancies.

In conclusion, this is an insightful, fast-paced and enlightening read.

Iron Kingdom - Christopher Clark

I admit that I may be a touch late in the day in committing my thoughts to screen on this one, but here goes....

I first read this book two or three years ago, and though finding it immensely enjoyable and stimulating,  was also frankly slightly daunted by its sweep and the volume of information contained therein. Having completed it on that occasion, I experienced a feeling of "unfinished business", and that this was one of those books which demanded several readings over time, in order that its full quality, richness and depth can be absorbed.  So, just recently I read Iron Kingdom once more.  Here are my observations....

The book is subtitled "The Rise and Downfall of Prussia 1600-1947", and this is a fair summation, although it  barely hints at the attention to detail and erudition which leap from the pages.

Iron Kingdom documents the gradual increase in power, influence and prosperity of Prussia (or the territories which later became known as Prussia).  The stewardship of each regime or monarch is analysed, offering theories as to how they contributed to the progression (or regression) of the Prussian "project".  As the history moves forward, Brandenburg/Prussia is placed in its context in the grand European scheme of things, in terms of how it impacted the continent, and how it was affected by external pressures and the waxing and waning of other empires and monarchies.

Throughout, we gain a vivid illustration of how Prussia's geographical position in relation to friends and foes alike dictated its policies, often in the form of a delicate balancing act, and how it coped with the evolution of its demographic and territorial composition.  In addition, the assimilation and integration (or otherwise) of new ideas and social and economic concepts are examined.

One of the things which really pleased me about this book was that it resisted the temptation to devote excessive coverage to certain well-known subjects (Frederick The Great, the Franco-Prussian War etc).  Yes, these topics are accorded their merited scrutiny, but not to the detriment of this as a comprehensive and seamless chronicle.

Clark lucidly and entertainingly explains and highlights many lesser-known episodes in the story, from the role of intellectuals and religious movements to some of the idiosyncrasies of Prussian foreign policy in respect of disputed and sensitive territories.

The richness and vibrancy of the author's writing style also greatly enhances its appeal, exuding a genuine affection for language as well as fascination with the subject matter.

From a personal viewpoint, I found the chapters dealing with the 18th and 19th centuries most compelling, as they address the period both when old and new worldviews came into conflict, and when Prussia's leverage in European affairs became more pronounced.  In particular, the reaction of the Prussian establishment to the upheavals and revolutions of that era is put under the microscope to good effect.  We also how see the militarism which ensued ran in parallel with more enlightened social developments.  I found the passages tackling the "wars of liberation" against Napoleonic France, and the forces and emotions which they unleashed, especially instructive and illuminating.

One of the things which stands out in these chapters is the often stuttering, uneven and hesitant nature of reforms, liberalization and modernization.  The paradoxes and contradictions of Prussian society are duly pointed out, but as with other aspects of this rendering of the tale, in a nuanced and multi-faceted way.

Comparatively little space is dedicated to the post 1871 era, and sensibly this is largely restricted to the role of Prussia, or more specifically the Prussian "mentality" and ethos, in the first half of the twentieth century.  After all, this is a book about Prussia, not Germany.  The sections dealing with the world wars are, unsurprisingly, powerful and pungent....

It was a pleasure to read this book again.  Highly recommended.