German National Problem With Friedrich Nick's Ideas And Political History

Friedrich Meinecke is regarded as one of most important German historians in20th century. His historiography was closely connected with his political appeals. Before the World War, the theme of Meinecke’s historiography was involved with German unification. He maintained that it was imperative to use both liberal and conservative forces. Bismarck realized this wisdom. That’s the reason why he successfully achieved unification. As an extension of his historiography, Meinecke maintained that it was essential to use these two forces to solve the contemporary Germany political dilemmas. One the one hand, the reforms ought to go back to the ideals of national liberalism, the proletariat should be liberated, and Prussia needed to merge with Germany. On the other hand, the old estate in Prussia could still be preserved so that the process of democratization was undergone smoothly. Meineck’s historiography and political ideas successfully pointed out the right way Germany may reverse its predicament. Therefore, they merit academic attention.