By: Jan Palmowski

Hardcover

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Debates about Liberalism in imperial Germany have focused almost exclusively on the national level. This book investigates liberal politics in local government; the only sphere in which liberals had direct access to power throughout Germany. Through the study of one of Germany's most progressive cities, Frankfurt am Main, Jan Palmowski examines more generally the processes of politicization and policy formulation at the local level. He argues that in Frankfurt as elsewhere, local affairs had become politicized not around 1900, as is generally assumed, but by the 1870s. Once in power, the liberals' concern for religion, social policy, and education, as well as their skilful use of fiscal policy shows that liberals in Germany were as sophisticated as liberals in Britain or France. Even in the face of an authoritarian state structure, German liberals received and made use of freedom for renewal and reform. German liberalism was not inherently weak. Instead, the crucial problem lay in the country's complicated federal structure, which made it impossible to transfer innovations from the local level to the state and national levels.

`This study is important because it shows in depth how the process of politicalization occurred in crucial city governments. Unlike many other historians of particular localities, Palmowski ensures, through the force of his argument and a wide reding of relevant literature, that this case study is both located and assessed within a broader, national context.' Mark Hewitson, University College London. `Palmowski's has succeded admirably in his main objective, namely to illuminate a dynamic, innovative, diverse, and successful local liberalism in Imperial Germany ... he helps to fill an important gap ... (in this area of) ... historiography.' Brett Fairbairn, University of Saskatchewan. `A case study of the development of urban liberalism in the commercial city of Frankfurt am Main, the eigth largest city in Germany in 1910, this book has implications that reach well beyond its local focus ... thought-provoking book.' M Shevin-Coetzee, CHOICE, February 2000

1: Introduction 2: The Advent of Politics 3: The Diversification of Local Politics 4: Liberals and Education 5: Liberal Social Policies 6: Liberalism and Municipal Finance 7: Conclusion

ISBN: 9780198207504
ISBN-10: 0198207506
Series: Oxford Historical Monographs
Audience: Tertiary; University or College
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 391
Published: 8th July 1999
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Dimensions (cm): 21.4 x 13.6  x 2.7
Weight (kg): 0.586