MH 359 German Military History

Course Objectives | Textbook Information | Methodology and Assignments | Course Schedule | Readings | German History Links | Military History Links | APUS login

This course is a comprehensive study of German military history from the time of Frederick the Great in 1740 through the defeat of the Third Reich in 1945. The course examines the rise of Prussia under the Hohenzollerns and more specifically the military genius of Frederick the Great, the defeats at the hands of Napoleon's France, the reforms of the Prussian Army, and the unification of Germany in 1866 through 1871, the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71); Germany and World War I 1914-1918, the interwar years and the Reichswehr under Hans von Seeckt, the creation and expansion of the Wehrmacht and its battlefield performance in World War II. Specific topics examine the role of the Army in politics and the influence of Carl von Clausewitz and development of the German General Staff.

For purposes of this course, we will define “military history" very broadly. It will seek to integrate military themes into the broader context of German history. Consequently, the wartime history of civilian life as well as the wartime and peacetime interaction between the military and civilian spheres (economy, politics, foreign policy), and even the memory and commemoration of military conflict will be valid areas of inquiry for readings, class discussions, and student writing assignments.

Course Objectives

Students will acquire a broad understanding of German military and wartime history during the period in question. They will, by conducting research on a topic of their choice, gain a deeper understanding of at least one specific subject within the field of German military history. We will also strive to apply the history of German military and wartime experience to current events throughout the world and prospects for the future history of war and diplomacy if and when the opportunity presents itself.

Furthermore, the course strives to instill or strengthen in students the idea that history is not a chronology of names and dates, but a science. In history as well as in the natural and other social sciences, interpretations are neither arbitrary nor etched in stone. The questions we ask as historians, the selection of sources that we bring to bear on those questions, and their interpretation are matters of debate. Students will practice bringing this approach to bear on German military history.

Textbooks

The following textbooks are the ones being used for the winter and spring sessions:

Starting in the summer of 2005, we will use only the Craig and Howard texts from this list together with:

Methodology and Assignments

Class Participation

In keeping with my teaching philosophy, which emphasizes student participation in the finding and creating of knowledge, class participation in the form of regular contributions to online discussions will be a very important. In the online classroom, interaction is where most of the learning takes place, hence the heavy emphasis put on it here. Students will be expected to contribute to each weekly topic and to return to each weekly topic over the course of the week so as to respond to contributions made by others. This is not only more interesting than simply submitting answers, but it contributes directly to the goal of a history education. This is independent of the number of students who enroll in the class. Students will practice exercising their right and duty as historians to provide their own, considered interpretations.

Research Paper

Students will select a topic relevant to our course that is of particular interest to them and write a short research paper. The subject of the paper will take the form of a question. That is, the basis of the paper is an historical inquiry – not just a “topic".

You may come up with an idea of your own from any period covered by the class. The title of the paper does not need to take the form of a question, but a research question should become clear to the reader in the introduction. And the writing in the paper should be focused on answering that research question. Data and ideas presented should contribute to the answer and not just fill pages.

I will consult with students about topic ideas and suggest improvements for any work submitted in advance. If you haven’t written a research paper before or have had difficulty doing so, it is suggested that you consult the “Quigley-Nelson Guide". Please see my Policy on Research Papers for more information on my expectations.

Book Review

Students will select a book with a topic relevant to our course and write a short book review. Please see my Policy on Book Reviews.

Final Exam

At the end of the term there will be a comprehensive final exam administered on line. It will be a short list of broad essay questions about our readings and discussions.

Course Schedule

Course weeks run Monday to Sunday. The readings for our discussions will occasionally include more than only the textbook, but short additional readings, usually an historical document, which will be pointed out in the classroom and found under Course Materials, linked to this webpage, or elsewhere on the WWW. I will choose documents which have potential to spark interest and discussion.

Readings

The following are articles on the subject of German military history. We will be reading and discussing some of them during the class. Since they are almost all under copyright, they are available only to students enrolled in my class. I quote the references in full in case you want to find the article yourself through an online databank or library.

German History Links

General

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources, Scholarly Publications

Military History Links

General Links and Military Strategy and Theory
Journals and Reference Works
World War One Sites and Collections
World War Two Sites and Collections
Russian Military History

General Links and Links on Military Strategy and Theory

World War One Sites and Collections

These three sites will get you started on just about any aspect of the First World War from combat to poetry, zeppelins to women in the workforce.

Various Wars and Conflicts (primarily Russia and USSR)

There are countless summaries of various wars that can be found with a simple google search. The following webpages have been chosen if they provide original or documentary material.

World War Two Sites and Collections

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Russian Military History

Most of these sites are not terribly scholarly. They are more on the level of "hobby." There is some useful information here, however, especially on weapons, uniforms and operations.



Contact / Impressum:
Mark R. Hatlie (ViSdM)
Im Feuerhägle 1
D-72072 Tübingen
Germany

+49-7071-792696

info @ hatlie.de

Disclaimer

Web-Design/Web-Master:
Oliver Gassner,
og @ carpe.com