This is a powerful and original survey of German social democracy breaks new ground in covering the movement's full span, from its origins after the French Revolution, to the present day. Stefan Berger looks beyond narrow party political history to relate Social Democracy to other working class identities in the period and sets the German experience within its wider European context. This timely book considers both the background and long-term perspective on the current rethinking of Social Democratic ideas and values, not only in Germany but also in France, Britain and elsewhere.

Stefan Berger

1. Introduction. 2. The Origins of Social Democracy Identity, 1789-1875. 3. Between Isolation and Integration, 1871-1918. 4. In Defense of the Republican State, 1918-1933. 5. Social Democracy Under Conditions of Illegality, 1933-1989. 6. From Golden Age to the End of Social Democracy? The FRG, 1945-1998. 7. Conclusion.