More 20th Century History Answers
Question Library
Ask a question about 20th Century History
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login
Awards
About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer
|
| |
|
|
| |
| | | |
About Michael FitzGerald
Expertise
I am an expert in German history between 1918 and 1945, particularly with regard to the Nazi era. I am also very knowledgeable about most areas of philosophy (I have an honours degree in the subject) and am able to answer questions on that subject too. In addition, I am very knowledgeable about poetry. One of my hobbies is also politics, mainly British and European though I follow the US political scene as well. Another one is the history of crime and punishment and British social history (the two often overlap!) I am willing to answer questions on all the above issues.
Experience
Author of two published works, 'Storm Troopers of Satan,' an account of the lunatic fringes of Nazi ideology, and 'Adolf Hitler: A Portrait,' a biography of the German dictator. 'Adolf Hitler' was published in July 2006 by the top history publisher Spellmount and was named historical biography of the month by the Good Book Guide. I correspond with Ian Kershaw, Peter Stachura, Jeremy Noakes, Roger Moorhouse and Stan Lauryssens. I have undertaken research for radio, television, newspapers and magazines
Organizations
Society of Authors
Education/Credentials
I have an Honours degree in philosophy.
Awards and Honors
LT prize for poetry
Historical Biography of the month, Good Book Guide
| | |
| |
You are here: Experts > Homework Help > 20th Century History > 20th Century History > third reich
Expert: Michael FitzGerald - 8/27/2008
Question
Micheal
I know that Nazi Germany was known as the third reich,
But what were the first and second reich?
Thanks
Bob
P.S. This is NOT a homework question. I haven't had homework
in 40 years.
Answer
Hi Bob
Thanks for your interesting question.
The term 'the Third Reich' (meaning third empire, realm, etc) was invented or at least popularised by Moeller van den Bruck in his book 'Das Dritte Reich,' published just after the end of World War One.
His concept - which became wildly popular in Germany and of course also helped to inspire Hitler - was that there had been three 'reichs' in German history. The first was the Holy Roman Empire which was seen as dating back to Charlemagne's coronation as Emperor in 800 AD and the title of Holy Roman Emperor lasted until 1806 (though for a long time it had become pretty meaningless outside Austria.)
The proclamation of Kaiser Wilhelm I as German Emperor in 1871 was seen as the 'Second Reich.'
In van den Bruck's conception, and at the time his book was published, the 'Second Reich' had ceased to exist and the 'Third Reich' was yet to come.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards
Michael
Add to this Answer
Ask a Question
|
|
