Updated and expanded, this second edition of Bismarck and the German Empire, 1871-1918 is an accessible introduction to this important period in German history. Providing both a narrative of events at the time and an analysis of social and cultural developments across the period, Lynn Abrams examines the political, economic and social structures of the Empire. Including the latest research, the book also covers: how Bismarck consolidated his regime the Wilhelmian period the factors that led to the outbreak of World War One. With a new introduction and updated further reading section - including a guide to useful websites - this book gives students the ideal introduction to this key period of German history.