Germany and the Next War

Germany and the Next War is a military and political treatise published in 1911 by Prussian general Friedrich von Bernhardi. The book outlines Germany's need for expansion and military development in the early 20th century. Bernhardi presents arguments for why war is necessary and beneficial for nations, drawing on social Darwinist principles and historical examples. He analyzes Germany's strategic position among European powers and outlines military strategies for potential future conflicts. The text covers topics including Germany's diplomatic relations, military preparedness, and the role of warfare in national development. Bernhardi incorporates discussions of economics, geography, and international politics to support his central thesis. This work represents key militaristic and nationalist ideologies that shaped European tensions in the pre-WWI period. The text illuminates the strategic thinking and social philosophies that influenced German military leadership during a pivotal historical moment.

Readers view this 1911 book as a clear window into pre-WWI German military thinking, with many noting its value as a historical document rather than judging its ideology. Liked: - Direct and honest presentation of German military doctrine - Clear explanation of German strategic goals and justifications - Useful primary source for understanding WWI's origins - Writing style is straightforward and accessible Disliked: - Repetitive arguments - Heavy nationalist bias - Social Darwinist philosophy feels dated - Some translations are awkward Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (31 ratings) Review quotes: "Important for understanding the mindset that led to WWI" - Goodreads reviewer "Chilling in its frankness about German ambitions" - Amazon review "More valuable as a historical artifact than political treatise" - LibraryThing user The book receives consistent attention from military history readers and WWI researchers rather than general audiences.

On War by Carl von Clausewitz A military treatise examining the fundamental nature of warfare, military strategy, and the relationship between war and politics.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu The text presents warfare tactics, military psychology, and political philosophy through principles that parallel Bernhardi's strategic concepts.

The Influence of Sea Power Upon History by Alfred Thayer Mahan This analysis of naval warfare's role in empire building aligns with Bernhardi's views on military power as a tool for national greatness.

War: What Is It Good For? by Ian Morris The book examines how warfare shaped civilization and state development, complementing Bernhardi's perspective on war as a driver of progress.

The Origins of the First World War by James Joll The text explores the military, political, and social factors leading to World War I, providing context for the militaristic ideology expressed in Bernhardi's work.

🔹 Published in 1911, the book became a global sensation and was translated into multiple languages, as it openly advocated for German military expansion and predicted an inevitable war with Britain and France. 🔹 Friedrich von Bernhardi was a Prussian cavalry general and military historian who served in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, giving him firsthand experience in modern warfare. 🔹 The book explicitly rejected international law and peace treaties, arguing that war was a "biological necessity" and that might makes right—leading many to later cite it as evidence of German militarism before WWI. 🔹 Despite its notoriety abroad, the book actually had limited circulation within Germany itself before WWI, selling only around 6,000 copies domestically before 1914. 🔹 After WWI, Allied propagandists used the book extensively to demonstrate Germany's pre-war aggressive intentions, though some historians now argue this overemphasized its importance in actual German military planning.