Peter H. Merkl Libros

At the center of this investigation is the great modernization effort of a West German state, Bavaria, in the 1970s and 1980s, by means of a reform of the smaller units of local government. The reforms were meant to abolish all autonomous local governments serving populations of fewer than 3,000, thereby reducing the number of local governments in Bavaria from more than 7,000 to less than 2,000. Based on interviews, surveys, and statistical research, this study chronicles fifteen communities and their challenges, developments, and social changes from post-1945 up to the present. While this book explores the decline of the iconic village community, it also reveals the survival of medieval towns in a contemporary world, and despite the modern desire for comprehensive and well-integrated services, there remains a seemingly perennial appeal of small town and village life.

Focusing on the psychological and sociological aspects of the Nazi movement, this study utilizes autobiographical accounts from over 500 rank-and-file Nazis prior to 1933. Peter Merkl's research delves into the motivations behind extremist movements, providing valuable insights into the factors that drive individuals to radical ideologies. The findings offer a deeper understanding of the political dynamics at play within such groups, making it a significant contribution to the study of extremism and its roots.