From Reich to State

Focusing on the profound transformations in the Rhineland during Napoleon's rule, this book explores the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire and the establishment of a new order. It utilizes extensive archival research to examine the political, cultural, and social changes of the era, including the legacy of the Old Regime, the conflict between Revolution and Counter-Revolution, and the integration of the region into the French Empire. The analysis extends to the transition to Prussian governance and the subsequent struggles that shaped Germany's unique path in history.