Studies in European history

"Arising from the unpromising ashes of defeated Nazi Germany, the two Germanies came to represent opposing modes of state and society. The Federal Republic established itself as a remarkably stable democracy and successful social market economy; the German Democratic Republic developed an apparently exemplary form of 'actually existing socialism' and became a pillar of the Soviet bloc. Then, with the 'gentle revolution' of 1989 in East Germany, came the sudden and unexpected collapse of Communist rule. With rapid reunification, the united Germany of 1990 faced new challenges as the unprecedented transformation created a multitude of economic problems and social tensions." "In this fully revised and updated edition, Mary Fulbrook charts a path through the major topics and areas of debate, taking account of recent developments in contemporary German history."--BOOK JACKET.

"For over a century Spain controlled the greatest empire the world had ever seen, and its collapse provoked, both then as it does now, a range of analyses over which there has been little agreement. In the second edition of this text, Henry Kamen asks: was the Golden Age of Spain in the sixteenth century actually an illusion? By examining some of the key issues involved, Kamen offers a balanced discussion of this fundamental question."--Jacket.