Published in 1851, this book captures Germany at a crossroads. The hopeful revolutions of 1848 have failed, leaving a nation confused and divided. Theodor Rohmer steps into this uncertainty with a clear mission: to diagnose the sickness in the German spirit and prescribe a cure. He argues that Germany has lost its way by chasing foreign ideas and needs to rediscover its own unique cultural and moral strengths to find stability and purpose.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot with characters. Instead, the 'story' is Germany's own struggle. Rohmer lays out his case like a lawyer or a preacher. He examines what went wrong in 1848, criticizes the blind imitation of other nations (especially France), and then builds his vision for the future. His solution centers on moral renewal, educational reform, and a strong, unified state built on Protestant Christian values. The entire book is his attempt to guide a wounded country toward what he sees as its destined role.

Why You Should Read It

It's fascinating as a snapshot of a specific anxiety. This isn't hindsight history; it's raw, immediate opinion. You feel the pressure of the 'what next?' question. While some of Rohmer's specific solutions feel very much of his time (and his religious viewpoint), the core issue—how a nation defines itself after a crisis—is timeless. Reading it helps you understand the intellectual foundations that later political movements would either build upon or react against.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers interested in the 'why' behind historical events, not just the 'what.' If you enjoy primary sources that let you inside the mind of a past era, this is a compelling, if challenging, read. It's not a light history book; it's a dense, persuasive argument from a man who cared deeply about his country's soul. You'll come away with a much richer sense of the debates that shaped modern Germany.