This text provides an unparalleled social, political and cultural history of Germany from the end of the Second World War to recent times. As well as carefully balancing the histories of East and West Germany, Peter C. Caldwell and Karrin Hanshew convincingly make the case for analysing the Berlin Republic as a serious and distinct historical period in its own right.

Offering international context throughout, Caldwell and Hanshew navigate students through the catastrophe of war, genocide and the country's division to the new challenges facing the reunified Germany in the 21st century. There are key primary source excerpts integrated throughout the text, as well as 50 images, 10 maps, several charts and tables and a detailed bibliography to further aid study. The book is also supported by an online Instructor's Guide which provides an invaluable tool for instructors looking to use the text in the classroom.

New content and features for the 2nd edition include:

- A chapter on recent German history and expanded coverage of the post-1990 era

- Enhanced material on topics including far-right sympathies through the decades and West German foreign policy beyond Europe

- Additional images and maps

- An updated introduction, conclusion and historiographical updates throughout