Nationalism and Heinrich Von Treitschke Essay

Nationalism, Racism, and Militarism 70 - Heinrich von Treitschke, EXTRACTS FROM "GERMAN HISTORY IN THE NINTEENTH CENTURY" AND "POLITICAL WRITINGS"
Just as Mazzini best symbolizes the ties between early nineteenth-century nationalism and liberalism, the German historian Heinrich von Treitschke (18341896) represents the later links between nationalism arid conservatism, militarisrn, and authoritarianism. The son of a Prussian general, Treitschke taught history at several universities, including the prestigious University of Berlin, ,where he concluded his career. lie also was a member of the German representative assembly, the Reichstag, from 1871 to 1884. His best-known work is his seven-volume History of Germany in the Nineteenth Century, In this and his numerous other writings, lectures, and speeches, Treitschke acclaimed militarism, authoritarianism, and war as the path to German greatness. His views struck a responsive chord among many Germans who feared socialism and dmocracy and yearned for the day when Germany would be recognized as the world's most powerful nation.

QUESTIONS FOR ANALYSIS

What, according to Treitschke, is the relationship between the state and the individual?
Why, according to Treitschke, is monarchy superior to democracy? How do his views conflict with those of Rousseau (see Chapter 5, source 42)?
What qualities of Germans set them apart from other peoples, especially the English and the Jews, according to Treitschke?
In what ways are the views of Treitschke a repudiation of the ideals of tile Enlightenment?
Mazzini (Source 69) felt that all nations had a contribution to make to human progress. What is Treitschke's view?
If Mazzini and Treitschke had ever had an opportunity to sit down in the same room to discuss politics, what would they have argued about? What might they have agreed upon?
ON THE GERMAN CHARACTER
Depth of thought, Idealism. cosmopolitan views; transcendent philosophy which boldly oversteps (or freely looks over) the separating barriers of finite existence; familiarity with every human thought and feeling, the desire to traverse the world-wide realm of ideas in common with the foremost intellects of all nations and all times. All that has at all times been held to be characteristic of the Germans and has always been praised as the essence of German character and breeding.

The simple loyalty of the Germans contrasts remarkably with the lack of' chivalry in the English character. This seems to be due to the fact that in England physical Culture is sought, nor in the exercise of noble arms, but in sports like boxing, swimming, and rowing, sports which undoubtedly have their value, but which obviously tend to encourage a brutal and purely athletic point of view, and the single and superficial ambition of getting a first prize.1

ON THE STATE

The state is a moral community, which is called upon to educate tile human race by positive achievement. Its ultimate object is chat a nation should develop in It, a nation distinguished by a real national character. To achieve this state is the highest moral duty for nation and individual alike. All private quarrels must be forgotten when tile state is in danger.

At the moment when the state cries Out that its very life is at stake, social selfishness must cease and party hatred be hushed. The individual must forget his egoism, and feel that lie is it member of the whole body.

The

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