Germany and the Next War

"Germany and the Next War" by Friedrich von Bernhardi is a military and political treatise written in the early 20th century. The work elaborates on the rationale and necessity of war as a means for national self-assertion and the pursuit of power, asserting that for Germany, conflict is not merely an option but a duty in the face of external threats and internal weaknesses. The opening of the book sets a tone of urgency, reflecting on the public sentiment in Germany during the summer of 1911, amidst a perceived threat to national honor and political stability, particularly concerning the Morocco crisis. Von Bernhardi aims to clarify the national objectives, difficulties, and sacrifices required for Germany to secure its future. He emphasizes the need for a candid discussion of the rights and responsibilities of nations concerning war, framing it not only as an inevitability but also a moral obligation. Through this lens, he seeks to galvanize a nationalistic fervor, arguing that war is essential for maintaining and enhancing a nation's strength and cultural vitality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Friedrich Adam Julius von Bernhardi was a Prussian general and military historian. He was a best-selling author prior to World War I. A militarist, he is perhaps best known for his bellicose book Deutschland und der Nächste Krieg, printed in 1911. Describing war as a "divine business", he proposed that Germany should pursue an aggressive stance and ignore treaties.