Socialist Reformers and the Collapse of the German Democratic Republic explores an overlooked aspect of the fall of Communism in East Germany and the subsequent re-unification of East and West Germany. In doing so it analyzes the political activist 'reformers' in Germany: who they were, what they wanted, and why they failed.

This book breaks new ground by analyzing the reciprocal relationship between a fascism that had reached the power phase (Nazi Germany) and fascist movements in two neighbouring countries which were attempting to come to power in their respective societies.

With the development of a strong parliamentary system, Orlow shows how close Prussia came to realizing its goal of lasting democracy for the entire Reich, and how far it fell when the Nazis took power.

Orlow demonstrates that the success of parliamentary democracy in Prussia during the Weimar Republic found its roots in the strength of national unity developed during the nineteenth century, and the work of Catholics, Social Democrats, and Liberals during the time of Republic.

This book breaks new ground by analyzing the reciprocal relationship between a fascism that had reached the power phase (Nazi Germany) and fascist movements in two neighbouring countries which were attempting to come to power in their respective societies.