The much admired school system of 19th-century Germany served as a model for the educational systems of many other countries, including Britain and the United States. In this illuminating study of German primary schools, Lamberti examines an educational tradition that was the object of wide emulation, but which was often misinterpreted by its admirers. Lamberti also explores the political significance of German educational policies in the Kulturkampf, in the suppression of Polish nationalism in the eastern provinces, and more generally in the struggle between the competing strands of...

"This monograph has first-class credentials . . . it is an excellent book for the specialist in search of a wealth of source material . . . which is virtually inaccessible outside specialist libraries." - German History "This . . . forcefully argued book . . . furthers our understanding of the history of educational politics in the Weimar Repulic in a number of important ways." - American Historical Review "The strengths of this fine] carefully researched and written book are many . . . It] should prompt international comparisons of progressive education and contribute to thinking about the...