"Arising from the unpromising ashes of defeated Nazi Germany, the two Germanies came to represent opposing modes of state and society. The Federal Republic established itself as a remarkably stable democracy and successful social market economy; the German Democratic Republic developed an apparently exemplary form of 'actually existing socialism' and became a pillar of the Soviet bloc. Then, with the 'gentle revolution' of 1989 in East Germany, came the sudden and unexpected collapse of Communist rule.

With rapid reunification, the united Germany of 1990 faced new challenges as the unprecedented transformation created a multitude of economic problems and social tensions." "In this fully revised and updated edition, Mary Fulbrook charts a path through the major topics and areas of debate, taking account of recent developments in contemporary German history."--BOOK JACKET.