Why did German states for so long make it extraordinarily difficult for foreigners who were not ethnic Germans to become citizens? Beginning in the early nineteenth century and covering the dramatic changes of the 1990s, this work challenges the traditional interpretation of the role of ethnicity.
'A fluidly readable, fascinating story that is enriched with extraordinarily well chosen quotations.'Historische Zeitschrift by Andreas Fahrmeir 'Clear, comprehensive, and compelling . . . now the definitive work on the history of citizenship in Germany.' Geoffry Cocks, Albion College'This book will be an ornament to Berg's German Studies list.' Anthony Nicholls, St. Antony's College, University of Oxford'Nathans succeeds in providing a comprehensive, multi-faceted overview of German citizenship policies useful to scholars of modern Europe. Detailed case studies as well as descriptions of general socio-cultural contexts enrich his perspective.'H-Net Book Review by Jennifer E. Walcoff, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill'Nathans provides the first comprehensive account in English, in a lucid style with telling quotations that make it ideal for classroom use. Nathans's account provides not only a fascinating survey of a complex subject, but stimulates furt
