Prussian Socialism Episode 31: German Military History since 1500

For most historians, German history is Prussian history. The Prussian tradition from Frederick William I onward explains the high proficiency of German armies from 1870-1945. But what about the other German states? What about Austria and Switzerland? Was the Prussian style of war--emphasizing speed, offensive power and detailed planning--the inevitable outcome of German history?

In his new book "Iron and Blood", historian Peter Wilson upturns this now conventional view. He attacks historians like Robert Citino (author of "The German Way of War") as being too focused on Prussia and too deterministic.

Gregory Conte and William discuss Wilson's book and argue about what its new views might mean for the people of Western Europe and America and their evil and incompetent governments.