The German mission to lead Europe -- The Bismarckian Reich -- Wilhelm II and the drift into war -- One last great offensive -- Emperor, chancellor and military under a cloud -- The majority parties' view of the war -- Hertling's struggle to master his critics -- the parliamentarians and the military united against Hertling -- the resignation of Hertling -- Prince Max of Baden and efforts to conclude an armistice -- The end of the old order -- Assessment: the lost political unity.
