Offers a history of the vanished state from its beginning as a group of territorial fragments to its rise to become one of the most powerful nations in Europe, detailing Prussia's influential and critical role in modern times and its dissolution by the Allies after World War II.

In the aftermath of World War II, Prussia -- a centuries old state pivotal to Europe's development -- ceased to exist. In their eagerness to erase all traces of the third Reich from the earth, the Allies believed that Prussia, the very embodiment of German militarism, had to be abolished. But Prussia's legacy is far more complex. Though now a fading memory in Europe's heartland, the true story of Prussia offers a remarkable glimpse into the dynamic rise of modern Europe.

The Hohenzollerns of Brandenburg -- Devastation -- An extraordinary light in Germany -- Majesty -- Protestants -- Powers in the land -- Struggle for mastery -- Dare to know! -- Hubris and nemesis : 1789-1806 -- The world the bureaucrats made -- A time of iron -- God's march through history -- Escalation -- Splendour and misery of the Prussian Revolution -- Four wars -- Merged into Germany -- Endings.