The First World War destroyed the old European balance of power. In the heart of the continent, a basically strong and probably dangerous Germany remained. English and French Security, indeed European and world stability critically depended upon the containment of the Reich. How could a new equilibrium be devised, especially in the absence of a friendly Russian Great Power to the east and in view of America’s uncertain course in world politics? This book treats on a board canvas one vital aspect of the German Problem in 1919: the redistribution, through territorial change, of the elements of power between Germany and the victors.

This study and its conclusions are offered as a tentative reappraisal in the light of a new, fuller evidence and of longer perspectives on the subject.

Harold Nelson is Associate Professor of History in the University of Toronto. His major teaching experience has been at this university. From 1952 to 1959 he was Editor of International Journal, published by the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.

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