Franc, Jean-Michel/Autengruber, Michael Le Reich ses décorations et ses insignes 1914-1918

The American diplomat and historian George Frost Kennan described the First World War as the seminal catastrophe of the 20th century, thereby agreeing with Lyautey, who proclaimed in Morocco in August 1914, upon hearing of the declaration of war: This is the greatest piece of nonsense the world has ever committed. Even though this war was physically and morally unbearable for the French and their allies, it should not be forgotten that this was also true for the Germans, who had to endure the additional frustration and shame of losing it. German culture is renowned for its brilliance, both in literature, music, the visual arts and architecture, as well as in painting, furniture making and porcelain production. This brilliance can be found in the design of medals and decorations up to the 18th century and continued in this field until 1918. The care with which enamel, metal engraving and assembly were carried out to Swiss watchmaking standards is unsurpassed. Particularly noteworthy are the goldsmiths from Dresden in Saxony and Berlin in Prussia. After highlighting the complexity of the administrative and political systems of the Second Reich, this book aims to explain the diversity of certain orders and all medals of the First World War, which differ from state to state, even though all these states belong to the German Empire, whose emperor is Wilhelm II, who is also King of Prussia.