René Brunet
The New German Constitution
"The New German Constitution" by René Brunet is a scholarly examination of the German constitutional changes following World War I, written in the early 20th century. This treatise delves into the political upheaval that led to the establishment of the Weimar Republic, highlighting the transition from the imperial structure to a more democratic system characterized by a conflict of political forces. Brunet, a professor of constitutional law, offers a systematic analysis of the new government framework shaped by social, economic, and political pressures following the abdication of the monarchy. The beginning of the work outlines the profound impacts of the November 1918 revolution, which dismantled the old imperial regime and ushered in a new governmental structure. Brunet emphasizes the tumultuous journey from the previous Constitution of 1871 to the revolutionary changes that ultimately resulted in the creation of the Weimar Constitution. He notes the struggle between socialist factions within the newly formed Workers' and Soldiers' Councils and the Social Democrats, who sought to draft a more democratic and representative constitution. Through this exploration, the opening chapters set the stage for a detailed discussion on the complexities of the constitutional process and the nature of political power in post-war Germany.