My Four Years in Germany

"My Four Years in Germany" by James W. Gerard is a memoir offering a firsthand look at Germany in the years leading up to and during World War I. The book chronicles Gerard's time as the U.S. Ambassador to Germany from 1913 to 1917, showing the complex workings of German society, politics, and its military mindset during a time of great change. Gerard begins by describing his appointment as Ambassador and the difficulties he faced in German politics, recalling his voyage on the "Imperator" and his meetings with important people, and highlighting the subtle details of his diplomatic duties. Gerard keenly observes significant political happenings, noting public feelings about militarism and the approaching war, and explains the societal atmosphere he experienced, clarifying the differences between what the public believed and the military's strong hold on the German Empire.