Originally published in 1957, this study shows what the various sections of the Germans of every rank and class were thinking of the ruling men, how far they supported or opposed them, what were their wishes, hopes and fears, prejudices, ideals and standards of right and wrong. The influence of foreign thought, and parallels with the development of other nations is also discussed. The diverse sources used for research for this volume include religious and legal writings, literature, broadsheets, verses of minstrels, folk-songs and later, newspapers.