Published in 1949, Rehearsal for Destruction by Paul Massing is a scholarly study of political antisemitism in Imperial Germany between 1871 and 1914. The book examines how various political factions—conservatives, liberals, religious groups, and members of the petty bourgeoisie—used antisemitic rhetoric and sentiment as a strategic tool to gain influence and consolidate power. Massing argues that antisemitism was not confined to fringe movements but was embedded in the broader political and social fabric of the era. The work traces the failure of Germany to develop a liberal, bourgeois society akin to Western models. Instead, traditional elites such as the Junkers retained political control and, when threatened, leveraged antisemitism to rally support from disaffected social groups. Massing also explores the role of the Social Democrats, who opposed antisemitism on principle but underestimated its political potency and social impact. Structured as a historical analysis, the book combines narrative with extensive documentation, including a detailed appendix of primary sources. It was published as part of the Studies in Prejudice series by the American Jewish Committee and is considered a foundational text in understanding the preconditions for racial ideology in 20th-century Europe. * Singerman #35