My interest in the topic of this book traces back over more than ten years to my interest in the history of political parties in pre- revolutionary Russia. To my late tutor Professor Reinhard Wittram, who guided me during my undergraduate and post-graduate days as a student at the University of Gottingen, lowe a special gratitude for giving my iiJ.terest its special focus. I. am indebted to him for my academic training more than this book may indicate. He did not see the results of his influence, but he followed my preparatory work with both sympathy and critical attention. My thanks are due equally to Professors Hans Roos (Bochum) and Rudolf Vierhaus (Gbttingen), whose constant advice and help meant continued encouragement. I am further obliged to Professors Dietrich Geyer (Tiibingen) and Hans Kaiset (Oldenburg) and their critical reading of the 1973 draft of my book. In 1977/78, during my revision of the manuscript and its preparation for publication, the most im- portant suggestions came to me from many discussions deep into the night with my friend Jurgen Jahnke. To the many others whose names do not appear here lowe my thanks for their help and encouragement.