Werner Pöls (born March 15, 1926, in Kassel; died July 15, 1989, in Braunschweig) was a prominent German historian specializing in modern German history. He was known for his work on the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly focusing on political and social history, the Wilhelmine era, the Weimar Republic, and the early Federal Republic of Germany.
Pöls studied history, German studies, and philosophy at the University of Marburg, where he earned his doctorate in 1952 with a dissertation on Ernst Moritz Arndt. After completing his habilitation in 1963, he became a lecturer and later an extraordinary professor at Marburg. In 1969, he was appointed full professor of modern history at the Technische Universität Braunschweig (Technical University of Braunschweig), a position he held until his death.
His research often explored the interplay between state, society, and political culture. He paid particular attention to the history of political ideas and the roles of intellectuals and elites in shaping historical developments. Pöls was highly regarded for his meticulous source criticism and nuanced interpretations, moving beyond simplistic narratives to analyze complex historical processes.
Key themes in his work included:
- The political and social structures of the German Empire (Wilhelmine era).
- The challenges and failures of the Weimar Republic.
- The continuities and ruptures in German history leading up to and following World War II.
- The historical consciousness and its role in national identity.
Among his significant publications are works on Bismarck's era, the history of anti-Semitism, and the German student movement. He also contributed significantly to historical education and served on various historical commissions and boards. His work remains influential in the study of modern German history.