jjares reviewed History of Germany: A Captivating Guide to German History, Starting from 1871 through the First World War, Weimar Republic, and World War II to the Present on + 3270 more book reviews
This is a very clear explanation of how Germany became a country in 1871. I particularly enjoyed the thumbnail sketches of the important figures because understanding the person helps understand their actions (or lack thereof). We often hear that WWI occurred because the Archduke was murdered in Sarajevo. However, this book takes more time and explains more facts surrounding the beginning of the war (including the fact that Archduke Franz Ferdinand was very unpopular).
The discussion about the German U-boats was also quite interesting. Looking from today's perspective, the Treaty of Versailles was too hard on the Germans. But this book shows that there were political movements within Germany, as well as huge political changes taking effect in the Ottoman Empire and the Astro-Hungarian Empire, all making movements after the first world war.
The explanation of why some folks are anti-Semitic was also interesting. That prefaced the explanation of what happened to the Jews in Germany and why people weren't willing to take a stand (the punishment could be the same as for the Jews, namely, beatings, killing, or being sent to a camp). The admission that the eradication of the Jews was more important than winning WWII was a startling statement, but the author proved his point. It was also a surprise to hear the litany of others killed in the camps: Roma (formerly called Gypsies), homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses, political prisoners, (and the first to die at Auschwitz gas chambers were) Russian prisoners of war.
This is an overview of Germany from the country's inception to its current status. By giving the big picture, it wove together pieces of the puzzle I've read at different times, to create one, unified view of the history of the Germans. Another strength of this very fine work is telling the 'why' of things. This book was so enjoyable; it wasn't a recitation of battles, it was an explanation of how and why things happened.
The discussion about the German U-boats was also quite interesting. Looking from today's perspective, the Treaty of Versailles was too hard on the Germans. But this book shows that there were political movements within Germany, as well as huge political changes taking effect in the Ottoman Empire and the Astro-Hungarian Empire, all making movements after the first world war.
The explanation of why some folks are anti-Semitic was also interesting. That prefaced the explanation of what happened to the Jews in Germany and why people weren't willing to take a stand (the punishment could be the same as for the Jews, namely, beatings, killing, or being sent to a camp). The admission that the eradication of the Jews was more important than winning WWII was a startling statement, but the author proved his point. It was also a surprise to hear the litany of others killed in the camps: Roma (formerly called Gypsies), homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses, political prisoners, (and the first to die at Auschwitz gas chambers were) Russian prisoners of war.
This is an overview of Germany from the country's inception to its current status. By giving the big picture, it wove together pieces of the puzzle I've read at different times, to create one, unified view of the history of the Germans. Another strength of this very fine work is telling the 'why' of things. This book was so enjoyable; it wasn't a recitation of battles, it was an explanation of how and why things happened.
