Complete Idiot's Guide to Nazi Germany

by Robert Smith Thompson, Alan Axelrod

Covers 19th century events that led to Nazi Germany, Prussian militarism, the nationalism that led to a unified Germany in 1871, and the road to World War I.

Follows Hitler's formative political years and imprisonment, the growing political unrest during the Great Depression, the Nazi seizure of power and arming of the German state.

A comprehensive guide to the Third Reich, this book chronicles the events leading up to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to the downfall of both.

Genres: History, Germany, Nonfiction, World War II

355 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2003

Reviews

[Susan Liston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always thinking that one of these days I'm going to tackle The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich and I never do. I thought this would make a good warm up. And it was, as all these idiot and dummies books are, perfect for an idiotic dummy like myself, lots of information, easy to read. Of course now I'm thoroughly sick of Nazis, so I have to give them a rest for a bit.

I should mention that this book begins with Bismark's rise to power, through World War I in a very clear and concise narrative. Great for anyone just beginning to read about this period, still confused by it, or in need of a refresher.

[Harvey A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent detailed history of WW II and Nazi Germany

A fascinating and extremely comprehensive presentation of the history of the second world war. It answered a number of questions I had about those tumultuous times.

[Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fine history of the rise and fall of German Naziism starting with the consolidation of Prussia under Bismarck, the role of world war I, the disastrous treaty of Versailles and the Great Depression. Many surprising details you have likely not seen elsewhere.

[Ananova · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who is addicted to WWII era history, especially Germany, & the Eastern front...I saw this book & assumed it was going to be awful. I mean look at the name of it! I assumed that it would do the whole, “Hitler was such a loser, & a mad man, he was a failed artist, & that was the reason for his anger.” Or something along the lines of “his art teacher that failed him was Jewish. *dramatic music*” ...you get the idea, I figured it would be a very shallow, bias, essentially untrue account of Nazi Germany, & Hitler - I was wrong.

While it doesn’t ever go into great detail on anything (as it actually spans from 1815 - 1946) that’s okay because it covers *just enough* for those that want to know, who don’t know. If you’ve ever wondered in basic/general terms about HOW & WHY Nazi Germany came to be, & have the IQ high enough to know it wasn’t just “an evil man who wanted total power” - then this will...be a good enough start to get your foot in the door. To someone who knows nothing about Nazi Germany, this book will feel like it covers EVERYTHING! It’ll give you actually probably more than you felt you even needed to know, & for that reason, this book impressed me on that basis.

However, how does it hold up in the eyes of someone like myself who is well read on 1930s - 1940s war time?? Very meh. If you, like myself feel like a amateur WWII Historian (lol) due to the hours you’ve spent reading, Antony Beevor (Stalingrad) Albert Speer (Inside the Third Reich) Alan Clark (Barbarossa) John Toland, Trevor Roper, Glantz, Ambrose & the rest of the amazing authors/Historians on WW2 - you won’t learn ...dare I say...ANYTHING? That’s okay though, this book obviously wasn’t written for me, or those like me, it’s written for those who like I said, that don’t know, but want to know. However, for the most part I appreciate that it gets most things correct...there are some suspect details in it, but that’s really to be expected even with the best.

3* because while this book does nothing for me, I appreciate what it WILL do for less educated on Nazi Germany.

If I can offer one piece of advice for ANYONE that is getting into WW2, or even WW1 or really any war time era literature - always remember: History IS written by the winners/victors.

[Timothy S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an amazing book, the book holds very fascinating details about nazi Germany. It talks about hitler and his army conquering lands. Though Aldolf hitler was killed unespectily, loosing World War One and his army being destroyed. This book is about hitler killing Jews, trying to take over the world. 1993 to 2945 under command of Aldolf hitler. Events had led to Nazism and the near victory of axis power sin world war 2. Though you don't need look up this fascinating piece of nazis. The complete idiots guide will inform you about hitler, his army, great heros who tried to stop this, nazi Germany reveals everything you need to know

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing and summaries at the end of chapters and at the end of the book. I feel I know much of what I needed to know. I have a copy of Mein Kampf and an Atlas of the Third Reich to read. If I don't get through those books by the time they're due, this covered enough that I won't need to spend more time on this topic.

[Robu-sensei · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent overview of the genesis and history of Hitler's régime. However, the book suffers from overly folksy and awkward writing in places, and several times the author makes bold speculations that I'm pretty sure aren't true.

[Benjamin Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a Good Book to start with and end with as far as this subject goes.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good beginners book about the rise and fall of Nazi Germany.

[Belle Meade School]

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