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The Chief Culprit: Stalin's Grand Design to Start World War II
Bestselling author Victor Suvorov probes newly released Soviet documents and reevaluates existing material to analyze Stalin's strategic design to conquer Europe and the reasons behind his controversial support for Nazi Germany. A former Soviet army intelligence officer, the author explains that Stalin's strategy leading up to World War II grew from Vladimir Lenin's belief that if World War I did not ignite the worldwide Communist revolution, then a second world war would be needed to achieve it. Stalin saw Nazi Germany as the power that would fight and weaken capitalist countries so that Soviet armies could then sweep across Europe. Suvorov reveals how Stalin conspired with German leaders to bypass the Versailles Treaty, which forbade German rearmament, and secretly trained German engineers and officers and provided bases and factories for war. He also calls attention to the 1939 nonaggression pact between the Soviet Union and Germany that allowed Hitler to proceed with his plans to invade Poland, fomenting war in Europe. Suvorov debunks the theory that Stalin was duped by Hitler and that the Soviet Union was a victim of Nazi aggression. Instead, he makes the case that Stalin neither feared Hitler nor mistakenly trusted him. Suvorov maintains that after Germany occupied Poland, defeated France, and started to prepare for an invasion of Great Britain, Hitler's intelligence services detected the Soviet Union's preparations for a major war against Germany. This detection, he argues, led to Germany's preemptive war plan and the launch of an invasion of the USSR. Stalin emerges from the pages of this book as a diabolical genius consumed by visions of a worldwide Communist revolution at any cost--a leader who wooed Hitler and Germany in his own effort to conquer the world. In contradicting traditional theories about Soviet planning, the book is certain to provoke debate among historians throughout the world.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
36 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Viktor Suvorov
75 books190 followersFormer Soviet-Union army officer fled in 1978 to England. Where he worked as a teacher and a adviser for news agencies.
Author of a number of bestsellers about the history of the World War II, the Soviet Army special operations troops and military intelligence, and the Red Army.
He is one of the historians who believes that Hitler started the war against Russia to prevent Stalin attacking Germany first.
See also Виктор Суворов and Wiktor Suworow
Author of a number of bestsellers about the history of the World War II, the Soviet Army special operations troops and military intelligence, and the Red Army.
He is one of the historians who believes that Hitler started the war against Russia to prevent Stalin attacking Germany first.
See also Виктор Суворов and Wiktor Suworow
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 3, 2012
According to Suvorov, Stalin and not Hitler was responsible for the outbreak of World War II, and that when Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941, Stalin was preparing an invasion of Europe only a few weeks further on. The Red Army was much more powerful than the Wehrmacht, but was practically destroyed in the first months of the campaign because it was deployed and concentrated close to the USSR's western borders and not in depth for defense. This is obviously a historical controversy, but Suvorov has convincing arguments, as well as an engaging style. Worth the time it takes to read if you have an interest in the history of the Second World War.
May 31, 2019
Amazing book!! It completed changed my view regarding the facts and characters of World War II (of the entire XX century in fact). Excelent explanation of facts, deals and military strategy. Only downside is the excess of facts to explain two central arguments.
August 25, 2015
This is an expanded version of Ice-Breaker: Who Started the Second World War? The pros and cons of his thesis that Stalin was responsible for starting WWII and that Hitler's invasion of USSR was to preempt Stalin's invasion of Europe can be found here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_...
He is beginning to gather some support for his ideas. it is natural that he would be resisted as historians have pretty much stuck to the Soviet line that "they were not ready, Stalin was incompetent, etc". Some Russian historians are certainly opposed to Suvorov and apparently an Israeli one as well.
One of the criticisms is that Suvorov doesn't cite his sources. But as he said, forget the documents, simply look at what was done and weigh it as for attack or defence.
He is beginning to gather some support for his ideas. it is natural that he would be resisted as historians have pretty much stuck to the Soviet line that "they were not ready, Stalin was incompetent, etc". Some Russian historians are certainly opposed to Suvorov and apparently an Israeli one as well.
One of the criticisms is that Suvorov doesn't cite his sources. But as he said, forget the documents, simply look at what was done and weigh it as for attack or defence.
October 29, 2023
Eye-opening. This should be required reading for everyone. It is my number one recommended history book. He might be my favorite author, in the sense that I learned the most. The language feels a bit disorderly at times, possibly translation issues.
He explicitly says that he is trying to provide a strong counterpoint to the prevailing conventional wisdom, not to make an even-sided argument. As such the accusation that he's "not looking at it neutrally" is moot. While some interpretations might be exaggerated, it's hard to deny the overall case.
Re-read about half of it in 2023.
He explicitly says that he is trying to provide a strong counterpoint to the prevailing conventional wisdom, not to make an even-sided argument. As such the accusation that he's "not looking at it neutrally" is moot. While some interpretations might be exaggerated, it's hard to deny the overall case.
Re-read about half of it in 2023.
April 22, 2009
A must read for WWII history buffs. It points out the lies and propaganda the western world was fed about Stalin and the Soviet Union. Filled with so much detail and evidence it kind of becomes difficult to get through at times.
February 11, 2019
Viktor Suvorov's book "The Chief Culprit" profoundly challenges the standard textbook narrative of the Second World War. This book has forever altered my interpretation of how WWII truly unfolded.
The central thesis of the book can be divided into three arguments:
1. Stalin's grand aim, even years before the war ever began, was to conquer all of Europe.
2. Stalin manipulated Hitler into invading Poland knowing that it would drag France and Britain into a major war against Germany, weakening them all.
3. In the summer of 1941, Stalin had initiated the most massive military mobilization in history, and was within weeks or even days of launching a sudden strike against Germany (and a seizure of the Romanian oil fields, Germany's only source of oil). However, Hitler had deduced Stalin's aim by the end of 1940 and decided to preemptively strike.
The translation isn't great, and I suspect that even in Russian elegant prose is not Suvorov's strength. The first quarter of the book was a bit of a slog, as I remained skeptical of Suvorov's central thesis and did not feel that he was presenting any "smoking gun" evidence to support his argument.
By the mid-point of the book however, the gravity of Suvorov's documentary evidence reaches a critical mass and the book becomes a page turner. This book shatters the Western consensus narrative of the Second World War, and when the evidence presented for Suvorov's thesis reaches the point of being simply overwhelming, the value and relevance of this book is clarified.
One of the most important history books I've ever read. A must read for anyone who values truth over consensus narrative. "The Chief Culprit" will reorient your entire perspective on the war.
The central thesis of the book can be divided into three arguments:
1. Stalin's grand aim, even years before the war ever began, was to conquer all of Europe.
2. Stalin manipulated Hitler into invading Poland knowing that it would drag France and Britain into a major war against Germany, weakening them all.
3. In the summer of 1941, Stalin had initiated the most massive military mobilization in history, and was within weeks or even days of launching a sudden strike against Germany (and a seizure of the Romanian oil fields, Germany's only source of oil). However, Hitler had deduced Stalin's aim by the end of 1940 and decided to preemptively strike.
The translation isn't great, and I suspect that even in Russian elegant prose is not Suvorov's strength. The first quarter of the book was a bit of a slog, as I remained skeptical of Suvorov's central thesis and did not feel that he was presenting any "smoking gun" evidence to support his argument.
By the mid-point of the book however, the gravity of Suvorov's documentary evidence reaches a critical mass and the book becomes a page turner. This book shatters the Western consensus narrative of the Second World War, and when the evidence presented for Suvorov's thesis reaches the point of being simply overwhelming, the value and relevance of this book is clarified.
One of the most important history books I've ever read. A must read for anyone who values truth over consensus narrative. "The Chief Culprit" will reorient your entire perspective on the war.
October 1, 2010
Excellent. Brimming with stunning facts and disclosures.Highly polemical.
Suvorov . a prominent Soviet dissident who served in the GRU,has given interpretation about outbreak of World War 2. He disputes established wisdom that Soviet union was an innocent victim of Nazi aggression.To the contrary ,author argues, Stalin planned to invade Germany. Secret mobilisation of forces had been going on for sometime as Soviets started massed troops,tanks,artillery,warplanes along its western borders.
Hitler guessed Stalin's intentions. Wehrmacht now poised invade British Isles took an u turn. In short, Stalin raised an axe . Before he could bring his axe down, Hitler jumped at him.Irony of this book is world escaped a Soviet style only by a whisker. It was Fuhrer who saved us from this calamity.
I feel this book has stirred a hornets nest. Veracity of its contents will be continued to debated for several years to come.
Suvorov . a prominent Soviet dissident who served in the GRU,has given interpretation about outbreak of World War 2. He disputes established wisdom that Soviet union was an innocent victim of Nazi aggression.To the contrary ,author argues, Stalin planned to invade Germany. Secret mobilisation of forces had been going on for sometime as Soviets started massed troops,tanks,artillery,warplanes along its western borders.
Hitler guessed Stalin's intentions. Wehrmacht now poised invade British Isles took an u turn. In short, Stalin raised an axe . Before he could bring his axe down, Hitler jumped at him.Irony of this book is world escaped a Soviet style only by a whisker. It was Fuhrer who saved us from this calamity.
I feel this book has stirred a hornets nest. Veracity of its contents will be continued to debated for several years to come.
November 8, 2022
Excellent book by Mr. Suvorov which proves that Stalin was going to overrun Europe with his hordes.Hitler merely decided to strike before to stop the Soviets.
January 25, 2016
This book changed what I thought I knew about World War II.
Read
August 21, 2014Eye opener
Mr. Suvorov has done a great service in the writing and researching of this excellent work. He challenges thoroughly and systematically most of the assumptions we as westerners have about the build-up to the Second World War. In the course ofso doing, he leaves a major question on the table: should Nazi Germany be seen, in light of this evidence, as the savior of European civilization? As savior of Europe, did Germany save the world from Stalin and communism? These are extremely uncomfortable and hardly desirable conclusions. Yet we seem to have no choice. It should be noted that Mr. Suvorov is most certainly not a closeted Nazi from what I can gather. To find myself even considering for a moment that Hitler could be a hero, even if for the wrong reasons, is shocking. Did Germany, having realized it was duped, take the fall and pay the ultimate price to save Europe from communism? This book does explicitly say Germany's invasion ultimately caused the Soviet downfall and that Stalin quickly realized that fact. For me, the Soviet actions and unimaginable preparations for a preemptive strike on Nazi Europe are staggering. By extension, even more enlightening/horrifying are the adjustments we must make in our thoughts toward Germany. Those thoughts and conclusions are almost too difficult for me to want to make. This work will challenge what you think you know. Be prepared.
Mr. Suvorov has done a great service in the writing and researching of this excellent work. He challenges thoroughly and systematically most of the assumptions we as westerners have about the build-up to the Second World War. In the course ofso doing, he leaves a major question on the table: should Nazi Germany be seen, in light of this evidence, as the savior of European civilization? As savior of Europe, did Germany save the world from Stalin and communism? These are extremely uncomfortable and hardly desirable conclusions. Yet we seem to have no choice. It should be noted that Mr. Suvorov is most certainly not a closeted Nazi from what I can gather. To find myself even considering for a moment that Hitler could be a hero, even if for the wrong reasons, is shocking. Did Germany, having realized it was duped, take the fall and pay the ultimate price to save Europe from communism? This book does explicitly say Germany's invasion ultimately caused the Soviet downfall and that Stalin quickly realized that fact. For me, the Soviet actions and unimaginable preparations for a preemptive strike on Nazi Europe are staggering. By extension, even more enlightening/horrifying are the adjustments we must make in our thoughts toward Germany. Those thoughts and conclusions are almost too difficult for me to want to make. This work will challenge what you think you know. Be prepared.
October 14, 2020
Very interesting book. At first I was a bit annoyed with the boasting writing style, but I can't deny that Suvorov (real name Vladimir Bogdanovich Rezun) presents an overwhelming amount of evident and documents to support his analysis. I thought it was a bit suspicious that some documents were not clearly referenced, but at the very end of the book Suvorov explains this with the fact that many documents has been sent to him by "friends" who didn't give full information on where the documents were found, of exact dates or places.
It's awful to conclude that Hitler could very well had been stopped if Stalin hadn't seen him as a "useful idiot", and backed him to start his war against France. As Suvorov makes very clear Stalin wanted the Germans, or rather "Hitler's backers and Nazi party members" to do the dirty work, so that Stalin later could "save" the world from the evil capitalists and "free" the people to live happily under communist rule. Except the majority of his own people were never happy, and suffered terribly under Stalin. One can argue that they still suffer under a new dictator, Putin.
It's awful to conclude that Hitler could very well had been stopped if Stalin hadn't seen him as a "useful idiot", and backed him to start his war against France. As Suvorov makes very clear Stalin wanted the Germans, or rather "Hitler's backers and Nazi party members" to do the dirty work, so that Stalin later could "save" the world from the evil capitalists and "free" the people to live happily under communist rule. Except the majority of his own people were never happy, and suffered terribly under Stalin. One can argue that they still suffer under a new dictator, Putin.
April 29, 2014
I'm fairly certain Vladimir Putin read this book. Shows what a master strategist Stalin was during WWII and how he was able to manipulate the western powers into thinking he was not only benign, but on their side.
A must read for anyone wondering about the possibility of WWIII, given Russia's current destabilization of Ukraine. Also a must read for anyone with in-depth interest in WWII.
A must read for anyone wondering about the possibility of WWIII, given Russia's current destabilization of Ukraine. Also a must read for anyone with in-depth interest in WWII.
January 8, 2010
Suvorov presents extremely strong evidence that Stalin started WWII. A little dry and technical in places, but chock full of interesting information as we expect from this author.
June 17, 2012
Historically detailed; this may put the average reader off, but, historically, this book corrects history and sets it straight! The world needs to know the truth!
Read
May 18, 2023Carefully and in detail documents Stalin's preparation for the invasion of Europe, and also Stalin's manipulation of politics to get Hitler trapped in a war with Western powers.
Hitler hit the Russian invasion forces about two week before there were to attack. By that point Hitler had no other choice. The result was that instead of Stalin reaching the English channel by perhaps the end of 1942, if not sooner, with the whole of the resources of the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific at his disposal to prepare for the invasion of Britain, Stalin was delayed. (And Roosevelt would not have backed an invasion against his dear Uncle Joe.) This means that the Western powers got half way across Europe by the time Stalin did. In effect, Hitler ended up saving western Europe.
Hitler hit the Russian invasion forces about two week before there were to attack. By that point Hitler had no other choice. The result was that instead of Stalin reaching the English channel by perhaps the end of 1942, if not sooner, with the whole of the resources of the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific at his disposal to prepare for the invasion of Britain, Stalin was delayed. (And Roosevelt would not have backed an invasion against his dear Uncle Joe.) This means that the Western powers got half way across Europe by the time Stalin did. In effect, Hitler ended up saving western Europe.
October 3, 2021
Argues the case that Stalin was more directly responsible for the start of WW2 by his signing the Non-Aggression Pact with Germany AND his long term plan to upgrade, expand, mobilize the Red Army for a liberation (invasion) of Europe. Many good points, most to all arguable though fundamentally the USSR developed an offensive capability and deployment (as compared to defensive and in-depth). Given the attack on Finland, the occupation of the Baltic states, absorption of Bessarabia and invasion of Poland along with forward deployment of the Red Army there is much to rethink that situation. No smoking gun for those seeking confirmation.
September 29, 2022
Excellent. A few parts talk about weapons, tanks and aircrafts (which I read in part, but at times I skipped over)
The rest of the book is an eye-opener.
Absolutely recommended.
The rest of the book is an eye-opener.
Absolutely recommended.
December 7, 2022
Another great book I found on archive.org.
July 28, 2010
a pretty easy breazy read on the direction of early soviet industrial activities. my main complaint about this book is the lack reference and time dedicated to soviet buying and integration of american technologies during the great depression, especially in relation to ford.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews