Hitler

by David Welch

This work presents the historiographical debate surrounding Hitler and his role in the Third Reich. By focusing on the personality of Hitler and the nature of his power, the author tackles questions that are central to any understanding of National Socialism. Using a chronological framework, the basis of Hitler's authority and its endurance throughout the Third Reich is examined. In addition, his role in bringing about the Second World War and his responsibility for the Holocaust are explored and debated.

Genres: History

123 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book highly disappointing due to one set of events. Welch fails to correctly report the problem of Czechoslovakia or correctly explain the situation. Firstly, he does not refer to the President of the nation by the correct name. It is not Benes but Beneš, and in Czech that accent completely changes the pronunciation of the word. It is also, fundamentally, a spelling error that should not make it to a history text. Accents should be taken as seriously as letters. Welch fails to explain correctly the 'Sudeten Germans'. There is no explanation for how nationality was viewed at the time compared to now. These were not people who were previously part of Germany but moved through Versailles. These were people who migrated to what became Czechoslovakia generations before but still spoke German. Many cities across Czechoslovakia had German names and spoke German in official contexts. For those who have not studied that country in itself Welch totally misleads the reader. It is lazy and irresponsible work, especially given how Welch is known for being up to par.

It just makes me mistrust the rest of his text and now makes me very wary of his other works.