Julie's Reviews > The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany
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Julie's review
bookshelves: classic, war-conflict, history-non-fiction, read-2012, best-of-2012
May 15, 2011
bookshelves: classic, war-conflict, history-non-fiction, read-2012, best-of-2012
Three years ago I implemented a personal tradition: to read a "Monster Classic" each year. This is my term, referring to a piece of writing that is great in reputation and girth. The how and when of it is to begin the Monster mid-summer and read it in fits and starts over the course of several months, with a goal of finishing before the end of the year. The why of it isn't so simple. Most avid readers I know have daunting lists of books they want to or feel they should read. I'm no different, but life is too short for
shoulds.
I'm after something that will change the way I look at writing, at storytelling, at the world.
Without intention, my Monster Classics have been built on the premise of, or are greatly informed by, war. Two years ago I read Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain, an allegorical tale shaped largely by Mann's reaction to World War I; last year, Tolstoy brought me War and Peace, that gorgeous and profound tale of Russia during the Napoleanic era.
This summer I turned from fiction to narrative non-fiction. World War II has long fascinated and disturbed me. I've sought, without success, to reconcile the incongruous romance of this war - the films, music, literature that conjure a sense of the heroic and of solidarity, the "Greatest Generation" united as Allies - with its human suffering so incomprehensible that the mind struggles against its limits to accept what the eyes witness in words and photos.
I selected The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich for perhaps the same reason that millions before me have: to understand how one man created a machine of slaughter out of a country in shambles. After 1264 pages in six weeks, I am still bewildered. Of course I knew the external conditions: the carving up of Germany after WWI, the political disaster that the Treaty of Versailles put into motion, the desperate economic conditions in Germany as the Depression ground what little economy it had left into grist. But this diminutive Austrian who so captured the imagination and bent the will of a once-proud nation -- how did he do it? Why did he? And why did so many follow him into the hell of his creation?
William Shirer, a longtime foreign correspondent, worked in the Third Reich from 1934 to 1940, leaving only when it became clear he and his family were no longer safe. He returned to Germany in 1945 to report on the Nuremberg trials. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich was published in 1960, barely a generation after the end of the war.
Because of Shirer's proximity and access to the majors players of the Third Reich and certainly because war was exploding all around him, the book has an immediacy and intimacy that sets it apart from a traditional historical examination of events. It also contains Shirer's interpretations, suppositions and ruminations.
As an American of German-Italian-Norwegian descent, I had a very hard time with Shirer's characterization of Germans as possessing a predilection for cruelty and war. There are few nations that remain exempt from this pointed finger. But it begs the question that even Shirer could not answer: how did the atrocities of the war escape the outrage of the German people? Shirer presents clues and circumstances which serve as a caution to us all. And many of which I recognize in today's socially and politically polarized America that feeds on propaganda and is increasingly indulgent of politicians' idiocy and rejection of facts.
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is thick with military history - this is a book about war. That may seem obvious, but do not expect a sociological narrative. Shirer is a great journalist, which assumes certain skill in telling a story that will appeal to a lay audience. But this book, after its introduction to Hitler and his early life, uses the major events, invasions and battles of World War II to show the creation of an empire.
It is a testament to Shirer's skill that I became so caught up in the details of Hitler's conquests and defeats. Although I have read books about individual battles, I have never followed a comprehensive history of the European theatre. It was astonishing to read on-the-ground reports as nearly all of Europe fell at Germany's feet in a short period, then to sit above it all and witness Hitler's increasing megalomania that spelled out his downfall.
It is dense. It is detailed. It is exhausting, exhaustive, overwhelming and shattering. To read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is to have your heart broken again and again. Yet, to hold history at arm's length is to guarantee that it will be repeated.
Without intention, my Monster Classics have been built on the premise of, or are greatly informed by, war. Two years ago I read Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain, an allegorical tale shaped largely by Mann's reaction to World War I; last year, Tolstoy brought me War and Peace, that gorgeous and profound tale of Russia during the Napoleanic era.
This summer I turned from fiction to narrative non-fiction. World War II has long fascinated and disturbed me. I've sought, without success, to reconcile the incongruous romance of this war - the films, music, literature that conjure a sense of the heroic and of solidarity, the "Greatest Generation" united as Allies - with its human suffering so incomprehensible that the mind struggles against its limits to accept what the eyes witness in words and photos.
I selected The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich for perhaps the same reason that millions before me have: to understand how one man created a machine of slaughter out of a country in shambles. After 1264 pages in six weeks, I am still bewildered. Of course I knew the external conditions: the carving up of Germany after WWI, the political disaster that the Treaty of Versailles put into motion, the desperate economic conditions in Germany as the Depression ground what little economy it had left into grist. But this diminutive Austrian who so captured the imagination and bent the will of a once-proud nation -- how did he do it? Why did he? And why did so many follow him into the hell of his creation?
William Shirer, a longtime foreign correspondent, worked in the Third Reich from 1934 to 1940, leaving only when it became clear he and his family were no longer safe. He returned to Germany in 1945 to report on the Nuremberg trials. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich was published in 1960, barely a generation after the end of the war.
Because of Shirer's proximity and access to the majors players of the Third Reich and certainly because war was exploding all around him, the book has an immediacy and intimacy that sets it apart from a traditional historical examination of events. It also contains Shirer's interpretations, suppositions and ruminations.
As an American of German-Italian-Norwegian descent, I had a very hard time with Shirer's characterization of Germans as possessing a predilection for cruelty and war. There are few nations that remain exempt from this pointed finger. But it begs the question that even Shirer could not answer: how did the atrocities of the war escape the outrage of the German people? Shirer presents clues and circumstances which serve as a caution to us all. And many of which I recognize in today's socially and politically polarized America that feeds on propaganda and is increasingly indulgent of politicians' idiocy and rejection of facts.
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is thick with military history - this is a book about war. That may seem obvious, but do not expect a sociological narrative. Shirer is a great journalist, which assumes certain skill in telling a story that will appeal to a lay audience. But this book, after its introduction to Hitler and his early life, uses the major events, invasions and battles of World War II to show the creation of an empire.
It is a testament to Shirer's skill that I became so caught up in the details of Hitler's conquests and defeats. Although I have read books about individual battles, I have never followed a comprehensive history of the European theatre. It was astonishing to read on-the-ground reports as nearly all of Europe fell at Germany's feet in a short period, then to sit above it all and witness Hitler's increasing megalomania that spelled out his downfall.
It is dense. It is detailed. It is exhausting, exhaustive, overwhelming and shattering. To read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is to have your heart broken again and again. Yet, to hold history at arm's length is to guarantee that it will be repeated.
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Reading Progress
May 15, 2011
– Shelved
July 14, 2012
–
Started Reading
July 14, 2012
– Shelved as:
history-non-fiction
July 14, 2012
– Shelved as:
war-conflict
July 14, 2012
– Shelved as:
classic
July 15, 2012
–
4.36%
"What if Hitler's grandfather had not recognized Hitler's father's paternity? Historians think it unlikely that "Heil Schicklgruber" would have frenzied the masses into madness."
page
50
July 16, 2012
–
20.84%
"I can do about 200 pages over a couple of days, then I'll need a break. And time to scan what I've just read, to keep it all straight. Freakin' footnotes."
page
239
July 25, 2012
–
20.84%
"Time to dip back in. Timing is everything. Reading about 1936 Berlin Olympics on the eve of 2012 Games in London...."
page
239
July 25, 2012
–
23.98%
"P 248 parallels to nazi propaganda & network /cable news "...seemingly educated and intelligent persons...parroting some piece of nonsense they had heard on the radio or read in the papers.""
page
275
July 27, 2012
–
34.0%
"P 292: March 1936, Hitler marches into Rhineland. France appeals to Britain for support. No go. To me, this, not Austrian Anschluss or Sudetenland, was the start of WWII. So many chances to thwart Nazis & so many kept on blinders. Chamberlain was a wanker. P 341 Austria gives in. Helpless. Not a shot is fired- Hitler's threats enough. P 362 1st directive of propaganda warfare. Czech intends to resist."
page
390
July 28, 2012
–
39.67%
"Czechoslovakia handed over to Hitler by Chamberlain. Hitler upset because he didn't want an easy victory. He wanted a smash Czechoslovakia and grab the Sudetenland. He falls to the carpet when Czechoslovakia resists, tearing it with his teeth. Then sulks when he can't fight back.
Poland is next. Time to take a break for a couple of weeks."
page
455
Poland is next. Time to take a break for a couple of weeks."
August 11, 2012
–
41.85%
"Lithuania- last bloodless conquest. Now sights set on Poland, which won't give in without a fight. Britain finally offers support. No one trusts Russia."
page
480
August 12, 2012
–
48.47%
"Mussolini tells Hitler, Italy will support your attack on Poland only if you send us the military supplies we need to fight the inevitable counter attack on Italy by France & Britain. "Yes, but..." doesn't sit well with Adolph."
page
556
August 14, 2012
–
61.12%
"Poland is lost. More than any other country, it was Poland he sought to annihilate. A crossroads of West & East. It has suffered so much. Denmark cedes, Norway puts up a fight."
page
701
August 16, 2012
–
69.05%
"May 1940, Belgium & Netherlands surrender. June 4, Dunkirk falls & German Army barrels through to Paris. Swastika unfurled on Eiffel Tower June 14. France signs Armistice in same spot where German empire capitulated to the West on November 11, 1918. By Hitler's design, of course. From Sept 7 to November 3, 1940, London bombed every night, an average of 200 bombers. Yet here, Hitler fails."
page
792
August 20, 2012
–
78.73%
"Hitler assumes he can conquer Russia in a matter of weeks, pg 812 "Egomania, that fatal disease of all conquerors, was taking hold."
March, 1941. Hitler delays Russian invasion to take on Yugloslavia, which just pissed him off. This decision would be the start of his undoing. "Barbarossa" was doomed to fail, but not before millions of lives were sacrificed. Two monsters are destined to meet."
page
903
March, 1941. Hitler delays Russian invasion to take on Yugloslavia, which just pissed him off. This decision would be the start of his undoing. "Barbarossa" was doomed to fail, but not before millions of lives were sacrificed. Two monsters are destined to meet."
August 26, 2012
–
88.4%
"Stalingrad, North Africa: defeats for Hitler that crush his offensive. A devastating chapter detailing the Nazi death machines. And Mussolini's fall. I'm exhausted."
page
1014
August 28, 2012
– Shelved as:
best-of-2012
August 28, 2012
– Shelved as:
read-2012
August 28, 2012
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 90 (90 new)
message 1:
by
Julie
(new)
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rated it 5 stars
Jul 14, 2012 08:58PM
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
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![Jenine](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1262211811p1/54472.jpg)
![Suzanne](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1352731541p1/3739451.jpg)
![Jill](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1716999460p1/2228181.jpg)
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
This has long been one of my favorite quotes - “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain
Although Twain refers to a literal voyage, I think it applies to literary voyages, as well...
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
Shirer examines Hitler's methodology, which relied heavily on propaganda. It is chilling to see the parallels in today's media...
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
So very true. Sadly, the timelines of world history seem to be marked predominately by wars waged. The 20th century conflicts seemed endless. 21st doesn't seem to offer much hope that we'll be any different..
![Jill](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1716999460p1/2228181.jpg)
![Sherri](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1296403653p1/1231805.jpg)
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
Cheers, Julie
![Nandakishore Mridula](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1583648733p1/6237864.jpg)
Fine review!
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
That this book is so relevant now is sickening. I understand and agree completely. These are dark, frightening times. And I rise up in anger and conviction. We, warriors for justice and compassion, will prevail.
![Nandakishore Mridula](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1583648733p1/6237864.jpg)
May the force be with you!
![David Ansara](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1514413811p1/75599166.jpg)
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
Hah, David- that's great! I still need to select my "MC" for 2018, and here it is August, already!
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
![Nandakishore Mridula](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1583648733p1/6237864.jpg)
The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: Economic Change and Military Conflict from 1500 to 2000
![Layth](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1536344684p1/86454236.jpg)
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
Excellent, Layth!
![Gonzo Punkstick](https://cdn.statically.io/img/s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_25x33-ccd24e68f4773d33a41ce08c3a34892e.png)
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
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![Stelladonna Leone](https://cdn.statically.io/img/s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_25x33-ccd24e68f4773d33a41ce08c3a34892e.png)
![David Ansara](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1514413811p1/75599166.jpg)
![José Cruz Parker](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1616341416p1/74081595.jpg)
![Robert Cruthirds](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1581311040p1/12593643.jpg)
As you pointed out, Shirer was not only a journalist but a witness to many of the events leading up to the beginning of the war. He also describes the twisting, winding path the war took and how perilously close Britain was to being defeated in the fall of 1940.
There are so many take aways from reading this book. But I'll mention just one so this comment doesn't get too long. I really got the sense from Shirer that a majority of Germans who remembered WWI wanted no part of another war. I really don't think most Germans adhered to the so-called stabbed in the back theory after Versailles. But Hitler did and used it to motivate the younger generation.
Finally, the real tragedy was that Hitler and the Wehrmacht could have been defeated if France and Britain had attacked Germany from the West during the invasion of Poland in 1939. That would have guaranteed no blitzkrieg against France in the spring of 1940.
![Anshuman Sen](https://cdn.statically.io/img/s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_25x33-ccd24e68f4773d33a41ce08c3a34892e.png)
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
I will look for this, Julian- thank you!
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
Hi Marina,
I've dipped in and out of Proust over the years (I was a French major and challenged myself to reading the original). Someday, when a day job does not get in the way, I will take on the full challenge!
![Julie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.gr-assets.com/users/1699138619p1/1213607.jpg)
And here we are, December 2020, living even closer to this nightmare... may we soon wake up...