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A review by nelsta
The End: The Defiance and Destruction of Hitler's Germany 1944-45 by Ian Kershaw
5.0
What a unique read! This book is the spiritual child of Shirer's "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" and a Ph.D. thesis. Ian Kershaw is a respected biographer of Adolf Hitler and he wields his expertise masterfully in this book. He immediately sets about dismantling many of the misconceptions and outright lies that coagulate like a noxious brume around the demise of the Nazi party. Was the Wehrmacht just following orders, its hands innocent of Nazi crimes? Were most Germans naively unaware of Hitler's real purpose? Were the people of Germany victims just as much as those who suffered elsewhere? Each of these questions is answered and Kershaw does not provide much room for subsequent debate. This book is a stunning evisceration of myths and misconceptions. It is a mic drop after a devastating dressing down.
Not only does Kershaw expertly argue his point, but he tells the story of the Third Reich's collapse, too. And he proves his point on every page. In fact, you could read this book, ignore its central premise altogether, and still come away marveling at his excellent story-telling abilities. But that would be like listening to one of Aesop's fables and then leaving, marvelling at the biologically-accurate descriptions of tortoises and hares.
This book endeavors to answer a central question: "Why did Germany hold out until the very end?" You might think to yourself, "I know the answer to this. It's obvious." I admit that I, too, thought this at the beginning. But let me ask you a question: Which of the following reasons do you think was the dominant reason Germany held out until the bitter end?
1. The increased dominance of the Nazi Party after July 1944
2. The prominence of Bormann, Goebbels, Himmler, and Speer
3. The terror instilled by the thought of Bolshevik occupation
4. The underlying German mentalities of organization and Hitler's rule
5. The willingness of high-ranking officials to continue working
6. The lingering popular support of Hitler after the attempt on his life in July 1944
7. Hitler's ferocious terror apparatus
All of these played a part, but one stands above the rest. If you're curious to learn the answer, I encourage you to read the book. It's worth it. If I had the power, I would staple "The End" to the back of every copy of Shirer's "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" and demand they be read in conjunction. I can't force you, but I strongly encourage you to do so.
Not only does Kershaw expertly argue his point, but he tells the story of the Third Reich's collapse, too. And he proves his point on every page. In fact, you could read this book, ignore its central premise altogether, and still come away marveling at his excellent story-telling abilities. But that would be like listening to one of Aesop's fables and then leaving, marvelling at the biologically-accurate descriptions of tortoises and hares.
This book endeavors to answer a central question: "Why did Germany hold out until the very end?" You might think to yourself, "I know the answer to this. It's obvious." I admit that I, too, thought this at the beginning. But let me ask you a question: Which of the following reasons do you think was the dominant reason Germany held out until the bitter end?
1. The increased dominance of the Nazi Party after July 1944
2. The prominence of Bormann, Goebbels, Himmler, and Speer
3. The terror instilled by the thought of Bolshevik occupation
4. The underlying German mentalities of organization and Hitler's rule
5. The willingness of high-ranking officials to continue working
6. The lingering popular support of Hitler after the attempt on his life in July 1944
7. Hitler's ferocious terror apparatus
All of these played a part, but one stands above the rest. If you're curious to learn the answer, I encourage you to read the book. It's worth it. If I had the power, I would staple "The End" to the back of every copy of Shirer's "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" and demand they be read in conjunction. I can't force you, but I strongly encourage you to do so.