Martin Kitchen is a distinguished historian whose work centers on modern European history, with a particular focus on Germany. An emeritus professor, his extensive academic career has involved deep engagement with the complexities of historical processes. His research delves into the intricate forces that have shaped the European landscape, offering insightful perspectives on their enduring impact.
Focusing on the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this work delves into the interplay between economic history and broader political and social issues shaping the German political economy. It challenges traditional economic narratives by exploring how political and social factors influenced economic development during this transformative period.
The Politics of the German High Command under Hindenburg and Ludendorff, 1916-1918
The narrative explores the pivotal two years when the German army wielded significant power during World War I, focusing on the ascent of leaders Hindenburg and Ludendorff. It examines their influence amid the army's struggles to secure a decisive victory in the war's early phases, providing a critical analysis of military strategy and leadership during a crucial period in history.
Murder and Mystery in Provence
The brutal murders of a British family in rural France in 1952 sparked a notorious investigation that still captivates public debate. Sir Jack Drummond, his wife Lady Anne, and their daughter Elizabeth were found dead after camping near a farm. Gaston Dominici, the farm's elderly owner, was convicted and sentenced to death, embodying the era's perceptions of rural ignorance. Over time, views shifted, leading to his release and a romanticized image of his life. The Dominici Affair delves into this complex case while exploring the societal transformations in postwar France.
BIOGRAPHY: HISTORICAL, POLITICAL & MILITARY. A new biography of Albert Speer, Adolf Hitler's chief architect and trusted confidant, reveals the subject's deeper involvement in Nazi atrocities. In his best-selling autobiography, Albert Speer, Minister of Armaments and chief architect of Nazi Germany, repeatedly insisted he knew nothing of the genocidal crimes of Hitler's Third Reich. In this revealing new biography, author Martin Kitchen disputes Speer's lifelong assertions of ignorance and innocence, portraying a far darker figure who was deeply implicated in the appalling crimes committed by the regime he served so well
A new biography of Albert Speer, Hitler's chief architect and confidant, unveils his deeper involvement in Nazi atrocities. Author Martin Kitchen meticulously dismantles Speer’s alibis and excuses, presenting a compelling case against his claims of ignorance regarding the regime's genocidal crimes. Kitchen's research draws on new sources that challenge the previously accepted image of Speer as a cultured technocrat who remained uninvolved in Nazi politics. Instead, the biography portrays a more complex and darker figure, deeply implicated in the regime's horrific actions. This work offers a thorough examination of Speer's life, beliefs, and actions during one of history's darkest periods, countering his assertions of innocence and the misconception that his genius alone sustained the German military long after defeat was inevitable. The result is a serious and critical reassessment of Speer, highlighting his significant role in the Nazi regime and the moral implications of his actions. Kitchen's analysis provides a vital contribution to our understanding of this controversial figure and the broader context of Nazi Germany.
Focusing on a charismatic leader's manipulation of ordinary Germans during a period of crisis, the book examines the conditions that allowed such a figure to rise to power. It offers a comprehensive and contemporary analysis of The Third Reich, exploring its historical significance and lasting implications. Through this lens, it sheds light on the societal factors that contributed to the regime's establishment and the broader lessons that can be drawn from this dark chapter in history.
This detailed history explores the Axis campaign in North Africa, situating it within the larger strategic framework of World War II. It examines key battles, military strategies, and the geopolitical implications of the campaign, providing insights into how these events influenced the war's overall trajectory. The narrative highlights the complexities of warfare in the North African theater and the significant decisions made by leaders on both sides.
A Short History of the Second World War in Europe and Asia 1939-1945
The book provides a thorough examination of World War II, detailing both the Asian and Pacific theaters alongside the European front. It explores the establishment of the Grand Alliance, highlighting the complexities and challenges it faced, as well as the dynamics of Nazi Germany's relationships with its allies. The narrative delves into the strategic decisions and conflicts that shaped the course of the war, offering insights into the multi-faceted nature of this global conflict.
Featuring revised and extended coverage, the second edition of A History of Modern Germany offers an accessible and engagingly written account of German history from 1800 to the present. Provides readers with a long view of modern German history, revealing its continuities and changes Features updated and extended coverage of German social change and modernization, class, religion, and gender Includes more in depth coverage of the German Democratic Republic Examines Germany's social, political, and economic history Covers the unification of Germany, the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, post-war division, the collapse of Communism, and developments since re-unification Addresses regional history rather than focusing on the dominant role of Prussia
The twelve years of the Third Reich casts a dark shadow over history. Fierce debates still rage over many of the hows, whys and wherefores of this perplexing period. Leading expert on German history, Martin Kitchen, provides a concise, accessible and provocative account of Nazi Germany. It takes into account the political, social, economic and cultural ramifications, and sets it within the context of the times, while pointing out those areas that still defy our understanding. This lively account addresses major issues such as the reasons for Hitlers extraordinary popularity, his hold over the German people even when all seemed lost, the role of ideology, the cooption of the elites, and the descent into war for race and space, culminating in the horrors of the holocaust.