Hitler: Volume II

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In the summer of 1939, Hitler reached the peak of his power, having solidified Nazi control over Germany and restored its status as a major Continental force. He pursued his ambition to secure living space and resources for the German people while eliminating perceived threats, particularly the Bolsheviks and Jews. Initial successes, such as the swift defeat of Poland and the Blitzkrieg in the west, masked the impending downfall that the war would bring. The turning point came with the attack on the Soviet Union in June 1941 and the subsequent entry of the United States into the conflict, marking the beginning of Nazi Germany's decline. Volker Ullrich delves into Hitler's personality, essential for understanding the war's trajectory and the Holocaust's development. As Germany's military commander, Hitler was deeply involved in strategy and operations, revealing key traits of his character. He was a reckless gambler, insecure and prone to blaming others for his failures. When defeat became inevitable, he sought to punish the German people for their perceived shortcomings. Declaring he would wear a military tunic until victory or death, he ultimately took his own life on April 30, 1945, as Soviet forces approached his bunker. Just days later, Germany surrendered, leaving a legacy of destruction and the loss of millions of lives across Europe.