Conquest of Nature

Focusing on the interplay between nature and human ambition, the narrative chronicles Germany's transformation from the mid-1700s under Frederick the Great, who sought to modernize his kingdom by reclaiming marshlands. It details significant engineering feats along the Rhine, the rise of a formidable navy, and the harnessing of hydroelectric power that fueled industrial growth before World War I. The book also examines how Nazi ideologies were rooted in concepts of environmental mastery, offering a rich exploration of culture, politics, and ecological challenges.