Great summary, Rob, and it’s a good reminder of how much social and political context drives the rise of a seemingly unlikely orator like Hitler (or Trump).
"The Rise and Fall..." is well-written, but has only added to the "comic-book" like picture Americans tend to have about WWII in general, and that has resulted in a mythology that affects both Left and Right; the notion that the U.S. (and its president in particular) can unilaterally fly in and "fix" world events. Among other things, Shirer badly neglects the vast logistical efforts involved in the eventual Allied victory. Setting aside the vast number that didn't involve direct combat, a military action with far-reaching consequences was the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran that deposed the father of the last shah. Though it was necessary to help supply the Soviets, it is part of what set us up for our present crisis.
Great summary, Rob, and it’s a good reminder of how much social and political context drives the rise of a seemingly unlikely orator like Hitler (or Trump).
"The Rise and Fall..." is well-written, but has only added to the "comic-book" like picture Americans tend to have about WWII in general, and that has resulted in a mythology that affects both Left and Right; the notion that the U.S. (and its president in particular) can unilaterally fly in and "fix" world events. Among other things, Shirer badly neglects the vast logistical efforts involved in the eventual Allied victory. Setting aside the vast number that didn't involve direct combat, a military action with far-reaching consequences was the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran that deposed the father of the last shah. Though it was necessary to help supply the Soviets, it is part of what set us up for our present crisis.