In the year 1900, Germany stood out as the most advanced and dynamic nation in Europe. It was the sole country that could rival the United States in terms of its rapid advancements in technology and society. Germany's progress posed a challenge to the prevailing state of affairs. Unlike Russia, its political culture displayed less authoritarianism, and in comparison to France, its level of anti-Semitism was lower. Flourishing representative institutions, a multitude of political parties, and the regular occurrence of elections were integral to its societal fabric. However, within just a generation, this stable and modern nation would fall under the influence of a violent, racist, and extremist political movement. This movement, led by Hitler, would not only bring ruin to Germany but also cast Europe into moral, physical, and cultural devastation.
Understanding this narrative is of paramount importance within the context of twentieth-century history. Richard Evans has undertaken the task of presenting the definitive account of this period. His work adeptly weaves together a vast array of scholarly research with fresh insights and interpretations. Evans's historical account reintroduces elements of drama and unpredictability to Hitler's ascent to power and the rise of the Nazi party. It becomes evident that by the early 1930s, Germany was ripe for such a radical takeover. The aftermath of military defeat and economic collapse left many disillusioned and resentful individuals. The civil service, army, and law enforcement had become estranged from the democratic foundations established in 1918. Additionally, growing extremism among voters, driven by apprehension over the increasing popularity of communism, further destabilized the state. A small yet thriving Jewish community faced widespread suspicion and hostility, providing fertile ground for the hateful ideology propagated by Nazism.
"The Coming of the Third Reich," the initial volume of what will eventually be a comprehensive three-part history of Nazi Germany, stands as a masterpiece in the realm of historical scholarship. It is destined to set the standard for all other works on this subject.
