Eastern Europe and the Origins of the Second World War (The Making of the Twentieth Century) - Hardcover

Anita Prazmowska

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0333737296 ISBN 13: 9780333737293

Publisher: Red Globe Press, 2000

Synopsis

Until now, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania and the Baltic States have been treated as victims, powerless in the face of Nazi aggression. Anita Prazmowska disagrees with this limited approach and suggests an alternative view, namely that of states which had to grapple with complex economic, political and military dilemmas. Amongst those, British and French indifference was seen as nearly as dangerous as German, Italian and Soviet interference in the region.
Otherwise inexplicable conundrums, of Czechoslovak passivity in 1938, Polish bullishness in the face of British offers of aid in 1939 and the perception that the Romanian king was too cunning for his own good are also tackled. The states from the Baltic to the Balkans are given their place in European History and, in particular, in the origins of the Second World War.

About this title

Review:

'[This] is a decidedly useful book. Its author is blessed with extensive knowledge of a wide range of countries, large and small, and of the complex inter-relationship between them...In short, it fills an evident gap very successfully.' - Robin Prior and Trevor Wilson, Journal of Contemporary History

'...packs an admirable punch.' - Kelly McFall, The Historian

'A useful book that fills a gap and offers a valuable fresh perspective on the origins of the war in a one volume survey on Eastern Europe.' - Patrick Finney, University of Wales, Lampeter

'This book is extremely welcome and a detailed regional treatment of this sort is long overdue.' - Martin Thomas, University of the West of England

'...wonderful to see this aspect of 1930-41 covered so well.' - Dr. O.A. Hartley, University of Leeds

Synopsis:

Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania and the Baltic States have been treated in the past as victims, powerless in the face of Nazi aggression. The author of this study disagrees with this approach and suggests an alternative view, namely that of states which had to grapple with complex economic, political and military dilemmas. Amongst those, British and French indifference was seen as nearly as dangerous as German, Italian and Soviet interference in the region. Otherwise inexplicable conundrums, of Czechoslovak passivity in 1938, Polish bullishness in the face of British offers of aid in 1939 and the perception that the Romanian king was too cunning for his own good are also tackled. The states from the Baltic to the Balkans are given their place in European History and, in particular, in the origins of World War II.

About this edition

• Publisher: Red Globe Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0333737296
• ISBN 13: 9780333737293
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288