Great Britain, Germany and the Soviet Union: Rapallo and after, 1922-1934 (Royal Historical Society Studies in History New Series) - Hardcover

Salzmann, Stephanie C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0861932609 ISBN 13: 9780861932603

Publisher: Royal Historical Society, 2002

Synopsis

The treaty of Rapallo, concluded in 1922 between Germany and the Soviet Union, the two vanquished powers of the Great War, ranks high among the diplomatic coups de surprise of the twentieth century. Its real importance, however, lies in the repercussions of the alliance on the subsequent policies of the two victorious powers, Britain and France. This study examines the impact of Rapallo on British foreign policy between 1922 and 1934, when the German-Soviet relationship had virtually ended. The "ghost of Rapallo" is the central theme of this story, as ever since the treaty's conclusion Rapallo has been a byword for Soviet-German secret and potentially dangerous collaboration. This book describes how the British viewed the Rapallo co-operation, how they dealt with this special relationship, and how the lingering memory of Rapallo affected British policy for decades to come. While examining a particular aspect of international relations it throws additional light on broader topics of European relations in the 1920s and early 1930s.

About this title

Review:

This is an excellent book. The language is polished; the composition is both satisfying and economical; the research in archival and printed sources is state of the art. It is also an important book. --American Historical Review

Synopsis:

The treaty of Rapallo, which Germany and the Soviet Union concluded in the small Italian seaside resort during Easter 1922 ranks among the diplomatic 'coups de surprise' of the twentieth century. Even today the 'ghost of Rapallo' has lost little of its original fascination. Besides the myths and historical re-interpretations, the real historical impact of the treaty of Rapallo lies in its consequences particularly for the two victorious powers of the First World War: Britain and France. This study examines the impact of Rapallo on British foreign policy between 1922 and 1934, when the signing of the German-Polish non-aggression pact marked the visible end of the Rapallo friendship. The 'myth of Rapallo' is the central theme of this story, as ever since the treaty's conclusion Rapallo has been a byword for Soviet-German secret and potentially dangerous collaboration. This book describes how the British viewed the Rapallo co-operation, how they dealt with this special relationship, and analyses whether it is justified to speak of a 'myth of Rapallo' in British policy in French.While examining a particular aspect of international relations it throws additional light on broader topics of European relations in the 1920s and early 1930s.

Dr STEPHANIE SALZMANN completed her PhD, on which this book is based, at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. She is currently researching aspects of intelligence during the Second World War, while engaged as a business consultant living in Berlin and Paris.

About this edition

• Publisher: Royal Historical Society
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0861932609
• ISBN 13: 9780861932603
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 211