ix, 519 pages ; 25 cm

Because Adolf Hitler's legacy is the indelible memory of the most unlamented tyranny of the twentieth century, his rise and downfall continue to baffle the world. How could Hitler, who was foreign-born, who failed to graduate from high school, and who had a philosophy that was accepted by only a shifting minority, go on to become the chancellor of Germany with sole control over it, its people, and much of Europe?

And, after he reached such heights, what were the contributing factors that led to Hitler's undoing and ultimate suicide? Renowned author Eugene Davidson attempts to answer those questions and more in this powerful sequel to his critically acclaimed The Making of Adolf Hitler. This new book, which includes dozens of photos from German collections, covers literally every aspect of Hitler's life from his success after he came to power in 1933 to his self-destruction

. Davidson describes in detail Hitler's remarkable successes - his stratagems in reviving morale and undoing the lopsided treaties and his shrewd moves to take advantage of the fatal miscalculations of the coalition that had been aligned against the Reich

Davidson analyzes the rousing speeches, which Hitler wrote himself, as well as his ruthless methods for obtaining power, concluding that Hitler seized power from a hopelessly demoralized society. Once Hitler had brutally improved Germany's desperate state, there followed mortal errors and fateful mistakes of judgment arising from his own inadequacies

Compelling, well researched, and eminently readable, The Unmaking of Adolf Hitler strives to explain how and why Hitler's empire collapsed as a result of his own actions

Includes bibliographical references (pages 489-497) and index

The grasp for power -- Röhm : the early disenchanted -- The rising in Austria -- President and Reichschancellor -- Occupation of the Rhineland -- The Saar and the rearmament -- The games of peace -- The tarnished generals : the flower war -- Without firing a shot -- Negotiating against the odds -- The agreement -- The crumbling of Munich -- The march into Prague -- The end of appeasement -- The war -- The last bunker

The grasp for power -- Rohm : the early disenchanted -- The rising in Austria -- President and Reichschancellor -- Occupation of the Rhineland -- The Saar and the rearmament -- The games of peace -- The tarnished generals : the flower war -- Without firing a shot -- Negotiating against the odds -- The agreement -- The crumbling of Munich -- The march into Prague -- The end of appeasement -- The war -- The last bunker

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