Dimensions
139 x 217 x 25mm
Martin Gilbert presents the years 1900-1945 as the central drama of the last century and illustrates the follies that led civilized nations into violence and barbarism, evil and decline.
In 1900 the great European Empires stood prosperous and strong in the centre of the world stage, surrounded by an aura of glamour and optimism. By 1945 the old order had changed completely - Germany had fought Britain, France and Russia in two prolonged and wasteful wars; and at the end of the period much of the influence of Europe in world affairs had been transferred to the United States and the Soviet Union.
Martin Gilbert analyses these dramatic changes and seeks to show some of the important factors which led to Germany's double aggression and defeat, with the consequent weakening of the major European powers and the shedding or loss of their colonial empires.
He studies in detail the personalities and politics of the smaller nations of Europe, and shows their importance in the history of their more powerful neighbours. It is a clear and vivid account of a dramatic period in European history.
