The Causes of the Second World War - (History of the Contemporary World) by Andrew Crozier (Paperback)

About the Book

Charting the complex route from failed peace following World War I to right-wing radicalism in Italy and Germany to the outbreak of war in Europe and its spread to the Pacific, this comprehensive study balances overview and detail and weaves local struggles into the wider world context. Includes a chronology of events, appendix of key figures, and 4 maps.

Book Synopsis

This book provides a much needed accessible introduction to this key topic for students of the twentieth century.

• An ideal introduction to the events and historiography surrounding this key subject
• Sets the origins of WWII in both its European and Pacific contexts, and within 150 years of world history
• First volume in a new series covering major themes and events of the contemporary world

From the Back Cover

The Second World War was the greatest conflict in history. This book provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the causes of the war, ideal for all students of the period. The author charts the complex route from the failed peace following the First World War through the rise of right-wing radicalism in Italy and Germany, to the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939, and its subsequent spread to the Pacific.

He assesses the role of the different players on the international political scene providing, in particular, a reappraisal of French policy and a new perspective on the centrality of Anglo-German relations during the inter-war years in determining the escalation of tensions.

The Causes of the Second World War includes: full treatment of the origins of war both in Europe and in the Pacific; a reassessment of the controversial policy of "appeasement"; analysis of the historiography surrounding the subject; a chronology of events, appendix of key figures and a guide to further reading.

Review Quotes

"Crozier's book is an important addition to the literature on the deeper causes of the Second World War. Not only does the author present a comprehensive examination of the diplomacy of the European powers during the entire inter-war period, he also gives considerable attention to events in the Far East - a topic that is rarely dealt with in tandem with European developments. But it is his examination of the period in light of the historiography of the subject of the causes of the war that makes his work a significant contribution. Crozier's efforts to place the historical debates in context add to the work's value to the student or casual reader. Scholars of diplomatic history of the inter-war period will find the work thought provoking. The author presents an in-depth reconsideration of British foreign policy and, particularly, of appeasement and all it has come to stand for." Christine A. White, The Pennsylvania State University

"This book is first class. It is perfect for those working for A levels, Highers or SYS and for university students at every level." History

About the Author

Andrew Crozier is Jean Monnet Lecturer in the History of Contemporary Europe at Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London. His previous work includes Appeasement and Germany's Last Bid for Colonies (Macmillan, 1988).