The Origins of the Second World War

Book • 1961

In this influential book, A.J. P.

Taylor examines the international politics and foreign policy that led to the outbreak of World War II. Taylor argues that Hitler was an opportunist without a thorough plan, and that the diplomatic mistakes of both the Allied and Axis powers contributed significantly to the war.

He challenges the traditional 'Nuremberg Thesis' that Hitler was the sole culprit, instead highlighting the complexities and responsibilities of various nations and their leaders during the interwar period.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 10 episodes

Mentioned by

Dominic Sandbrook

in discussion of Hitler's motivations.

734 snips

530. Hitler’s War on Poland: Countdown to Armageddon (Part 1)

Mentioned by

Hugh White

as an impressive book that challenges the orthodoxy that Hitler was solely responsible for WWII.

90 snips

Why Great Powers Sleepwalk to War — A Masterclass with Prof. Hugh White

Mentioned by

Maarten van Rossem

as an incredibly original book that he read and found interesting.

28 snips

De VVD is een schimmelziekte

Mentioned by

Dorian Lynskey

as a surprisingly revisionist book on the origins of WWII.

24 snips

Appeasement – Part Two – Betrayal

Described by

Thomas777

as as author who's uncontionally hostile to the German case, and one whose book the Origins of the Second World War was tremendously impactful in academic circles.