June 1941
Subtitle: Hitler and Stalin
By: John Lukacs.
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 2006
Place of publication: New Haven, CT
Language: eng
Number of pages: 169
ISBN-13: 9780300114379
Subjects: Hitler, Adolf, 1889-1945; Stalin, Joseph, 1879-1953; World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Russia; World War, 1939-1945 -- Russia; World War, 1939-1945 -- Germany
Description: This new portrait of two great leaders confronting each other in June 1941 describes Hitler and Stalin's strange, calculating, and miscalculating relationship before the German invasion of Soviet Russia, with its gigantic (and unintended) consequences. Lukas questions many long-held beliefs. He suggests, for example, that among other things Hitler's first purpose involved England: if Stalin's Communist Russia were to be defeated, Hitler's Third Reich would be well-nigh invincible, and the British and American peoples would be forced to rethink the war against Hitler. Lukas presents evidence that Hitler (rather than his generals) had moments of dark foreboding before the invasion. Stalin could not, because he wished not, believe that Hitler would choose the risk of a two-front war by attacking him; he was stunned and shocked and came close to a breakdown. But he recovered, grew into a statesman, and eventually became a prime victor of the Second World War.--From publisher description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.