Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson: Andrew Roberts on "The Storm of War"
Blue Yeti ·
January 12, 2012 at 10:02pm
Growing a little weary of the relentless primary coverage? Take a trip back in time with Peter and historian Andrew Roberts, as they discuss his new book The Storm of War: A New History of the Second World War. Note: click on the title of the post to watch the video.
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Aug '11
Re: Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson: Andrew Roberts on "The Storm of War"
So - Hitler issued lots of executive orders, ignored his generals' advice, let his personal ideological hobby horses trump his nation's welfare, and engaged in class warfare demagoguery against the fat cats.
That sounds encouraging!
One wonders if there were also an Occupy movement he approved of.
Oh! Wait ...
Dec '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson: Andrew Roberts on "The Storm of War"
Already downloaded the book after watching the first 2 episodes on NRO. Reading about WWII somehow brings a new perspective on what is going on in the world today.
Mar '11
Re: Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson: Andrew Roberts on "The Storm of War"
The book was on my Christmas list. I'll be getting to it sometime after I finish Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, though I don't know if I'll go with it or VDH's The End of Sparta next (another Christmas request).
May '11
Re: Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson: Andrew Roberts on "The Storm of War"
I kistened on the way home from work today. A great interview. I only wish it was twice as long.
Jun '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson: Andrew Roberts on "The Storm of War"
Re: Germany pre-World War One.
Germany had become the leading European state by 1900 based on demographics and industrial power. But to play the game of empire, one needs overseas colonies. The war was not begun to conquer the continent militarily, but to secure a victory that would result in territorial concessions overseas. In addition, Kaiser Wilhelm was personally miffed at playing a junior role to his cousins, King George and Czar Nicholas. He wanted respect.
A negotiation might have secured concessions without the bloodletting. Alas, no one could anticipate the bloodletting of the world's first truly mechanized war. Nor could anyone foresee the possibility of a stalemate lasting nearly four years. It wasn't supposed to happen that way. The German general staff predicted a quick victory against France followed by a second campaign to mop up the slow to mobilize Russians.
As it turned out a lightning strike by Russian cavalry forces into East Prussia forced the Germans to commit reserves to the east. The Germans were victorious at Tannenberg, but the reserves were absent for the assault on France. The initial German offensive on the western front came up short. The rest is tragic history.