The Origins of the Second World War (Seminar Studies) - Softcover

Overy, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1138963267 ISBN 13: 9781138963269

Publisher: Routledge, 2016

Synopsis

Exploring the reasons why the Second World War broke out in September 1939 and why a European conflict developed into a war that spanned the globe, The Origins of the Second World War argues that this was not just ‘Hitler’s War’ but one that had its roots and origins in the decline of the old empires of Britain and France and the rise of ambitious new powers in Germany, Italy and Japan who wanted large empires of their own.

This fourth edition has been revised throughout, covering the origins of the war from its background in the First World War to its expansion to embrace the Soviet Union, Japan and the United States by the end of 1941. Creating a comprehensive and analytical narrative while remaining a succinct overview of the subject, this book takes a thematic approach to the complex range of events that culminated in global warfare, discussing factors such as economic rivalry, rearmament and domestic politics and emphasising that any explanation of the outbreak of hostilities must be global in scope.

Containing updated references and primary source documents alongside a glossary, a chronology of key events and a Who’s Who of important figures, this book is an invaluable introduction for any student of this fascinating period.

About this title

About the Author

Richard Overy is Professor of History at the University of Exeter. He has authored and edited more than 30 books on the European dictators, the Second World War and the history of air power, including The Air War 1939-1945 (2006, second edition), Why the Allies Won (2006, second edition), The Dictators: Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Russia (2004), which won both the Wolfson and the Hessell Tiltman Prizes for History in 2005, and 1939: Countdown to War (2009). His book The Bombing War: Europe 1939-1945 (2013) won a Cundill Award for historical literature.

Review

"This remains the stand-out single volume account of the origins of the war, presented here with important ‘fourth edition’ updates. Overy summarizes and surveys a vast literature with consummate perspicacity, to the benefit of readers from all backgrounds."

Ashley Jackson, King's College London, UK

"The fourth edition of this classic text, carefully revised and refreshed, is extremely welcome. Overy guides readers masterfully through the complex historical and historiographical terrain of the road to war, offering a clear but sophisticated interpretation."

Patrick Finney, Aberyswyth University, UK

"The latest edition of Richard Overy's classic text constitutes an invaluable guide for teachers and students - as well as for anyone else interested in understanding how the Second World War came about. Precise, accessible and engaging throughout, the book highlights Overy's powerful command of the subject."

Robert Crowcroft, University of Edinburgh, UK

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1138963267
• ISBN 13: 9781138963269
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 184