Collapse of the Third Republic: An Inquiry into the Fall of France in 1940

William L. Shirer

ISBN 10: 0671203371 / ISBN 13: 9780671203375

Published by Simon & Schuster, 1969

About this Item

After setting the stage with a look at the founding of the Republic in 1871, describes the political, social, and religious divisions in the country, the "Maginot Line complex" growing out of military trust in a defensive war, and the deleterious effect of the tragedy of World War I. Please note the image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item.

Seller Inventory # 123487418

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Collapse of the Third Republic: An Inquiry into the Fall of France in 1940
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication Date: 1969
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0671203371
• ISBN 13: 9780671203375
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Good
• Book Type: Book

About this title

Synopsis

On June 17, 1940 William L. Shirer stood in the streets of Paris and watched the unending flow of gray German uniforms along its boulevards. In just six lovely weeks in the spring and summer of 1940 a single battle brought down in total military defeat one of the world's oldest, greatest, and most civilized powersâ the second mightiest empire on earth and the possessor of one of the finest military machines ever assembled. How did it happen? After nearly a decade of research in the massive archives left from World War II and after hundreds of conversations with the Third Republicâ s leaders, generals, diplomats, and ordinary citizens, Shirer presents the definitive answer in his stunning re-creation of why and how France fell before Hitler's armies in 1940. His book is also a devastating examination of the confusion, corruption, and cynicism that drained the strength and toughness of a democracy which Thomas Jefferson once called "every man's second country." This book complements and completes the dramatic story of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich and continues to rank as one of the most important works of history of our time.

From Library Journal

"A brilliant account of the dry rot which weakened France," said LJ's reviewer of this massive work (LJ 10/15/69). In his usual fashion, Shirer provides intricate details of the history of the Third Republic, from its early years to its demise. This remains "strongly recommended."
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