A bold new exploration that answers the most commonly asked questions about the Holocaust.Despite the outpouring of books; movies; museums; memorials; and courses devoted to the Holocaust; a coherent explanation of why such ghastly carnage erupted from the heart of civilized Europe in the twentieth century still seems elusive even seventy years later. Numerous theories have sprouted in an attempt to console ourselves and to point the blame in emotionally satisfying directions―yet none of them are fully convincing. As witnesses to the Holocaust near the ends of their lives; it becomes that much more important to unravel what happened and to educate a new generation about the horrors inflicted by the Nazi regime on Jews and non-Jews alike.Why? dispels many misconceptions and answers some of the most basic―yet vexing―questions that remain: why the Jews and not another ethnic group? Why the Germans? Why such a swift and sweeping extermination? Why didn’t more Jews fight back more often? Why didn’t they receive more help? While responding to the questions he has been most frequently asked by students over the decades; world-renowned Holocaust historian and professor Peter Hayes brings a wealth of scholarly research and experience to bear on conventional; popular views of the history; challenging some of the most prominent recent interpretations. He argues that there is no single theory that “explains†the Holocaust; the convergence of multiple forces at a particular moment in time led to catastrophe.In clear prose informed by an encyclopedic knowledge of Holocaust literature in English and German; Hayes weaves together stories and statistics to heart-stopping effect. Why? is an authoritative; groundbreaking exploration of the origins of one of the most tragic events in human history. 5 illustrations
#261340 in Books 2010-09-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.60 x 1.10 x 6.60l; 1.40 #File Name: 0393071650352 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Jane Addams: A FighterBy Tyler JensenJane Addams symbolizes the struggle to improve the status quo; she was a fighter and would never back down when she was fighting for a cause. Whether she was trying to improve the working conditions for the working class; get Child Labor Laws put into effect; or Woman's Suffrage; Jane was always putting herself at risk for others. This book goes deep into the personal conflicts Jane had internally and externally throughout her life as a young woman in the late 1800's until her death in 1935 at age 74. This book is an easy read and the details of her life are very amazing such as the fact she was the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Although she was recognized for her accomplishments later in life; what I love about Jane Addams was that she had a heart of gold even as a young child with a keen sense of right from wrong and wanting to make a positive impact on other's lives. This book deserves a 5-star review due to how well it transitions every important detail of her life and how she has impacted The United States and the world as we know it today.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good research materialBy Wanona CeiselUsed at our local college and as research for my essay submission.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Yes! This is the biography to read!By Marilyn FischerFinally! A full biography of one of the most amazing women in American history that gives a full account of her feminism and her penetrating intellect. Knight's biography presents Addams sympathetically; but as fully human--smart; tender; ambitious; willing to admit failures and learn from them; and fully engaged with the challenges of her time.The writing is gorgeous: clear; straight-forward; and pitch-perfect.
