History remembers the Soviets and the Nazis as bitter enemies and ideological rivals; the two mammoth and opposing totalitarian regimes of World War II whose conflict would be the defining and deciding clash of the war. Yet for nearly a third of the conflict's entire timespan; Hitler and Stalin stood side by side as partners. The Pact that they agreed had a profound—and bloody—impact on Europe; and is fundamental to understanding the development and denouement of the war.In The Devils' Alliance; acclaimed historian Roger Moorhouse explores the causes and implications of the Nazi-Soviet Pact; an unholy covenant whose creation and dissolution were crucial turning points in World War II. Forged by the German foreign minister; Joachim von Ribbentrop; and his Soviet counterpart; Vyacheslav Molotov; the nonaggression treaty briefly united the two powers in a brutally efficient collaboration. Together; the Germans and Soviets quickly conquered and divided central and eastern Europe—Poland; the Baltic States; Finland; and Bessarabia—and the human cost was staggering: during the two years of the pact hundreds of thousands of people in central and eastern Europe caught between Hitler and Stalin were expropriated; deported; or killed. Fortunately for the Allies; the partnership ultimately soured; resulting in the surprise June 1941 German invasion of the Soviet Union. Ironically; however; the powers' exchange of materiel; blueprints; and technological expertise during the period of the Pact made possible a far more bloody and protracted war than would have otherwise been conceivable.Combining comprehensive research with a gripping narrative; The Devils' Alliance is the authoritative history of the Nazi-Soviet Pact—and a portrait of the people whose lives were irrevocably altered by Hitler and Stalin's nefarious collaboration.
#23302 in Books Creighton; Margaret S. 2006-07-04 2006-07-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.00 x 6.13l; .95 #File Name: 0465014577360 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Behind the scenes at GettysburgBy Old Marine's WifeA lot of interesting facts concerning the different aspects of life in Gettysburg during this time period. It was interesting to find out that there was such a diverse population during this time period. Being of German decent I was very intrigued by how the people thought and treated the Germans in the town as else where. I also love how they talked about my relatives: Jennie Wade and Georgia Wade McClellan. Thank you so much for researching and writing about these forgotten people who had the courage to stand up to their convictions and to bring light to the various aspects of what courage is and entails.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Book that finally shows the hidden side of war...By LindaIt's great to read something for my graduate class that shows something different to the Civil War. The hidden participants of the war; North or South; that made a difference to the human toll of the war. Who cares if the woman was a whore or not; like some described Jennie Wade; they still made a sacrifice to the men in need. Great book to show the unsung hero's of many battles besides Gettysburg.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. when war comes to your backdoorBy tdownsThis book is an excellent account of how war effects not just the soldiers who fight the battles. Looking at the women and African American perspective was a real eye-opener. It is a must read for any civilian Civil War reenactors.
