The
Complete Idiot's Guide to World War
II
 World
War II was the most influential event
of the 20th century.
Why
do I say that? Lots of reasons. Consider
that it was the bloodiest conflict
in history, involving the most nations
over the greatest area. Women went
to work in large numbers for the first
time, setting the precedent for the
women’s movement. One man became president
directly because of his role in the
war, and at least three other presidents
were seriously influenced by their
wartime experiences. The most destructive
weapon ever made was developed for
the war and has perhaps helped deter
a third. One group of people was almost
exterminated, but emerged from the
ashes to reestablish a nearly 2,500
year-old nation.
As
the war fades further and further from
our memories, and the people who were
participants and witnesses pass away,
we are forced increasingly to rely
on books. Thousands have been written
on the subject, from broad overviews
to detailed analyses of single battles.
This book does not reinvent the wheel,
but tries to show you the whole car
and describe it in a way that is both
accurate and comprehensible. You won’t
find a lot of military jargon and strategy.
No discussions about this division
outflanking that panzer unit. I want
you to come away with an understanding
not only of what happened, but why
it happened.
Although
the Civil War receives prominence in
most high-school history courses, I’m
afraid World War II gets short-shrift.
By the time teachers reach that point,
time is running out in the semester,
and a whole half-century needs to be
covered. Books on the war and events
of the war, such as D day and the Holocaust,
still make the bestseller list, which
shows the public is interested in the
war. Hollywood has certainly always
found the war a compelling subject,
producing no fewer than three Academy
Award-winning pictures related to the
war, including Steven Spielberg’s 1998
film, Saving Private Ryan, which
was number one at the box office — deservedly
so, for it provided the most realistic
portrayal yet of the horrors of World
War II combat.
This
book is not just blood and guts. It’s
economics and diplomacy. It’s entertainment
and trivia. You don’t need to study
this book. There’s no test scheduled
for later. Take your time and enjoy.
I think you’ll learn a few things you
didn’t know. I know I did writing it.
CLICK
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The
Complete Idiot's Guide to World
War II
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