[ElJefe]

This book is the seminal work on the economics of Nazi Germany and an historical investigation of how political principles translate into economic policy and what consequences, those intended and otherwise, arise from using the economy as an engine of social engineering.

Reading it, one is reminded of how much in common modern day progressives and Nazis have in common when it comes to economics.

[ElJefe]

The book also dispels myths of the German war economy, such as Germany didn't reach full war-footing until relatively late, or that the US was "neutral" before Pearl Harbor.

The US was in the process of a massive military build-up prior to PH and Germany's weak production was due to German poverty. The Great War had bankrupted the country and industry never recovered, and average Germans were destitute compared to Brits or Americans. German rearmament was possible only by completely commandeering all economic reserves and by 1939, Germany was on the verge of financial bankruptcy. Hitler began the war to avoid having to reduce military spending from its current level of nearly 20 percent of GDP! The supposed feats of Speers takeover were due to investments already made in expanding capacity and due to cooking the books. German u-boat production of the new Mark XXIs was supposedly 80 in the last half of 1944, but in fact not a single one was operational!

The War was won due to the incredibly military might of the US, but the UK, with American financing, could probably have defeated Germany and Italy on her own simply due to the combined strength of Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and the remaning colonies. In 1940 the US accounted for over half of global industrial production and at least a third of global GDP. To achieve parity Hitler would've had to sell himself to Stalin, so he opted to conquer Russia rather than turn Germany into a Soviet dependent. The contest was completely unequal. The myth of Soviet military output was in fact only possible because all their other logistical needs were covered by the US. It was American trucks that enabled Operation Bagration, American food that prevented starvation, and American locomotives that allowed Stalin to carry out his genocidal programs against non-Russian minorities.

[cardguy]

Really interesting selection of books you have covered in the past few posts. Good stuff!

[JimNortonFan]

The book is based upon War and Economy in the Third Reich by Richard Overy. Both books contend that Hitler's main enemy was the US, IIRC.

[Alphabrew]

I have this on my shelf. I'll read it next, thanks for the kick in the pants.

[cardguy]

Just started reading this book. Looks good.

[TigerMandingo]

(08-16-2013 03:12 PM)JimNortonFan Wrote:  

The book is based upon War and Economy in the Third Reich by Richard Overy. Both books contend that Hitler's main enemy was the US, IIRC.

A little off topic but speaking of Richard Overy, I highly suggest Russia's War by this author. Excellent book and also takes a pro-Russian stance, which is unheard of among Western scholars.