Germany – Explaining History Podcast

Nazi Economic Policy and Rearmament (1934-1939)

For students beginning their exploration of Nazi Germany, it is essential to understand the significance of economic history, as it provides valuable insights into the inner workings and motivations of the regime. The period between 1934 and 1939 saw a dramatic transformation of the German economy under the Nazi Party, with a focus on rearmamentContinue reading “Nazi Economic Policy and Rearmament (1934-1939)”

The Consolidation of Nazi Power and the Establishment of the Third Reich (1933-1934)

For first-time students of Nazi Germany, it is crucial to understand the process through which Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party consolidated power and established the Third Reich. This period, spanning from 1933 to 1934, witnessed a series of legal, political, and social measures that transformed Germany from a struggling democracy to a totalitarian dictatorship.Continue reading “The Consolidation of Nazi Power and the Establishment of the Third Reich (1933-1934)”

The Rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (1918-1933)

A Primer for First-Time Students of Nazi Germany It is essential for first-time students of Nazi Germany to understand that this article serves as a basic overview of the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party between 1918 and 1933. The aim is to introduce the key events and transitions that the Nazi movementContinue reading “The Rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (1918-1933)”

Understanding Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1923

One of the challenges of studying Germany from the end of the First World War to the end of the Second World War is remembering and then navigating the intense and dramatic changes that took place throughout the era. As with previous blog posts helping students to master topic areas, the trick with Germany isContinue reading “Understanding Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1923”

The Battle of the Atlantic

The Battle of the Atlantic was a key conflict during World War II, lasting from 1939 to 1945. It was a struggle for control of the Atlantic Ocean between the Allied powers (primarily the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada) and the Axis powers (led by Germany).

This Week’s Podcasts

Hi everyone, as I might have mentioned on the podcast, I’ve now got the time and the long covid recovery to start blogging again. Here’s a rundown of everything I’ve podcasted this week: Poverty, Caste and recruitment to the Indian Army during the Second World War: https://play.acast.com/s/explaininghistory/poverty-casteandrecruitmenttotheindianarmyduringworldwartwo France, Britain and the Road to Suez 1952-56:Continue reading “This Week’s Podcasts”

Interview: Dr Alex Kay on The Making of an SS Killer

Most of the writing on individual perpetrators of the Holocaust focuses on senior figures (Hitler, Himmler, Goering being obvious examples) and the tier below them (Hans Frank, Reinhard Heydrich, Adolf Eichmann) as well as camp commanders such as Rudolf Hoess and Franz Stangl. Colonel Alfred Filbert is a name that will probably be unfamiliar toContinue reading “Interview: Dr Alex Kay on The Making of an SS Killer”

Joseph Goebbels and Total War

By early 1943, Adolf Hitler was an increasingly remote and reclusive figure in Germany. His health had declined due to the stresses of the war and he had begun to suffer from Parkinson’s disease. The Nazi government attempted to suppress the defeat at Stalingrad of the German Sixth Army (which had marched triumphantly into Paris threeContinue reading “Joseph Goebbels and Total War”

The origins of the Gestapo: Study notes

This is a quick post for history students focusing on Nazi Germany. I’ve created some notes to download on the origins of the Gestapo (Geheime Staatspolizei), the Nazi Secret State Police. Secret political police forces in Germany existed before Hitler came to power and were amalgamated into the Gestapo, which fell under the auspices ofContinue reading “The origins of the Gestapo: Study notes”