Title
Hitler, Donitz, and the Baltic Sea: The Third Reich's Last Hope, 19441945,Used
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The popular conception of Hitler in the final years of World War II is that of a deranged Fuhrer stubbornly demanding the defense of every foot of ground on all fronts and ordering hopeless attacks with nonexistent divisions. To imply that Hitler had a rational plan to win the war flies in the face of widely accepted interpretations, but historian Howard D. Grier persuasively argues here that Hitler did possess a strategy to regain the initiative in 194445 and that the Baltic theater played the key role in his plan. In examining that strategy, Grier answers lingering questions about the Third Reich's final months and also provides evidence of its emphasis upon naval affairs and of Admiral Karl Donitz's influence in shaping Hitler's grand strategy. Donitz intended to starve Britain into submission and halt the shipment of American troops and supplies to Europe with a fleet of new Type XXI Uboats. But to test the new submarines and train their crews the Nazis needed control of the Baltic Sea and possession of its ports, and to launch their Uboat offensive they needed Norway, the only suitable location that remained after the loss of France in the summer of 1944. This work analyzes German naval strategy from 1944 to 1945 and its role in shaping the war on land in the Baltic. The first six chapters provide an operational history of warfare on the northern sector of the eastern front and give evidence of the navy's demands that the Baltic coast be protected in order to preserve Uboat training areas. The next three chapters look at possible reasons for Hitler's defense of the Baltic coast, concluding that the most likely reason was Hitler's belief in Donitz's ability to turn the tide of war with his new submarines. A final chapter discusses Donitz's personal and ideological relationship with Hitler, his influence in shaping overall strategy, and the reason Hitler selected the admiral as his successor rather than a general or Nazi Party official. With Grier's thorough examination of Hitler's strategic motives and the reasons behind his decision to defend coastal sectors in the Baltic late in the war, readers are offered an important new interpretation of events for their consideration.
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- Q: What is the main subject of the book 'Hitler, Donitz, and the Baltic Sea'? A: The book focuses on Adolf Hitler's strategic military plans during the final years of World War II, specifically regarding the Baltic Sea and the role of Admiral Karl Donitz in shaping those strategies.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of 'Hitler, Donitz, and the Baltic Sea' is Howard D. Grier.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on July 10, 2013.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is available in hardcover binding.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains a total of 320 pages.
- Q: What condition is this book in? A: The book is listed as being in 'Mint' condition.
- Q: What are the key themes explored in the book? A: Key themes include Hitler's military strategy, the significance of the Baltic Sea, and Admiral Donitz's naval tactics and their impact on the war.
- Q: Is there any focus on naval strategy in this book? A: Yes, the book analyzes German naval strategy from 1944 to 1945 and its influence on land warfare in the Baltic region.
- Q: Does the book provide insights into Hitler's decision-making? A: Yes, it explores Hitler's strategic motives and his rationale for defending certain coastal sectors during the war.
- Q: What makes this book a valuable read for history enthusiasts? A: The book offers a new interpretation of events, challenging popular conceptions of Hitler's leadership and providing detailed analysis of naval operations during a critical period in World War II.