Neville Chamberlain's Legacy: Hitler, Munich and the Path to War
Neville Chamberlain has gone down in history as the architect of appeasement, the Prime Minister who by sacrificing Czechoslovakia at Munich in September 1938 put Britain on an inevitable path to war.

In this radical new appraisal of the most vilified politician of the twentieth century, historian Nicholas Milton claims that by placating Hitler, Chamberlain not only reflected public opinion but also embraced the zeitgeist of the time. Chamberlain also bought Britain vital time to rearm when Hitler’s military machine was at its zenith. It is with the hindsight of history that we understand Chamberlain’s failure to ultimately prevent a war from happening. Yet by placing him within the context of his time, this fascinating new history provides a unique perspective in to the lives and mindset of the people of Britain during the lead up to the Second World War.

Never before have Chamberlain's letters been accessed to tell the story of his life and work. They shed new light on his complex character and enable us to consider Chamberlain the man, not just the statesman. His role as a pioneer of conservation is revealed, alongside his work in improving midwifery and championing the introduction of widows pensions. It is a reminder that there is often more to political figures, even Tory Prime Ministers, than many a quick judgment allows.
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Neville Chamberlain's Legacy: Hitler, Munich and the Path to War
Neville Chamberlain has gone down in history as the architect of appeasement, the Prime Minister who by sacrificing Czechoslovakia at Munich in September 1938 put Britain on an inevitable path to war.

In this radical new appraisal of the most vilified politician of the twentieth century, historian Nicholas Milton claims that by placating Hitler, Chamberlain not only reflected public opinion but also embraced the zeitgeist of the time. Chamberlain also bought Britain vital time to rearm when Hitler’s military machine was at its zenith. It is with the hindsight of history that we understand Chamberlain’s failure to ultimately prevent a war from happening. Yet by placing him within the context of his time, this fascinating new history provides a unique perspective in to the lives and mindset of the people of Britain during the lead up to the Second World War.

Never before have Chamberlain's letters been accessed to tell the story of his life and work. They shed new light on his complex character and enable us to consider Chamberlain the man, not just the statesman. His role as a pioneer of conservation is revealed, alongside his work in improving midwifery and championing the introduction of widows pensions. It is a reminder that there is often more to political figures, even Tory Prime Ministers, than many a quick judgment allows.
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Neville Chamberlain's Legacy: Hitler, Munich and the Path to War

Neville Chamberlain's Legacy: Hitler, Munich and the Path to War

Neville Chamberlain's Legacy: Hitler, Munich and the Path to War

Neville Chamberlain's Legacy: Hitler, Munich and the Path to War

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Overview

Neville Chamberlain has gone down in history as the architect of appeasement, the Prime Minister who by sacrificing Czechoslovakia at Munich in September 1938 put Britain on an inevitable path to war.

In this radical new appraisal of the most vilified politician of the twentieth century, historian Nicholas Milton claims that by placating Hitler, Chamberlain not only reflected public opinion but also embraced the zeitgeist of the time. Chamberlain also bought Britain vital time to rearm when Hitler’s military machine was at its zenith. It is with the hindsight of history that we understand Chamberlain’s failure to ultimately prevent a war from happening. Yet by placing him within the context of his time, this fascinating new history provides a unique perspective in to the lives and mindset of the people of Britain during the lead up to the Second World War.

Never before have Chamberlain's letters been accessed to tell the story of his life and work. They shed new light on his complex character and enable us to consider Chamberlain the man, not just the statesman. His role as a pioneer of conservation is revealed, alongside his work in improving midwifery and championing the introduction of widows pensions. It is a reminder that there is often more to political figures, even Tory Prime Ministers, than many a quick judgment allows.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781526732255
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication date: 12/27/2019
Pages: 296
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.50(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Nicholas Milton is a military and natural historian specializing in the Second World War and conservation who has written for The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The Independent and Britain at War magazine. His paternal grandfather Herbert Milton served with the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War and as a professional magician and member of the Magic Circle entertained the troops during the Second World War. His maternal grandfather Herbert Sweet fought with The Wiltshire Regiment in Palestine during the First World War and was an Air Raid Precautions warden during the Second World War.

Chris Packham is one of Britain’s most popular conservationists, beloved of millions thanks to his many television appearances and books.

Table of Contents

Foreword Chris Packham Hilary Benn MP vii

Preface ix

Acknowledgements xiv

Chapter 1 I believe it is peace for our time 1

Chapter 2 Moths, birds and the Bahamas 14

Chapter 3 Love, children and the Council Chamber 26

Chapter 4 The war to end all wars 33

Chapter 5 Horrors, atrocities and monstrosities 41

Chapter 6 Churchill, Kenya and the Great Depression 51

Chapter 7 Great Expectations 61

Chapter 8 Becoming Prime Minister 70

Chapter 9 Cabinet, Chequers and 'Musso' 79

Chapter 10 The 'Chamberlain touch' 94

Chapter 11 The Sudeten crisis 108

Chapter 12 Plan Z 115

Chapter 13 A quarrel in a far-away country 125

Chapter 14 Poems, pipes and pianos 137

Chapter 15 Depression, Paris and a scaup 153

Chapter 16 A 'savage mistrust of the P.M.'s motives' 163

Chapter 17 An innate sympathy with Fascism 171

Chapter 18 Speak for England 181

Chapter 19 A fine patriotic spirit in wartime 192

Chapter 20 In the name of God, go. 205

Chapter 21 Guilty Men 213

Chapter 22 I regret nothing 221

Epilogue 230

References 236

Further Reading 257

Index 258

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