The German War Machine in World War II: An Encyclopedia

by David T. Zabecki (Editor), Williamson Murray (Foreword by)

Overview

This book provides everything the reader needs to know about the German war machine that developed into the potent armed force under Adolf Hitler. This expansive encyclopedia covers the period of the German Third Reich, from January 1933 to the end of World War II in Europe, in May 1945. Dozens of entries on key battles and military campaigns, military and political leaders, military and intelligence organizations, and social and political topics that shaped German military conduct during World War II are followed by an illuminating epilogue that outlines why Germany lost World War II.

A documents section includes more than a dozen fascinating primary sources on such significant events as the Tripartite Pact among Germany, Italy, and Japan; the Battle of Stalingrad; the Normandy Invasion; the Ardennes Offensive; and Germany's surrender. In addition, six appendices provide detailed information on a variety of topics such as German aces, military commanders, and military medals and decorations. The book ends with a chronology and a bibliography of print resources.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440869181
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	12/02/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	420
File size:	44 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

David T. Zabecki, (Maj. Gen. U.S. Army, Retired), is author, editor, or translator of more than 20 military history books. He holds a PhD in military history from Britain's Royal Military College of Science.

Table of Contents

List of Entries,
Guide to Related Topics,
List of Documents,
Foreword Professor Williamson Murray,
Introduction: Germany in World War II (1939–1945),
A–Z Entries,
Epilogue: Why Germany Lost World War II,
Primary Source Documents,
Appendix A: German Aces (1936–1945),
Appendix B: Chiefs of the General and Admiralty Staffs (1919–1945),
Appendix C: Field Marshals and Grand Admirals (1933–1945),
Appendix D: German Military Ranks (1919–1945),
Appendix E: German Military Medals and Decorations (1933–1945),
Appendix F: Wehrmacht Officers in the Bundeswehr (1955–1990),
Chronology of the Wehrmacht,
Selected Bibliography,
List of Contributors,
About the Editor,
Index,

Editorial Reviews

Of interest to high school and college students in addition to anyone with a research interest in German military history.” —Library Jourbanal

From the Publisher

05/01/2020

Retired U.S. army major general Zabecki has edited a concise source of information on all aspects of the German military in World War II. The book tackles battles, military leaders and divisions, and equipment such as artillery, weaponry, aircraft, and warships. Useful battle maps and photos of German military officers and leaders are scattered throughout. The introduction provides an overview of German military strength at the start of World War II and its decline at the end. Some of the primary source documents include military agreements, intelligence reports, and the German Surrender agreement. The six appendixes focus on German military officer ranks and military medals and decorations. A chronology of the Wehrmacht traces its origins to the end of World War I. In addition to the references cited at the end of each entry, there is a valuable selected bibliography. VERDICT Of interest to high school and college students in addition to anyone with a research interest in German military history.—Diane Fulkerson, Univ. of South Florida, Lakeland

Library Journal