The Phoney Victory

The World War II Illusion

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The Phoney Victory

By: Peter Hitchens

Narrated by: Peter Hitchens

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Was World War II really the 'Good War'? In the years since the declaration of peace in 1945, many myths have sprung up around the conflict in the victorious nations. In this audiobook, Peter Hitchens deconstructs the many fables which have become associated with the narrative of the 'Good War'.

Whilst not criticising or doubting the need for war against Nazi Germany at some stage, Hitchens does query whether September 1939 was the right moment or the independence of Poland the right issue. He points out that in the summer of 1939 Britain and France were wholly unprepared for a major European war and that this quickly became apparent in the conflict that ensued. He also rejects the retroactive claim that Britain went to war in 1939 to save the Jewish population of Europe. On the contrary, the beginning and intensification of war made it easier for Germany to begin the policy of mass murder in secret as well as closing most escape routes.

In a provocative but deeply researched book, Hitchens questions the most common assumptions surrounding World War II, turning on its head the myth of Britain's role in a 'Good War'.

Peter HitchensPeter HitchensAudible Studios for Bloomsbury

20th Century

Europe

Great Britain

Military

Modern

Politics & Government

World

War

Inspiring

Royalty

Imperialism

Winston Churchill

Mythology

Interwar Period

20th Century Europe Great Britain Military Modern Politics & Government World War Inspiring Royalty Imperialism Winston Churchill Mythology Interwar Period

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Put simply, I feel lucky to have spent the last 5 years of my life dedicated to understanding and writing about British Economic and Political history from the beginning of the industrial revolution.

Much of what this book highlights are things that I already know, but have always wished other educated people also knew.

In essence Britain should have never fought WWII, it should have realised at the turn of the century that economic reform was necessary, and should have seen more the threat of the USA in regards to British self interests.

This book does an excellent job of highlighting much of those prior points, more could be done in regards to describing the utter shafting of Britain by the US post Breton Woods, which was only briefly mentioned but arguably is where the real damage was done. However this is beyond the remit of what the book was attempting to highlight, and could easily be discussed in a 1945-1973 publication, maybe entitled The Failed Peace.

Overall well researched and corroborated, with top class sources and big fire power historians including A J P Taylor, M Hastings and A Tooze. Coupled with some more nuanced and lowkey historians, authors and writers

Worth the read (or listen), if you take in interest in understanding why Britain today is the way it is.

Finally this should be consumed as a starting point for further reading, by itself it lacks the depth and length required to fully breakdown much of what is discussed as the questions it tries to answer are extremely broad and multi faceted. This certainly is not a criticism, rather it should be highlighted to any reader that there is much more to learn when discussion Britain during the C20th.