Struggle for Survival: History of the Second World War - Tapa dura

This study examines the causes of World War II, how it was won and lost, and its consequences for humanity. R.A.C.Parker outlines the strategies of the participants, the economies and societies that underlay them, and the strengths and weaknesses of the various fighting forces. The most important battles of the war are described, together with the reasons for their outcome. Writing from an international perspective, which gives British and European concerns no more than their just emphasis, the author provides an impartial view of the sometimes uneasy relationship between Britain and America. In pointing to the war's after-effects, he discusses the coming of the Cold War and the lessening of European influence on other continents. In addition to his analysis of the conflict in military, diplomatic and economic terms, the author considers the impact of war on ordinary men and women. Two controversial issues are highlighted: strategic bombing and the mass murder of the European Jews. The volume also explores the attitude of the passive observer in occupied countries such as Hungary and France.

About the Author: R.A.C. Parker is Fellow, Tutor, and Praelector in Modern History at Queen's College, Oxford. He is the author of Europe 1919-1945.