How to Start a War: The Rise of Extremism, the Fall of Democracy, and the Lead Up to World War II

by Michael Trapani

How To Start a War is unlike any audiobook you've ever listened to ...

This new and expanded edition includes the complete story arc of How To Start a War, unabridged and with significant new material, as the author originally intended.

Adapted from the popular podcast miniseries of the same name, Michael Trapani immerses listeners in the dramatic events that led to the crime of the century--World War II and the Holocaust--documenting the actions of the criminals who carried it out. Listeners will feel like they are in the room as some of history's most villainous characters plot to overthrow democracy, impose tyranny, and outmaneuver those who had the power to stop them. Importantly, How To Start a War is a story from the past that can help us understand our world today, with each chapter connecting lessons from history to domestic and geopolitical events of the present day.

This presentation includes an exclusive chapter not available in the original series: entitled "Risk," it describes Germany's first gambles on the world stage and the resulting international fallout. It pinpoints the very moment that the world realized it could not trust Hitler.

A gripping blend of narrative storytelling and dramatized scenes and characters, How To Start A War feels like a Golden Age radio drama. Far from a dry history lesson, How To Start a War is a resonant and compelling story about what happens when good people do nothing to stop the worst evils while they still can.

Genres: History

Audio CD

Published April 16, 2024

About the author

Michael Trapani is a master storyteller, author, and performing artist who brings stories from the past to life in vivid and modern dramatization. Combining his unique mix of history, sound design, and riveting performance, Michael has built a reputation for thrilling suspense and exciting narratives. Using his degree in History from Fordham University, Michael has a track record of elevating dense topics into fascinating stories that keep listeners wanting more. He honed his skills for storytelling as a professional voice actor, a stage actor, and playwright. Michael lives in The Hudson Valley, New York, with his family.

Reviews

[Tabitha Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know the tragic and horrific events of WWII. But do we really understand how it started? How did such an appalling person come to power? What were the ingredients necessary for a second world war to occur?
This audiobook takes a long look into each separate ingredient and analyzes them before adding them to a bowl to be stirred.
Michael Trapani fully immerses you in each ingredient by not only reading from actual transcripts but also by getting into each character conveying timid, persuasive or tumultuous personalities. From the vivid descriptions of the surroundings you "find" yourself in to the voices of the survivors from the Holocaust, you feel as if you are in the room face to face with history as it unfolds.
How to start a war is captivating, transporting you back in time.
As the book concludes Michael Trapani helps you to identify trends that happened so long ago that are starting to happen around the world again today.
I come away from this audiobook with not only further knowledge of WWII but also with hope for a better world for my children.

[Dennis Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished How to Start a War: The Rise of Extremism, the Fall of Democracy, and the Lead Up to World War II by Michael Trapani, a most unusual book, audio only. Trapani is a technology professional by day and an historian and old radio buff in his spare time. This book was adapted from a popular podcast with the same title. In the book Trapani has the key figures Hitler, Goering, Goebbels, etc. speak in archival radio programs in German and then in many cases has speeches translated and spoken by voice actors in the same style. Listening to Hitler’s hysterical but powerful speaking style helps one understand how he convinced Germans to follow his maniacal plans. Trapani builds the events chapter by chapter from a little known WW1 corporal and fanatic leads an unsuccessful coup in Munich in the 1920’s until his ultimate demise by suicide. There are a lot of unfortunate comparisons to today’s fanaticism. A sobering book.

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Author did a brilliant job. I felt like everything is happening around me. It all felt so real. The book is intense, terrifying, gripping and accurate. It is insightful, well-researched and accurate to the facts in history.

Author has shared about the past events that led to World War 2 and encapsulated the secret of a man who strategically trapped everyone in his plan to conquer Europe. Hitler not only destroyed the economy, smashed democratic institutions along with turning Germany into a war state but the conspiracy against countries begin in mid-1930s. Hitler did everything to not let go of opportunity to become a chancellor. And then he begin working on his plan. He made pressure on british government and then diplomatically manipulated France and everyone. The man lead to destruction. Author has shared the insight about the Nazi Party.

Thanks to the Author

[SLAM]

Entertaining. And that’s what I’d use it for, if you want to be entertained while you learn about the origins of WWII. Useful, but not presented academicly. Informal, and modeled after golden age of radio drama. Fun way to learn if you’re unfamiliar with the story.

[Skipping Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the expressive way the history and messaging was conveyed by the author. The story telling and use of historical audio combined with the sound affects created an immersive and gripping story, with symmetrical themes then being described or rather pointed out with current day events had me on the edge of my seat!

[Jess Ross-Steltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧🛁 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 🛁🎧
How to Start a War: The Rise of Extremism, the Fall of Democracy, and the Lead Up to World War II by Michael Trapani
Narrated by Michael Trapani
“This is true for every chapter in this story up until now, but I need to remind even myself that the events that take place in the episode you’re about to hear actually happened. Think about that for a second: the words you will hear and the actions that took place are part of historical record.” - Michael Trapani, before chapter five of HTSAW

If you all know me at all, you’re probably like: Jess read a NON FICTION BOOK ABOUT WORLD WAR TWO? And I’m here to tell you, YES I DID AND NOT ONLY THAT: I loved it.

Starting with Hitler Beer Hall Coup Attempt, through troubles with Austria and the occupation of Czechoslovakia and more, Trapani takes a dramatized approach, using real transcripts, sound effects, and more to convey how WWII began. Narrated by the author himself, I felt like I was being explained all of these events by a friend, not someone preaching to me about history. One major thing I took away: I UNDERSTOOD. I felt walked through thoroughly and also? He made it exciting, interesting, and thought provoking.

The end of each chapter establishes factors on how to start a war and seals up each one with a perfect bow. Being that this audiobook is based on a podcast of the same name, it was such an introspective and interesting listen. I highly recommend
it to non-fiction fans, fiction fans, history buffs, and those of us who stray from history alike. You’ll come away feeling knowledgeable and ready for the next time someone wants to talk about history.

Thank you to Michael for the ALC of this book. Add it to your Goodreads TBR today and listen wherever you get your audiobooks.📚

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Trapani's "How to Start a War" isn't your typical history audiobook. It's a meticulously crafted plunge into the abyss of World War II, using the lead-up to the conflict as a stark warning for the present day.

Trapani sheds the dry tone of a textbook, opting for a gripping narrative style. Imagine a Golden Age radio drama, complete with dramatic storytelling and reenactments that put you in the room with history's most infamous figures. Through this immersive approach, Trapani dissects the rise of extremism, the erosion of democracy, and the key decisions that propelled the world towards war.

The audiobook doesn't shy away from the horrific consequences. It delves into the Holocaust, a chilling reminder of the true cost of unchecked hatred. But more importantly, "How to Start a War" emphasizes the human element. We hear from not just the Hitlers and Mussolinis, but also the voices of those who tried to stop the coming storm. This focus personalizes the tragedy, making it all the more impactful.

A key strength of the audiobook is its relevance to the present. Trapani draws parallels between the historical events and contemporary issues, prompting listeners to critically examine the world around them. Are we witnessing similar trends today? What can we learn from the past to prevent history from repeating itself? These are the questions that linger long after the final chapter.

"How to Start a War" is more than just a history lesson; it's a call to action. It reminds us of the fragility of peace and the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic ideals. For those seeking a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of one of history's darkest chapters, this audiobook is a must-listen.

[Pierre Parent · Rating 3 out of 5]

When reading the transcript of Tucker Carlson's "interview of" / "propaganda for" Vladimir Putin I was struck by the similarities of the current time with the time right before WW2. This led me to listen to this book, which I found very interesting. The audio only format was an unusual choice, but which made sense after I listened to it. I also thought that the narration was good and only found out later that the author and narrator was an actor, which certainly helped.

I give the main body of the book 5 stars and recommend it to anyone to learn about the history of the lead up to WW2. I deducted one star because it would have been good to have a pdf of the timeline of the major events would have been nice to have as a resource to look back on.

I also deducted one star for the for last part of it. I am not a Trump fan and didn't vote for him in 2020 but saying that Jan. 6 was the same as Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch is the type of claim that reveals the author's bias. Why didn't he raise the issue of government officials lying to the public in order to influence an election? That is also in line with what the Nazis did. I am less concerned about a few thousand unarmed citizens going to the Capitol building, then I am about the government censoring speech, controlling the press, targeting opposition groups, and locking down cities.