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Hitler's Aristocrats: The Secret Power Players in Britain and America Who Supported the Nazis, 1923–1941
Susan Ronald, acclaimed author of Hitler's Art Thief takes readers into the shadowy world of the aristocrats and business leaders on both sides of the Atlantic who secretly aided Hitler and Nazi Germany.
Hitler said, “I am convinced that propaganda is an essential means to achieve one’s aims.” Enlisting Europe’s aristocracy, international industrialists, and the political elite in Britain and America, Hitler spun a treacherous tale everyone wanted to he was a man of peace. Central to his deception was an international high society Black Widow, Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst, whom Hitler called “his dear princess.” She, and others, conspired for Hitler at the highest levels of the British aristocracy and spread their web to America's wealthy powerbrokers.
Hitler’s aristocrats became his eyes, listening posts, and mouthpieces in the drawing rooms, cocktail parties, and weekend retreats of Europe and America. Among these “gentlemen spies” and “ladies of mystery” were the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Lady Nancy Astor, Charles Lindbergh, and two of the Mitford sisters. They were the trusted voices disseminating his political and cultural propaganda about the “New Germany,” brushing aside the Nazis’ atrocities. Distrustful of his own Foreign Ministry, Hitler used his aristocrats to open the right doors in Great Britain and the United States, creating a formidable fifth column within government and financial circles.
In a tale of drama and intrigue, Hitler’s Aristocrats uncovers the battle between these influencers and those who heroically opposed them.
Hitler said, “I am convinced that propaganda is an essential means to achieve one’s aims.” Enlisting Europe’s aristocracy, international industrialists, and the political elite in Britain and America, Hitler spun a treacherous tale everyone wanted to he was a man of peace. Central to his deception was an international high society Black Widow, Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst, whom Hitler called “his dear princess.” She, and others, conspired for Hitler at the highest levels of the British aristocracy and spread their web to America's wealthy powerbrokers.
Hitler’s aristocrats became his eyes, listening posts, and mouthpieces in the drawing rooms, cocktail parties, and weekend retreats of Europe and America. Among these “gentlemen spies” and “ladies of mystery” were the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Lady Nancy Astor, Charles Lindbergh, and two of the Mitford sisters. They were the trusted voices disseminating his political and cultural propaganda about the “New Germany,” brushing aside the Nazis’ atrocities. Distrustful of his own Foreign Ministry, Hitler used his aristocrats to open the right doors in Great Britain and the United States, creating a formidable fifth column within government and financial circles.
In a tale of drama and intrigue, Hitler’s Aristocrats uncovers the battle between these influencers and those who heroically opposed them.
464 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 26, 2023
This took me a long time to finish, but it was absolutely worth the read. The thesis of Hitler’s Aristocrat’s is so simple that it seems too obvious: Hitler’s rise to power was aided and abetted by numerous rich and powerful people around the world, who lent their money, influence, and expertise to his cause in hopes that it would help them stay on top. Where this book shines is in showing how much of the help given to Hitler came not out of true belief in the grand plans of Naziism (though some of the aristocrats were true believers), but out of smaller and pettier motivations: greed, cowardice, fear, stupidity, and just plain going along with others in the same income bracket.
It’s shocking to see some of the parallels with today’s political landscape. Many of the aristocrats in both America and Britain were terrified of Communism, and saw backing fascism as the best way to make sure the social order stayed the way they wanted it. Hitler and his cronies told various aristocrats that his movement would back their pet projects, and they went along with him naively believing he’d follow through. There was even a plot in America to overthrow FDR via military coup, which was prevented due to the sheer idiocy of the industrialists trying to plan it (January 6, anyone?).
Much of the book is absolutely fascinating, and the author is great at deploying quotes and anecdotes that keep the reader engaged and remind us of the odd humanity of these long-dead aristocrats, spies, con artists, and politicians. What I found difficult was the huge volume of characters, many of whom were only mentioned a few times. I had to give up on keeping track of everyone and just let the book wash over me, trying to focus on understanding larger themes. This book did point me toward several individuals that I want to read entire books about — Princess Stephanie, the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, and Charles Lindbergh, to name a few. And while I thought the book got off to a slow start, it sped up toward the end, when the narrative became more focused on the events that finally led to an all-out World War.
I’m glad I stuck with this one — it’s given me a huge list of further research and reading I need to do on WWII. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
It’s shocking to see some of the parallels with today’s political landscape. Many of the aristocrats in both America and Britain were terrified of Communism, and saw backing fascism as the best way to make sure the social order stayed the way they wanted it. Hitler and his cronies told various aristocrats that his movement would back their pet projects, and they went along with him naively believing he’d follow through. There was even a plot in America to overthrow FDR via military coup, which was prevented due to the sheer idiocy of the industrialists trying to plan it (January 6, anyone?).
Much of the book is absolutely fascinating, and the author is great at deploying quotes and anecdotes that keep the reader engaged and remind us of the odd humanity of these long-dead aristocrats, spies, con artists, and politicians. What I found difficult was the huge volume of characters, many of whom were only mentioned a few times. I had to give up on keeping track of everyone and just let the book wash over me, trying to focus on understanding larger themes. This book did point me toward several individuals that I want to read entire books about — Princess Stephanie, the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, and Charles Lindbergh, to name a few. And while I thought the book got off to a slow start, it sped up toward the end, when the narrative became more focused on the events that finally led to an all-out World War.
I’m glad I stuck with this one — it’s given me a huge list of further research and reading I need to do on WWII. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
physical_to-read_stack
March 8, 2023I received my copy free through Goodreads Giveaways
January 8, 2023
I found this book, Hitler's Aristocrats, unexpected fascinating. Some of the basic information was already covered in other books, but this one gave a lot more details on the numbers of both American well-to-do businessmen and society people, as well as the English ones, about whom, I believe, more has been written in the past, particularly concerning the Mitford sisters. Not only were the Duke and Duchess of Windsor taken with the Nazis, but other dukes, princes, etc. Once war was officially declared, most of those who had flirted with Nazi ideas gave them up, but for some, it took a long time. Again, this was rather fascinating reading, and shows how so many people let their need for more money, more power, more everything, go to their heads, and often overrule common decency, patriotism, and common sense.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book; my review and opinions are, however, all my own.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book; my review and opinions are, however, all my own.
July 23, 2025
Бъркотия от имена на аристократи, срещи между тях, случки, някой казал нещо, друг написал писмо. Няма някаква определен структура на разказа, а от толкова участници напълно загубих интерес към повечето. Става ясно, че Хитлер е имал много поддръжници във Великобритания и не чак толкова в САЩ. Причините за това не са съвсем ясни, може би защото са най-разнообразни. Но не са били парите, предимно. Някои аристократи наистина са харесвали човека Хитлер, други са харесвали политиките му за възстановяване на икономиката на Германия, трети са го припознавали като борец срещу комунизма в Европа. Повечето не са били глупави хора, но не са имали способността да предвиждат бъдещето. Или пък то не ги е вълнувало особено, стига положението и бизнесът им да са гарантирани за възможно най-дълъг период от това бъдеще.
Но над всичко си остава бъркотията на повествованието, което за мен беше трудно проследимо.
Но над всичко си остава бъркотията на повествованието, което за мен беше трудно проследимо.
March 23, 2023
The writing style of this book is "fair," but the sweep of its subject is extraordinary. Susan Ronald presents an excellent chronology of the many British and American individuals who supported Hitler (at least initially), who were Hitler's apologists, who were actively involved in propaganda and their sub rosa influence of those in power. A description of the world-wide network of Nazi spies is especially chilling. The disgraceful reputations of the former King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson are convincingly confirmed. This book is very well-researched and attempts to flesh out in more detail the role of aristocrats, financiers, celebrities and politicians who worked to make Nazi Germany palatable to the rest of the world.
March 20, 2024
HITLER’S ARISTOCRATS
This is a book about the industrialists, elitists, and current and former monarchists and how they contributed to the Nazi movement.
It is about the media’s portrayal of Hitler and the Nazi party, propaganda, the horrible German economy, WWI debt repayment, the Treaty of Versailles and how all of this contributed to why WWII happened.
It is about world views, with tons of detail. It is about personal interests - greed, status, power, old resentments, fear of communism.
This is a book of manipulation and money in the time of pre and early years of WWII.
This book is excellent if you have a decent understanding of the general events of WWII and are interested in small details, of both little and large impact. Through the presentation of all these competing incidents and motivations, the overall picture of how and why the insanity of WWII happened becomes a little clearer. A little.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Susan Ronald, and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is a book about the industrialists, elitists, and current and former monarchists and how they contributed to the Nazi movement.
It is about the media’s portrayal of Hitler and the Nazi party, propaganda, the horrible German economy, WWI debt repayment, the Treaty of Versailles and how all of this contributed to why WWII happened.
It is about world views, with tons of detail. It is about personal interests - greed, status, power, old resentments, fear of communism.
This is a book of manipulation and money in the time of pre and early years of WWII.
This book is excellent if you have a decent understanding of the general events of WWII and are interested in small details, of both little and large impact. Through the presentation of all these competing incidents and motivations, the overall picture of how and why the insanity of WWII happened becomes a little clearer. A little.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Susan Ronald, and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 13, 2023
This book is well written and researched. As the title suggests it focuses on individuals who knowingly and potentially unknowingly supported the Nazis in their rise to power. Some of the individuals are well known such as Charles Lindberg, Henry Ford, Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Joseph Kennedy and Neville Chamberlain. Several others as not as well know, but played important roles. The most notable was Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst, who served as an intermediary in both England and America. I recommend this book for anyone interested in the Nazi rise to power that covers some material not covered in other books.
I received a free ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.
I received a free ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.
March 17, 2024
This book was very well written and the research was top notch. There is a lot of information in this book that I was already famililar with, being a history major that specializes in World War II history. I found the most valuable parts of the book to be those regarding American interests. I haven't read much about the American support of things, beyond a few companies. I have read some other reviews about this book, and there seems to be a staggering number of people who had no idea about the companies and big names involved with the Nazis. Some of the world's favorite brands have some really shady pasts.
September 2, 2023
I knew that there had been Nazi supporters in the United States and Britain before the outbreak of the Second World War but I never knew there were so many of them. Charles Lindberg and Henry Ford I knew about and I knew about their nasty antisemitism. But there were so many others who not just had sympathy for fascism but supported it in may ways. Even spying for Hitler and betraying American and/or England. Too many parrellels to today. With a former President who allied himself with the worst of dictators history repeats itself. Susan Ronald has done a fine job of bringing to light events we should be more aware of. The almost King Edward VIII and his American wife were also looked at by Ronald and he gave more than just sympathy to the enemy of his country. The author gave strong evidence that this abdicated king gave vital information to Hitler. This book is somewhat long but very important. It should be read!
September 4, 2023
what an amazing work! thanks to the author for the deep research, uncovering of methods of controlling and using the elites, exploiting social capital, and ways of using human nature to achieve one's atrocious goals.
this work is a must-read for any research on soft power, social psychology, sociology, and propaganda.
this work is a must-read for any research on soft power, social psychology, sociology, and propaganda.
November 3, 2022
What's often forgotten is that it wasn't only Germans who were Nazi party sympathizers before and during WWII. Many wealthy people on both sides of the Atlantic campaigned for peace with Germany, believing the propaganda about peace and neutrality. This book takes a hard look at some of the most influential men and women in Europe and America who were actively involved n promoting compromises and treaties with Germany. Simply put, it's an eye-opening book.
October 8, 2023
This year, I'm really trying to push myself in terms of the book genres I read; by reading history books, I’m not only doing that, but I’m furthering my knowledge as well. Hitler's Aristocrats: The Secret Power Players In Britain And America Who Supported the Nazis, 1923–1941 by Susan Ronald is now the second history book I've read this year.
After a startling quote, proving just how horrific Hitler was, the authors note then sets the scene for the tone of the book. Ronald explains not only how important history is to look back on and which should never be ignored but also to remember the context and state the world was in when that history took place. From there, this book obviously sums up just how heinous Hitler's rise to power was.
It's both remarkable and utterly disturbing how slippery and chameleon-like Hitler behaved in order to garner the support he needed to unleash the Holocaust. I knew the Reich was deceitful and spread non-truths, but when they treated the British to a tour of the Dachau concentration camp, those imprisoned in the camp were hidden underground, with guards posing as prisoners instead. This is just one example of the brainwashing Hitler tried and, sadly, achieved with his twisted propaganda.
This book also provides the perspective and political stance of countries throughout the world during Hitler's rise to power. This is much more than just the history of and about Hitler; there is equally as much history on the United States and other countries as well.
For those looking to expand their knowledge of World War II, this non-fiction book is a very worthwhile read.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the complimentary copy to read and review.
After a startling quote, proving just how horrific Hitler was, the authors note then sets the scene for the tone of the book. Ronald explains not only how important history is to look back on and which should never be ignored but also to remember the context and state the world was in when that history took place. From there, this book obviously sums up just how heinous Hitler's rise to power was.
It's both remarkable and utterly disturbing how slippery and chameleon-like Hitler behaved in order to garner the support he needed to unleash the Holocaust. I knew the Reich was deceitful and spread non-truths, but when they treated the British to a tour of the Dachau concentration camp, those imprisoned in the camp were hidden underground, with guards posing as prisoners instead. This is just one example of the brainwashing Hitler tried and, sadly, achieved with his twisted propaganda.
This book also provides the perspective and political stance of countries throughout the world during Hitler's rise to power. This is much more than just the history of and about Hitler; there is equally as much history on the United States and other countries as well.
For those looking to expand their knowledge of World War II, this non-fiction book is a very worthwhile read.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the complimentary copy to read and review.
September 6, 2023
What an awful writer Susan Ronald is and her editor should be fired for malfeasance. I have read many books on the Nazi regime and key players and this added very little to my knowledge when it could have added so much. Fascism only succeeds with the cultish propaganda and public opinion maneuvers of followers. Had there been a coherent narrative theme to the organization of the robust content here this book could have been exceptional. As it was it meandered around among different players, threw out lots of ancillary and central players with inadequate identification and left more loose ends than a cat-shredded tapestry. Ronald’s fascination with society figures blotted out the very real impact and import of industrialists and politicians who were also the aristocrats that empowered Hitler and his Nazi followers all over the world. Why people gave this book stellar reviews I will never understand. The only reason I gave two stars (instead of one) is acknowledgement of the research. She needs to go back to school and learn how to write a coherent, concise and compelling essay. Feh.
April 3, 2023
A lot of my rating has to do with the fact that I found the content boring, and was expecting more of an expose on current companies and people who provided assistance to Nazis after WW2, and of that there was very little. It was a long, tired list of various aristocrats around the globe who either helped or certainly didn't get in the way of the rise of the Nazi party. Not particularly interesting and it got really tedious throughout.
If you're interested in the content based on what I've said, you will likely enjoy this much more than I
did.
2/10.
If you're interested in the content based on what I've said, you will likely enjoy this much more than I
did.
2/10.
October 18, 2023
My Interest
As a frustrated historian (I had to earn a living instead) I know that history tends to go in cycles of approximately 100 years each. The dot com boom was about 100 years after the Robber Barons of the Gilded Age for example. In the years of Hitler’s rise to power, between 1923 and 1933, just like today, many people on both sides of the American political divide saw potential for dictatorship to arise from the other side. The USA has both embraced and renounced dictators throughout history–having them near when they needed them and pushing them away later (Saddam Hussein is an example of this).
The old world aristocracy and the wealthy Americans dubbed that in the press have a vested interest in keeping their standard of living. Americans in the “interior” of the country (I will not use the gag-inducing term the press of today so loves, “the heartland”) are far more conservative than those on the coasts. There are people with German ancestors everywhere. It is interesting to see how, after the bad is seen an accepted, people distance themselves from what they so recently espoused. That, too, is going on today.
The Story
Edward VIII (Prince of Wales at the start of Hitler’s rise, later Duke of Windsor), Diana Mitford [Guiness], her sister Unity (she born in the Canadian hamlet of Swastika) and their parents Lord and Lady Redesdale, as well as Lord Londonderry, the Duke of Buccleuch (brother of H.R.H. the Duchess of Gloucester), Nancy Astor (and American by birth who was a Member oft he British House of Commons) and many others were ardent Nazi supporters. One of especial note was Sir Oswald Mosley–son-in-law of the former Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, and later Diana Mitford’s 2nd husband, who led the British Union of Fascists.
In America Henry Ford, Charles Lindbergh of Lucky Lindy fame, Prescott Bush, father of President GHW Bush (“41”) and grandfather of “W” “(43”), Senator William Borah, longtime lover of TR’s daughter, Alice Roosevelt Longworth were among the legions of Americans who supported the Nazis well into the late 1930s. All kinds of ordinary Americans approved–after all this was the years of lynching, the resurgence of the [c]lan, and the American eugenics movement.
Both groups had one thing in common: A terror of a “communism” as represented by the Soviet Union. In America, FDR was seen by many as trying to bring in socialism, if not communism. The Nazis seemed to be improving Germany after the “debacle” of the Weimar years (in which an early transgender movement gained the ability to register and live as the “other”–see? Cycles of history). Immigration controls kept out “foreigners.” It was sadly normal to hold antisemitic and racist views, so concern for the Jews of Germany was not great.
The British aristocracy also had the worry of losing their Empire–in a few cases not realizing what a tenuous hold they had over India and other “jewels in the crown.” Lord Francis Scott, uncle of the Duke of Buccleuch, helped govern Kenya.
Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst, a princess only by a bad marriage, is woven in and out of the story. She gives the red haired prince of today’s wife a run for it. Also discussed are the various ways the countries spied on each other showing, how things like the great Norden bombsight got to the Nazis.
The ridiculous ex-King, the Duke of Windsor, showing exactly where today’s red-haired bearded prince with the awful wife got his genetic inheritance, made as big a mess of things as today’s guy, but with a slightly less over-bearing wife pulling his strings. His cousin, the Old Etonian and grandson of Queen Victoria, Carl Edward, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (whose daughter gave birth to Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustav) led the Nazi Red Cross. Carl’s sister, Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone (who, after the war, would try to rescue him) was married to Queen Mary’s brother. Of course most of this came from Queen Victoria’s insistence on marrying her many children to every European royal house hoping to make peace. The First World War put paid to that, but families are families. [Even during WWII, Lord Mountbatten’s sister and Prince Philip’s aunt, Queen Louise of Sweden (Carl Gustav’s step-grandmother) would pass letters from the “enemy” side of the family to the to the other side).
Eventually, most saw the true light of who Hitler was (another parallel to today’s great awakening about a prominent political figure) and reverted to being true to their country.
My Thoughts
Obviously, I found this fascinating. Prescott Bush was the only unexpected name–most I’ve known about for years. But, in truth, it makes sense. At that time no one knew of the “final solution” and old money is old money–of course he’d support the right and not the traitor to their class, FDR.
It was history repeating itself that I found as interesting as the personalities of those involved. Political history, royal history, economic history–it all repeats. Here was the Prince of Wales [as Edward VIII was then] screaming about deserving a private life away from the press (so go to Balmoral or Sandringham already), here were Americans screaming that the other party wanted a dictatorship, her were the 1% determined to keep people as housemaids and low-wage earners. Here were the Eurotrash of the day exerting their privilege. Here were foreign attempts to influence US opinion…..on and on just like today, It didn’t take social media to invent any of it. Social media just made it easier.
My Verdict
4 stars
Hitler’s Aristocrats by Susan Ronald
I listened to the audio version.
As a frustrated historian (I had to earn a living instead) I know that history tends to go in cycles of approximately 100 years each. The dot com boom was about 100 years after the Robber Barons of the Gilded Age for example. In the years of Hitler’s rise to power, between 1923 and 1933, just like today, many people on both sides of the American political divide saw potential for dictatorship to arise from the other side. The USA has both embraced and renounced dictators throughout history–having them near when they needed them and pushing them away later (Saddam Hussein is an example of this).
The old world aristocracy and the wealthy Americans dubbed that in the press have a vested interest in keeping their standard of living. Americans in the “interior” of the country (I will not use the gag-inducing term the press of today so loves, “the heartland”) are far more conservative than those on the coasts. There are people with German ancestors everywhere. It is interesting to see how, after the bad is seen an accepted, people distance themselves from what they so recently espoused. That, too, is going on today.
The Story
Edward VIII (Prince of Wales at the start of Hitler’s rise, later Duke of Windsor), Diana Mitford [Guiness], her sister Unity (she born in the Canadian hamlet of Swastika) and their parents Lord and Lady Redesdale, as well as Lord Londonderry, the Duke of Buccleuch (brother of H.R.H. the Duchess of Gloucester), Nancy Astor (and American by birth who was a Member oft he British House of Commons) and many others were ardent Nazi supporters. One of especial note was Sir Oswald Mosley–son-in-law of the former Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, and later Diana Mitford’s 2nd husband, who led the British Union of Fascists.
In America Henry Ford, Charles Lindbergh of Lucky Lindy fame, Prescott Bush, father of President GHW Bush (“41”) and grandfather of “W” “(43”), Senator William Borah, longtime lover of TR’s daughter, Alice Roosevelt Longworth were among the legions of Americans who supported the Nazis well into the late 1930s. All kinds of ordinary Americans approved–after all this was the years of lynching, the resurgence of the [c]lan, and the American eugenics movement.
Both groups had one thing in common: A terror of a “communism” as represented by the Soviet Union. In America, FDR was seen by many as trying to bring in socialism, if not communism. The Nazis seemed to be improving Germany after the “debacle” of the Weimar years (in which an early transgender movement gained the ability to register and live as the “other”–see? Cycles of history). Immigration controls kept out “foreigners.” It was sadly normal to hold antisemitic and racist views, so concern for the Jews of Germany was not great.
The British aristocracy also had the worry of losing their Empire–in a few cases not realizing what a tenuous hold they had over India and other “jewels in the crown.” Lord Francis Scott, uncle of the Duke of Buccleuch, helped govern Kenya.
Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst, a princess only by a bad marriage, is woven in and out of the story. She gives the red haired prince of today’s wife a run for it. Also discussed are the various ways the countries spied on each other showing, how things like the great Norden bombsight got to the Nazis.
The ridiculous ex-King, the Duke of Windsor, showing exactly where today’s red-haired bearded prince with the awful wife got his genetic inheritance, made as big a mess of things as today’s guy, but with a slightly less over-bearing wife pulling his strings. His cousin, the Old Etonian and grandson of Queen Victoria, Carl Edward, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (whose daughter gave birth to Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustav) led the Nazi Red Cross. Carl’s sister, Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone (who, after the war, would try to rescue him) was married to Queen Mary’s brother. Of course most of this came from Queen Victoria’s insistence on marrying her many children to every European royal house hoping to make peace. The First World War put paid to that, but families are families. [Even during WWII, Lord Mountbatten’s sister and Prince Philip’s aunt, Queen Louise of Sweden (Carl Gustav’s step-grandmother) would pass letters from the “enemy” side of the family to the to the other side).
Eventually, most saw the true light of who Hitler was (another parallel to today’s great awakening about a prominent political figure) and reverted to being true to their country.
My Thoughts
Obviously, I found this fascinating. Prescott Bush was the only unexpected name–most I’ve known about for years. But, in truth, it makes sense. At that time no one knew of the “final solution” and old money is old money–of course he’d support the right and not the traitor to their class, FDR.
It was history repeating itself that I found as interesting as the personalities of those involved. Political history, royal history, economic history–it all repeats. Here was the Prince of Wales [as Edward VIII was then] screaming about deserving a private life away from the press (so go to Balmoral or Sandringham already), here were Americans screaming that the other party wanted a dictatorship, her were the 1% determined to keep people as housemaids and low-wage earners. Here were the Eurotrash of the day exerting their privilege. Here were foreign attempts to influence US opinion…..on and on just like today, It didn’t take social media to invent any of it. Social media just made it easier.
My Verdict
4 stars
Hitler’s Aristocrats by Susan Ronald
I listened to the audio version.
March 13, 2023
Posted in Writing Across Genres:
Hitler’s Little Helpers
March 13, 2023 by Lev Raphael
Hitler’s Aristocrats by Susan Ronald could just as easily have been called Hitler’s Stooges. It’s a survey of wealthy and upper-crust Britons and Americans who for various reasons supported and even idolized Hitler in the 1930. Some of them were grotesque and paranoid anti-Semites, others admired the man or were even hypnotized by him. Still others believed in his mission to create a strong, stable Germany–no matter the human cost.
Whatever their reasons, they were wildly deluded and dangerous because they either ignored the truth about Hitler’s Germany or just didn’t understand it. For readers of WWII history in books like The Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson or even a novel like Munich by Robert Harris, the material here in general might not seem new, though its scope might as you explore the range of this informal international propaganda machine.
Ronald writes in a surprisingly breezy style given the subject matter and calls these people “influencers.” You can decide whether you think that term makes them more understandable or seems too mild for the profound damage they tried to do to democracy and the aid they gave to the dictator and his criminal regime.
Perhaps most fascinating of all here is the story of British press baron Lord Rothermere and his quixotic-verging-on-nutty campaign to restore the German and Austrian monarchies, believing that Hitler was on his side. That story deserves a book of its own.
Ronald takes more time than necessary explaining Hitler’s rise to power before we actually see the “influencers” plying their filthy trade. She also isn’t quite as evocative a writer as Lynne Olson, who’s written extensively about WWII and the lead-up to that war in books like Citizens of London, but she does keep her dark tale moving briskly in short chapters filled with often quirky details. Like noting that one German émigré had “irregular teeth, with one tooth on the upper left side of his mouth protruding to force his upper lip over the gum whenever he laughed or spoke emphatically. At some point during the Nazi rule, he had the offending tooth capped in gold.”
Make of that what you will, and welcome to a despicable rogue’s gallery of wealthy businessmen, quisling politicians, real and fake nobility and lots of very odd ducks. Of course the notorious Duke and Duchess of Windsor make their appearance here though readers might prefer a whole book about the couple, Andrew Lownie’s recent Traitor King.
To her credit, Ronald can turn a phrase more often than not, as when she notes that the mass producer of cars, Henry Ford, also mass produced antisemitism via his newspaper and endless crazy pamphlets.
Whether malign, naive, power-hungry or ambitious in other ways, these reckless and ruthless people functioned as a kind of PR Third Column to aid Hitler’s war effort. Hitler’s Aristocrats is a solid introduction to a sordid time.
Lev Raphael has reviewed books for The Washington Post, The Detroit Free Press, Jerusalem Report and a handful of public radio stations. He is an #SMPInfluencer.
Hitler’s Little Helpers
March 13, 2023 by Lev Raphael
Hitler’s Aristocrats by Susan Ronald could just as easily have been called Hitler’s Stooges. It’s a survey of wealthy and upper-crust Britons and Americans who for various reasons supported and even idolized Hitler in the 1930. Some of them were grotesque and paranoid anti-Semites, others admired the man or were even hypnotized by him. Still others believed in his mission to create a strong, stable Germany–no matter the human cost.
Whatever their reasons, they were wildly deluded and dangerous because they either ignored the truth about Hitler’s Germany or just didn’t understand it. For readers of WWII history in books like The Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson or even a novel like Munich by Robert Harris, the material here in general might not seem new, though its scope might as you explore the range of this informal international propaganda machine.
Ronald writes in a surprisingly breezy style given the subject matter and calls these people “influencers.” You can decide whether you think that term makes them more understandable or seems too mild for the profound damage they tried to do to democracy and the aid they gave to the dictator and his criminal regime.
Perhaps most fascinating of all here is the story of British press baron Lord Rothermere and his quixotic-verging-on-nutty campaign to restore the German and Austrian monarchies, believing that Hitler was on his side. That story deserves a book of its own.
Ronald takes more time than necessary explaining Hitler’s rise to power before we actually see the “influencers” plying their filthy trade. She also isn’t quite as evocative a writer as Lynne Olson, who’s written extensively about WWII and the lead-up to that war in books like Citizens of London, but she does keep her dark tale moving briskly in short chapters filled with often quirky details. Like noting that one German émigré had “irregular teeth, with one tooth on the upper left side of his mouth protruding to force his upper lip over the gum whenever he laughed or spoke emphatically. At some point during the Nazi rule, he had the offending tooth capped in gold.”
Make of that what you will, and welcome to a despicable rogue’s gallery of wealthy businessmen, quisling politicians, real and fake nobility and lots of very odd ducks. Of course the notorious Duke and Duchess of Windsor make their appearance here though readers might prefer a whole book about the couple, Andrew Lownie’s recent Traitor King.
To her credit, Ronald can turn a phrase more often than not, as when she notes that the mass producer of cars, Henry Ford, also mass produced antisemitism via his newspaper and endless crazy pamphlets.
Whether malign, naive, power-hungry or ambitious in other ways, these reckless and ruthless people functioned as a kind of PR Third Column to aid Hitler’s war effort. Hitler’s Aristocrats is a solid introduction to a sordid time.
Lev Raphael has reviewed books for The Washington Post, The Detroit Free Press, Jerusalem Report and a handful of public radio stations. He is an #SMPInfluencer.
January 31, 2023
I received a free digital advance review copy from the publisher, via Netgalley.
I read a lot about the Nazi era, and in those books I would often come across information about wealthy and influential people who were fans of the Nazis, including the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, many members of the famous Mitford family, and in the US, Charles Lindbergh and popular radio host Father Coughlin. But I’ve never previously read a book whose chief focus is on those fans and supporters.
Ronald deftly describes the German roots and intermarriages of the British royal family to show why some of its members were sympathetic to the Germans, even as the country turned to Nazism. In the maelstrom of world politics after World War I, many from all walks of life leaned hard into fascism as a bulwark against communism.
Ronald shows how post-World War I Germany went to US banks (other than the Jewish banks) for backing, and courted US industrial titans like Henry Ford, the chiefs of GM and IBM, George W. Bush’s grandfather investment banker Prescott Bush, and names like Joseph P. Kennedy and Charles Lindbergh. The election of Franklin Roosevelt to the presidency angered powerful industrialists, leading them to support fascistic American movements, even to the point of claims that they plotted the overthrow of the government and the installation of a regime friendly to them and their class, rather than to labor.
Those familiar with Britain’s Daily Mail tabloid today will not be surprised to learn that its then-chief, Lord Rothermere, met with Hitler, hobnobbed with Nazis and Nazi sympathizers and had much friendly coverage of the Nazi party and the British Union of Fascists during the 1930s. Though not quite as violently in love with the Nazis as Rothermere, the other major British press baron, Lord Beaverbrook of the Daily Express and Evening Standard, also covered fascists and Nazis favorably. On the other side of the pond, similar sentiments were expressed in Robert McCormick’s Chicago Tribune, William Randolph Hearst’s many papers, the New York Daily News, and more.
A link among many of the supporters of Nazi Germany was the so-called Princess Stephanie von Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfurst. Divorced from the prince of the same name and with a young son, she needed money. She had plenty of beauty and charm, and used them to attract the affections and support of people like Lord Rothermere and a German consul general. Hitler enjoyed her political gossip about her acquaintances across Europe, and even gave her a medal. Essentially, she was a Nazi spy, and except for being interned in the US for three years during the war, she got away with her spying unscathed, returning to high society in Europe and the US after the war. It feels like a whole book could be written about her escapades.
This is a lengthy, thoroughgoing history of the friends in high places who helped ensure the appeasement of Hitler and pave the way to a devastating war.
I read a lot about the Nazi era, and in those books I would often come across information about wealthy and influential people who were fans of the Nazis, including the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, many members of the famous Mitford family, and in the US, Charles Lindbergh and popular radio host Father Coughlin. But I’ve never previously read a book whose chief focus is on those fans and supporters.
Ronald deftly describes the German roots and intermarriages of the British royal family to show why some of its members were sympathetic to the Germans, even as the country turned to Nazism. In the maelstrom of world politics after World War I, many from all walks of life leaned hard into fascism as a bulwark against communism.
Ronald shows how post-World War I Germany went to US banks (other than the Jewish banks) for backing, and courted US industrial titans like Henry Ford, the chiefs of GM and IBM, George W. Bush’s grandfather investment banker Prescott Bush, and names like Joseph P. Kennedy and Charles Lindbergh. The election of Franklin Roosevelt to the presidency angered powerful industrialists, leading them to support fascistic American movements, even to the point of claims that they plotted the overthrow of the government and the installation of a regime friendly to them and their class, rather than to labor.
Those familiar with Britain’s Daily Mail tabloid today will not be surprised to learn that its then-chief, Lord Rothermere, met with Hitler, hobnobbed with Nazis and Nazi sympathizers and had much friendly coverage of the Nazi party and the British Union of Fascists during the 1930s. Though not quite as violently in love with the Nazis as Rothermere, the other major British press baron, Lord Beaverbrook of the Daily Express and Evening Standard, also covered fascists and Nazis favorably. On the other side of the pond, similar sentiments were expressed in Robert McCormick’s Chicago Tribune, William Randolph Hearst’s many papers, the New York Daily News, and more.
A link among many of the supporters of Nazi Germany was the so-called Princess Stephanie von Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfurst. Divorced from the prince of the same name and with a young son, she needed money. She had plenty of beauty and charm, and used them to attract the affections and support of people like Lord Rothermere and a German consul general. Hitler enjoyed her political gossip about her acquaintances across Europe, and even gave her a medal. Essentially, she was a Nazi spy, and except for being interned in the US for three years during the war, she got away with her spying unscathed, returning to high society in Europe and the US after the war. It feels like a whole book could be written about her escapades.
This is a lengthy, thoroughgoing history of the friends in high places who helped ensure the appeasement of Hitler and pave the way to a devastating war.
December 17, 2023
Ronald dashes through the 1930s and early 1940s, scattering the names of actual aristocrats like the Astors, Hohenzollerns, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the DuPonts, Bushes and the Kennedys. This lack of focus, despite her title, is confusing. Most of the American "aristocrats" were there for business reasons. They either had investments to nurture or a product to sell. Far from an aristocratic and atavistic European desire for either a strong central leader --- preferably a Kaiser, but Hitler would do in a pinch --- or a recognition of aristocrats as an "elite". American companies who supported Nazi Germany did so for capitalistic reasons. For that matter, so did German industrial leaders, cf. the Krupps.
Ronald spends a great deal of time with Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe, whom she paints as a master spy without ever producing in evidence anything Stephanie accomplished other than doing pretty well for Stephanie from Lord Harmsworth and Adolf Hitler while she flitted about the continent and the United States. Adolf had a weakness for aristocratic women, and while Stephanie may not have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she had a gold plate service for twelve in it by 1939 thanks to the boys' kindness. Ronald is wrong about the Mitford sisters. Among other errors, Diana did not go to fetch Unity after the failed suicide attempt. But to give credit, Ronald uncovers a speech given by their father in the House of Lords. Redesdale expressed support for Hitler before the War, but pulled back immediately once hostilities began. Lady Redesdale, on the other hand, once forced her daughter Nancy out of a car and onto a Scottish country lane for disparaging the Fuehrer.
Ronald dislikes the Windsors, which is fair --- lots of people did, although it is clear from other contemporary sources that the Royal Family itself was running a disparagement campaign about the couple. There is a great deal made of the "smallness" of the Duke's persistence in regard to his wife's HRH. It never seems to occur to Ronald that the denial of the title itself was a small, bitter act that set so much else in motion. The refusal to allow Gloucester and Kent to be present as their bother's supporters at the wedding; the denial of the normal Buckingham Palace visit to a retired governor and his wife at the end of their wartime service. I'm sorry, but his family must have known have hard David would take these snubs. No sympathy, and I don't think what the Nazis thought they could pull off with the couple should be back-sourced to an imaginary "understanding".
In the end, a disappointing read. Hitler's Aristocrats needs stronger organization around whatever points Ronald wants to make. This is a barrage of names and events, but suffers from the scattershot approach.
Ronald spends a great deal of time with Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe, whom she paints as a master spy without ever producing in evidence anything Stephanie accomplished other than doing pretty well for Stephanie from Lord Harmsworth and Adolf Hitler while she flitted about the continent and the United States. Adolf had a weakness for aristocratic women, and while Stephanie may not have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she had a gold plate service for twelve in it by 1939 thanks to the boys' kindness. Ronald is wrong about the Mitford sisters. Among other errors, Diana did not go to fetch Unity after the failed suicide attempt. But to give credit, Ronald uncovers a speech given by their father in the House of Lords. Redesdale expressed support for Hitler before the War, but pulled back immediately once hostilities began. Lady Redesdale, on the other hand, once forced her daughter Nancy out of a car and onto a Scottish country lane for disparaging the Fuehrer.
Ronald dislikes the Windsors, which is fair --- lots of people did, although it is clear from other contemporary sources that the Royal Family itself was running a disparagement campaign about the couple. There is a great deal made of the "smallness" of the Duke's persistence in regard to his wife's HRH. It never seems to occur to Ronald that the denial of the title itself was a small, bitter act that set so much else in motion. The refusal to allow Gloucester and Kent to be present as their bother's supporters at the wedding; the denial of the normal Buckingham Palace visit to a retired governor and his wife at the end of their wartime service. I'm sorry, but his family must have known have hard David would take these snubs. No sympathy, and I don't think what the Nazis thought they could pull off with the couple should be back-sourced to an imaginary "understanding".
In the end, a disappointing read. Hitler's Aristocrats needs stronger organization around whatever points Ronald wants to make. This is a barrage of names and events, but suffers from the scattershot approach.
March 23, 2023
Susan Ronald's book, "Hitler's Aristocrats," delves into the hidden world of European and American aristocrats and business leaders who covertly aided Hitler and Nazi Germany. These "gentlemen spies" and "ladies of mystery," including well-known figures like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Lady Nancy Astor, Charles Lindbergh, and two of the Mitford sisters, were trusted by Hitler to spread propaganda and play down the Nazis' crimes. Hitler used his aristocratic contacts to create a fifth column within government and financial circles, and the book examines the conflict between these influencers and those who opposed them. Overall, "Hitler's Aristocrats" is an exciting and suspenseful tale.
This well-crafted and thoroughly researched book centers around the people who knowingly or unknowingly supported the Nazi regime's ascent to power, as the title suggests. The author sheds light on both prominent figures like Charles Lindberg, Henry Ford, Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Joseph Kennedy, and Neville Chamberlain, as well as lesser-known individuals who played vital roles. One such key figure is Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst, who acted as an intermediary in England and America. This book is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the Nazi rise to power and covers information not found in other works.
کتاب سوزان رونالد، "اشراف زادگان هیتلر"، به دنیای پنهان اشراف زادگان اروپایی و آمریکایی و رهبران تجاری می پردازد که به طور پنهانی به هیتلر و آلمان نازی کمک می کردند. این "آقایان جاسوس" و "بانوهای مرموز"، از جمله چهره های شناخته شده ای مانند دوک و دوشس ویندزور، بانو نانسی آستور، چارلز لیندبرگ و دو تن از خواهران میتفورد، مورد اعتماد هیتلر برای گسترش تبلیغات و کم اهمیت جلوه دادن زندگی بودند. جنایات نازی ها هیتلر از تماس های اشرافی خود برای ایجاد ستون پنجم در محافل دولتی و مالی استفاده کرد و این کتاب به بررسی درگیری بین این تأثیرگذاران و مخالفان آنها می پردازد. به طور کلی، «اشراف زاده های هیتلر» یک داستان هیجان انگیز و پرتعلیق است.
این کتاب خوش ساخت و کاملاً تحقیق شده حول محور افرادی است که دانسته یا ندانسته از صعود رژیم نازی به قدرت حمایت کردند، همانطور که از عنوان آن پیداست. نویسنده هر دو شخصیت برجسته مانند چارلز لیندبرگ، هنری فورد، دوک و دوشس ویندزور، جوزف کندی، و نویل چمبرلین، و همچنین افراد کمتر شناخته شده ای که نقش های حیاتی ایفا کردند، روشن می کند. یکی از این شخصیتهای کلیدی، شاهزاده استفانی هوهنلوه-والدنبورگ-شیلینگزفورست است که به عنوان یک واسطه در انگلستان و آمریکا عمل میکرد. این کتاب یک انتخاب عالی برای هر کسی است که علاقه مند به به قدرت رسیدن نازی ها است و اطلاعاتی را پوشش می دهد که در آثار دیگر یافت نمی شود.
This well-crafted and thoroughly researched book centers around the people who knowingly or unknowingly supported the Nazi regime's ascent to power, as the title suggests. The author sheds light on both prominent figures like Charles Lindberg, Henry Ford, Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Joseph Kennedy, and Neville Chamberlain, as well as lesser-known individuals who played vital roles. One such key figure is Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst, who acted as an intermediary in England and America. This book is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the Nazi rise to power and covers information not found in other works.
کتاب سوزان رونالد، "اشراف زادگان هیتلر"، به دنیای پنهان اشراف زادگان اروپایی و آمریکایی و رهبران تجاری می پردازد که به طور پنهانی به هیتلر و آلمان نازی کمک می کردند. این "آقایان جاسوس" و "بانوهای مرموز"، از جمله چهره های شناخته شده ای مانند دوک و دوشس ویندزور، بانو نانسی آستور، چارلز لیندبرگ و دو تن از خواهران میتفورد، مورد اعتماد هیتلر برای گسترش تبلیغات و کم اهمیت جلوه دادن زندگی بودند. جنایات نازی ها هیتلر از تماس های اشرافی خود برای ایجاد ستون پنجم در محافل دولتی و مالی استفاده کرد و این کتاب به بررسی درگیری بین این تأثیرگذاران و مخالفان آنها می پردازد. به طور کلی، «اشراف زاده های هیتلر» یک داستان هیجان انگیز و پرتعلیق است.
این کتاب خوش ساخت و کاملاً تحقیق شده حول محور افرادی است که دانسته یا ندانسته از صعود رژیم نازی به قدرت حمایت کردند، همانطور که از عنوان آن پیداست. نویسنده هر دو شخصیت برجسته مانند چارلز لیندبرگ، هنری فورد، دوک و دوشس ویندزور، جوزف کندی، و نویل چمبرلین، و همچنین افراد کمتر شناخته شده ای که نقش های حیاتی ایفا کردند، روشن می کند. یکی از این شخصیتهای کلیدی، شاهزاده استفانی هوهنلوه-والدنبورگ-شیلینگزفورست است که به عنوان یک واسطه در انگلستان و آمریکا عمل میکرد. این کتاب یک انتخاب عالی برای هر کسی است که علاقه مند به به قدرت رسیدن نازی ها است و اطلاعاتی را پوشش می دهد که در آثار دیگر یافت نمی شود.
March 13, 2023
Hitler's Aristocrats is a fascinating and compelling book about a surprising number of staunch anti-Semitic and Hitler supporters in high standing across Great Britain and America, many who revered him until their deaths. They were propagandists, agents, ingratiators, sympathizers, inveiglers, advisors and investors. Others knew about the heinous tortures and murders yet turned a blind eye. Though not always overt, they had his back in one way or the other, even by doing nothing.
Many of this group were known to me such as the indomitably loyal Princess Stephanie and several of the Mitford family who were intrinsic in Hitler's barbaric rule. Unity Mitford and Hitler were close personally. Freeman-Mitford finally grew disgusted with the regime when he came to his senses in 1939. Henry Ford and the Astors were also anti-Semitic. Also discussed are the Prince of Wales, Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, influential banker Fritz Wiedermann who touted himself as a "peacemaker" which is cruel irony. And then there were those directly involved in the millions of deaths such as Goebbels, Hess and Göring.
Author Susan Ronald includes a helpful Dramatis Personae and details what happened to each afterward (some caught, tried and executed; others tried and let off leniently; others merely flitted under the radar and escaped unscathed). She also mentions Soviet repercussions.
This in-depth book should be required reading for everyone to gain a better knowledge from varying perspectives of this terrible time. That so many were so willing to see entire races wiped off the earth is disturbing, infuriating and heart crushing. Hitler's spell was far reaching and he used his immense power to kill. Unfortunately, millions happily helped.
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an early digital copy of this comprehensive and thought-provoking book. I believe we need to know as much about all aspects of the horrors of war as we can to prevent it from happening again.
Many of this group were known to me such as the indomitably loyal Princess Stephanie and several of the Mitford family who were intrinsic in Hitler's barbaric rule. Unity Mitford and Hitler were close personally. Freeman-Mitford finally grew disgusted with the regime when he came to his senses in 1939. Henry Ford and the Astors were also anti-Semitic. Also discussed are the Prince of Wales, Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, influential banker Fritz Wiedermann who touted himself as a "peacemaker" which is cruel irony. And then there were those directly involved in the millions of deaths such as Goebbels, Hess and Göring.
Author Susan Ronald includes a helpful Dramatis Personae and details what happened to each afterward (some caught, tried and executed; others tried and let off leniently; others merely flitted under the radar and escaped unscathed). She also mentions Soviet repercussions.
This in-depth book should be required reading for everyone to gain a better knowledge from varying perspectives of this terrible time. That so many were so willing to see entire races wiped off the earth is disturbing, infuriating and heart crushing. Hitler's spell was far reaching and he used his immense power to kill. Unfortunately, millions happily helped.
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an early digital copy of this comprehensive and thought-provoking book. I believe we need to know as much about all aspects of the horrors of war as we can to prevent it from happening again.
November 18, 2022
Hitler's Aristocrats: The Secret Power Players in Britain and America Who Supported the Nazis, 1933-1941, by Susan Ronald, offers more names and more details to what has become an unsettling and better-known element of our past.
What one needs to understand is that these people include those arguing for appeasement, but not the ones who simply thought not going to war would keep Hitler contained. These people by and large supported Hitler's ideas and often wanted those policies imported into their own countries. In other words, we are only peripherally discussing those who thought it might be politically feasible to make treaties and hope things would get better. This is about antisemites and the worst types of nationalists. And there are a lot of echoes of these sentiments in our current political environment, so while this is history, it also speaks to our current world.
Most of us know about a lot of the people mentioned here, how they spewed vile ideas which included supporting Nazi ideals. What Ronald does so well here is bring in a few names we might not have been aware of as well as offer more details on how these people, secure in their own affluence, actively sought to spread not only the ideology but the policies that created so much death and destruction.
Highly recommended for both history buffs and those who know that history often foreshadows future (or current) events. The writing is engaging, and the information is valuable.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
What one needs to understand is that these people include those arguing for appeasement, but not the ones who simply thought not going to war would keep Hitler contained. These people by and large supported Hitler's ideas and often wanted those policies imported into their own countries. In other words, we are only peripherally discussing those who thought it might be politically feasible to make treaties and hope things would get better. This is about antisemites and the worst types of nationalists. And there are a lot of echoes of these sentiments in our current political environment, so while this is history, it also speaks to our current world.
Most of us know about a lot of the people mentioned here, how they spewed vile ideas which included supporting Nazi ideals. What Ronald does so well here is bring in a few names we might not have been aware of as well as offer more details on how these people, secure in their own affluence, actively sought to spread not only the ideology but the policies that created so much death and destruction.
Highly recommended for both history buffs and those who know that history often foreshadows future (or current) events. The writing is engaging, and the information is valuable.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
July 22, 2024
Interesting book. It ties in nicely with Rachel Maddow's books on how popular Nazism/ Fascism/ National Socialism. Many prominent people felt it was the wave of the future and would protect against Communism. Particularly many in the British aristocracy were enthralled, in particular the crown prince and then King. Hitler was not happy when he abdicated because the new king had different opinions.
Hitler/Germany had an active influence campaign to get people backing Germany and in favor of Fascism. And part of this was not just articles and interviews but courting aristocrats and business leaders.
There was an international high society Black Widow, Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst, whom Hitler called “his dear princess.” She was eyes and ears for Hitler et al. It was also interesting reading about the infighting among the German leaders such as Goering, Himmler and others.
There was also a British newspaper owner who was pro-Fascist and supported Hitler, at least until the beginning of the war. He was sort of the Rupert Murdoch of his time and just as damaging to society and democracy.
Perhaps, not surprising, but disheartening, were all the industrialists who backed the Nazis and traded with them which helped them build up their war capacity. Of course, this included Henry Ford.
Top German industrialists basically became part of the state and used their offices in the US to spy and to use to influence the US. BASF and IG Farben in particular.
Hitler/Germany had an active influence campaign to get people backing Germany and in favor of Fascism. And part of this was not just articles and interviews but courting aristocrats and business leaders.
There was an international high society Black Widow, Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst, whom Hitler called “his dear princess.” She was eyes and ears for Hitler et al. It was also interesting reading about the infighting among the German leaders such as Goering, Himmler and others.
There was also a British newspaper owner who was pro-Fascist and supported Hitler, at least until the beginning of the war. He was sort of the Rupert Murdoch of his time and just as damaging to society and democracy.
Perhaps, not surprising, but disheartening, were all the industrialists who backed the Nazis and traded with them which helped them build up their war capacity. Of course, this included Henry Ford.
Top German industrialists basically became part of the state and used their offices in the US to spy and to use to influence the US. BASF and IG Farben in particular.
March 2, 2023
Why so many books about World War II? Perhaps it is the fact that authors like Susan Ronald are searching and finding facts that must be shared. In this work we meet Hitler’s personal ambassadors, two of whom were Joachim von Ribbentrop and Princess Stephanie, whose prime goal was to spread lies and propaganda of the Nazi movement to wealthy members of society in both America and Europe. They were for years successful by appealing to anti-Semitism and fear of Communism. Both Henry Ford and Jack Morgan were open to listening. Hitler was always a fake; many did not recognize this trait in him, especially after becoming a member of the German government. Churchill disliked him from the start as did Dorothy Thompson, an Americano journalist. British aristocrats were seduced by the closest associates of Hitler. The Prince of Wales whose title became Duke of Windsor after his abdication from the throne was a major fan and saw himself being re-throned, albeit a puppet king for the Nazis. Hitler was portrayed as a man of peace; in retrospect we see how powerful his propaganda must have been. Or was it just greed on the part of those defending him? Both Charles Lindbergh and Joseph Kennedy advised appeasement while Hitler himself faked incidents of aggression to convince his followers of the need for war. It is vital to be aware of these historical events so they will not be repeated.
March 13, 2023
Hitler's Aristocrats
By Susan Ronald
This book explains the reasons why various aristocrats and leaders of financial empires throughout Europe and the United States were, in the 1920s-1940s, drawn into Hitler's sphere of influence. Some were of the nobility who were displaced by the break-up of the Hapsburg Empire following "the Great War" and the Russian revolution, which disenfranchised the white aristocrats of Czarist Russia. Others, such as the heir to the British throne who became Edward VIII and a strong supporter of Hitler's Nazism, were disillusioned with the status quo at home. Industrialists – both from within Germany and from the United States and other countries – colluded to advance their profits and power over the best interests of their people.
The international malaise following World War I and the Treaty of Versailles was exacerbated by the global depression which followed. The German people longed for relief from the onerous treaty and for a leader to return Germany to preeminence in the world. But above all, it was the charisma of Hitler himself around which the various faction coalesced.
The author has done a good job here of tying together all the disparate people and groups who supported the Nazi regime and nearly allowed it to take over the world.
By Susan Ronald
This book explains the reasons why various aristocrats and leaders of financial empires throughout Europe and the United States were, in the 1920s-1940s, drawn into Hitler's sphere of influence. Some were of the nobility who were displaced by the break-up of the Hapsburg Empire following "the Great War" and the Russian revolution, which disenfranchised the white aristocrats of Czarist Russia. Others, such as the heir to the British throne who became Edward VIII and a strong supporter of Hitler's Nazism, were disillusioned with the status quo at home. Industrialists – both from within Germany and from the United States and other countries – colluded to advance their profits and power over the best interests of their people.
The international malaise following World War I and the Treaty of Versailles was exacerbated by the global depression which followed. The German people longed for relief from the onerous treaty and for a leader to return Germany to preeminence in the world. But above all, it was the charisma of Hitler himself around which the various faction coalesced.
The author has done a good job here of tying together all the disparate people and groups who supported the Nazi regime and nearly allowed it to take over the world.
March 21, 2023
How International Society Worked to Support Hitler
World War I saw the demise of the Austro-Hungarian empire and tsarist Russia thus displacing many aristocrats who had held vast estates and titles. They were used to living under regimes run by an autocratic leader and were adept at using social gatherings for political maneuverings and gossip. Some of these people, notably Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfurst, were eager to use their social skills to advance Hitler’s aims.
This is a very well written and researched book. I was surprised to realize how much the displacement of high society people after the First World War contributed to Hitler’s propaganda machine. I had read about many of the participants, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Mitford sisters, and Charles Lindbergh but others were new to me. I found the story of Princess Stephanie particularly fascinating. The author introduces her in the beginning of the book. It makes an excellent point of how these spies functioned.
If you’re interested in World War II, I highly recommend this book. It’s a view of pre-WWII that I had not had before.
I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.
World War I saw the demise of the Austro-Hungarian empire and tsarist Russia thus displacing many aristocrats who had held vast estates and titles. They were used to living under regimes run by an autocratic leader and were adept at using social gatherings for political maneuverings and gossip. Some of these people, notably Princess Stephanie Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfurst, were eager to use their social skills to advance Hitler’s aims.
This is a very well written and researched book. I was surprised to realize how much the displacement of high society people after the First World War contributed to Hitler’s propaganda machine. I had read about many of the participants, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Mitford sisters, and Charles Lindbergh but others were new to me. I found the story of Princess Stephanie particularly fascinating. The author introduces her in the beginning of the book. It makes an excellent point of how these spies functioned.
If you’re interested in World War II, I highly recommend this book. It’s a view of pre-WWII that I had not had before.
I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.
April 8, 2023
I thought I knew a lot about this subject, but discovered there is so much I did not know concerning the Nazi support by the upper classes of both Britain and America. I was shocked at learning how close America came to supporting Hitler. There are people who you will recognize who will probably surprise you as well, for example, Prescott Bush, father of George H. W. Bush and grandfather of George W. Bush. I was aware of the Fascist leanings of Henry Ford and Charles Lindburgh, however and of the hesitancy of Joseph Kennedy to recognize Hitler's intent. This book appears to be diligently researched and well written; it almost reads as a novel. The number of complex machinations which were going on prior to the US entry into WWII are so startling that I will probably need to reread the book as I was a bit overwhelmed upon first reading. Considering the current political situation in this county, I believe there is much to be gleaned from this book since so much of the rhetoric being used today is exactly the same as in the 1930's and early 1940's. I highly recommend this book.
March 27, 2023
Give me a book about history that I learn something, and I am happy. This book did that.
It's researched well, but it got bogged down to me because of so much information. It's exactly what the title says, a book about Hitler's Aristocrats. I was shocked by the people and companies that were part of his aristocrats. They way they helped get his awful message out. Some did change their mind after he attacked Poland, yet some didn't. I think what amazed me most, was when Ronald had the children and grandchildren of some of these aristocrats, that they had links to Nazis. It surprised me who they are.
I always think about how important history is and how we need to continue to learn it and pass it on, because if we don't we are sure to repeat it.
If you enjoy books about WWII or history, I don't think you would be disappointed if you read this book.
Published March 14, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the Kindle Version of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
😊 Happy Reading 😊
#netgalley
#stmartinspress
#susanroland
It's researched well, but it got bogged down to me because of so much information. It's exactly what the title says, a book about Hitler's Aristocrats. I was shocked by the people and companies that were part of his aristocrats. They way they helped get his awful message out. Some did change their mind after he attacked Poland, yet some didn't. I think what amazed me most, was when Ronald had the children and grandchildren of some of these aristocrats, that they had links to Nazis. It surprised me who they are.
I always think about how important history is and how we need to continue to learn it and pass it on, because if we don't we are sure to repeat it.
If you enjoy books about WWII or history, I don't think you would be disappointed if you read this book.
Published March 14, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the Kindle Version of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
😊 Happy Reading 😊
#netgalley
#stmartinspress
#susanroland
March 27, 2023
This was fascinating. I've always been intrigued by the celebrity following Hitler seemed to gather around him, like a masterful cult leader, but this book really exposed more of the hidden world of wealth, power, and fame that supported the evil underworld of the axis powers before and during World War II. I knew of King Edward, the Mitfords, rumors of American Celebrities - and the author exposes the intricacies of all of those along with other, lesser know, wealthy socialites and aristocrats who funneled money and both indirectly and directly provided the very weapons that killed their own countrymen as well as the instruments of genocide that murdered millions of Jewish people throughout Europe. It was a great reminder that we must remain vigilant, especially when wealthy, powerful people are throwing their wealth and power behind authoritarian politicians selling white supremacy and nationalist views that sound eerily similar to the rise of Hitler. Highly recommend to anyone interested in History, World War II, or Politics.
March 4, 2023
Susan Roland presents an incredibly detailed “ deep dive” into the Smart Set that supported Hitler. The book illuminates the British Aristocracy’s fascination with the Nazi movement. With our hindsight into the horrors of Hitler’s regime, it is hard to understand the appeal of the movement, but Roland details who and how some of the most prominent business and social elite allowed themselves to become fascinated by the Nazis.
I found myself lost in the “ who’s who” at times, but would recover to learn a fascinating tidbit about a prominent figure. For instance, as a Detroiter, I was aware of Henry Ford’s reputation as an anti-semite, but Inhad no idea Hitler revered him and considered him the American he most admired.
This is not “ history light,” and the narrative itself is informative, rather than entertaining. But, for those of us who believe we should never forget the atrocities of the Nazis, this adds some insightful detail to their rise in power.
I found myself lost in the “ who’s who” at times, but would recover to learn a fascinating tidbit about a prominent figure. For instance, as a Detroiter, I was aware of Henry Ford’s reputation as an anti-semite, but Inhad no idea Hitler revered him and considered him the American he most admired.
This is not “ history light,” and the narrative itself is informative, rather than entertaining. But, for those of us who believe we should never forget the atrocities of the Nazis, this adds some insightful detail to their rise in power.
March 6, 2023
Hitler’s Aristocrats is a very readable and engaging look at the multitude of well known people throughout the world who supported Hitler’s rise to power and … why. As much as I’ve read about WWII and Hitler’s meteoric ascendancy to power, somehow I missed the fact that many world leaders saw Hitler as their only security against the encroaching tide of communism across the globe.
And Princess Stephanie? I never before heard of her, but what a significant part she played!
Well documented and absolutely intriguing, I highly recommend this non-fiction look behind the scenes of WWII in Europe. It is a real eye-opener. It’s also delightful reading.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press , in exchange for an honest review. I’ve never read anything by Susan Ronald before, but I will certainly look for her books now! This was simply wonderful and answered so many questions I had about WWII, even those I didn’t know I had.
And Princess Stephanie? I never before heard of her, but what a significant part she played!
Well documented and absolutely intriguing, I highly recommend this non-fiction look behind the scenes of WWII in Europe. It is a real eye-opener. It’s also delightful reading.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press , in exchange for an honest review. I’ve never read anything by Susan Ronald before, but I will certainly look for her books now! This was simply wonderful and answered so many questions I had about WWII, even those I didn’t know I had.
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