How Democracy Failed

by Ellen Eichenwald Switzer

Analyses of interviews with various German people about national events and attitudes preceding World War II reveal why Hitler succeeded and the personal reasons Germans allowed him to come to power.

Genres: Nonfiction, Government, History

Library Binding

Published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Tom Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a very thought provoking book that gave a different perspective on world war 2. It was a quick read; it would be perfect for a high school history course.

[Bob Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I fully realize that my high school history class taught me nothing about the holocaust, WWII, or the world in general in the period between the two great wars. This should be a must read for students today, unless we want to risk repeating those times.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful analysis of why the Weimar Republic failed.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an older book. I came across it while collecting some books for a library display for Holocaust Remembrance Week. The question behind the book is how after WWI the newly formed German government and constitution was taken over by Hitler only 10 years after its formation. From inside the front cover --"How did it happen? And what was it like? How did it feel to be one of those who lived in Germany through the Hitler years."

I have read many personal narratives relating to WWII and the holocaust -- both fiction and nonfiction but the questions linger. This nonfiction review was helpful. I find myself wondering which of the cultural trends that we see today could take us down a similar dark path and would I have the wisdom and strength to oppose them? I hope so.

[Brandon Minster · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to learn more about the Weimar Republic and this book seemed like an easy way to start. However, it wasn't so much about the end of the republic but about how Hitler manipulated aspects of democracy to fuel his rise to power. Still an interesting book, though.