Description:
Most studies on the spread of Nazism in German society before and after 1933 concentrate on the country's western parts. As a result, so the author claims, our overall picture of the situation has been distorted since the eastern areas contained a substantial portion of the population. Neglecting them means that all generalizations about the Nazi period require further testing. This first comprehensive study of Saxony therefore fills a large gap, also in light of the fact that Saxony was one of the most industrialized German regions. It deals with problems of continuity and change in German society during three distinct phases: constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, and dictatorship. The author shows convincingly that it was deep-rooted local traditions that determined the success or failure of Nazism among the local population.
Brief description:
Claus-Christian W. Szejnmann received his Ph.D. from the University of London and nowteaches modern European History at Middlesex University
Review Quotes:
"Szejnmann's book contributes greatly to our knowledge of Nazi activism during the Great Depression and the basis for Nazi success in Saxony." - Central European History
"Szejnmann's solid research offers, in great detail, many new and interesting insights and thus an important contribution to the history of Saxony during the Nationalsocialist era that still needs to be written." - Neues Archiv fuer Sächsische Geschichte
"... an impressive work of detailed scholarship and a valued contribution to 20th-century German history." - Midwest Book Review
"... provides a local study that should deepen the discussion on this subject ..." - German Studies Review