The Germanic Isle: Nazi Perceptions of Britain

This highly original book explains Hitler's view of Britain as both Nordic ally and role model. Gerwin Strobl shows that there was a surprising level of affection for Britain and British culture among ordinary Germans, from the discourses of the 1920s to the vigorous anti-British propaganda of the war years. Despite Hitler's tactical duplicity at Munich, there is overwhelming evidence that one of the Nazis' fundamental objectives was to forge an alliance with Britain and to emulate the 'ruthlessness' of the British Empire in dealing with eastern Europe. For the German public, admiration of Britain and enjoyment of its culture were enduring factors, even during Goebbels' frequent attacks; but both the Reich leadership and ordinary Germans otherwise lacked first-hand knowledge of Britain, while independent sources were suppressed. The book includes a number of unusual and striking illustrations, most of which will be unfamiliar to modern readers.

Table of Contents:
List of illustrations; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. The view from Weimar: German perceptions of Britain before 1933; 2. 'The Germanic isle': Britain and Nazi racial science; 3. 'Empire builders': Britain as a paradigm for Nazi expansion; 4. 'Their aged bones are rattling': Britain and the Nazi concept of modernity; 5. 'The class struggle of the nations': Britain and Nazi anti-capitalism; 6. 'The chorus of hypocrites': history and propaganda; 7. 'The land without music': culture and propaganda; 8. The decline of the West: German fears and illusions in the shadow of defeat; Conclusion; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

Review :
'Gerwin Strobl demonstrates in his study of German (and especially Nazi) views of Britain in the years of the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich that Germans had a widely shared sense of Britain being a fellow Germanic nation and so, surely, a kindred spirit.' The Spectator '... an original, well-researched book'. Ralph Elliott, Canberra Times '... an immensely enjoyable read, written by a clever historian, who has organized his material brilliantly ... a highly readable book on the views of the Nazi hierarchy towards Britain ... a very important and well structured volume. It will prove essential to anyone interested in the history of German perceptions of Britain. The book also demonstrates that the best history consists of that which is well thought out and which does not necessarily need recourse to theory.' Ethnic and Racial Studies