The Phoney Victory: The World War II Illusion

Was World War II really the 'Good War'?

In the years since the declaration of peace in 1945, many myths have sprung up around the conflict in the victorious nations. In this deeply-researched and provocative book, Peter Hitchens deconstructs the many fables associated with the narrative of the 'Good War.'

Key Questions and Insights Explored:

• While not doubting the need for war against Nazi Germany, Hitchens questions:
  • Was September 1939 the right moment to act?
  • Was the independence of Poland the right issue to trigger the conflict?
• He highlights that in the summer of 1939, Britain and France were wholly unprepared for a major European war, a fact that became quickly apparent as the conflict unfolded.
• Hitchens also rejects the retroactive claim that Britain entered the war to save Europe's Jewish population. Instead, he argues that the beginning and intensification of war:
  • Made it easier for Germany to implement its policy of mass murder in secret.
  • Closed most escape routes for those attempting to flee.

A Bold Reassessment

Hitchens challenges the most common assumptions surrounding World War II, turning on its head the myth of Britain's role in a 'Good War.'

This is a thought-provoking read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and truths behind one of history's most significant conflicts.