AboutMichael FitzGerald Expertise I am an expert in German history between 1918 and 1945, particularly with regard to the Nazi era. I am also very knowledgeable about most areas of philosophy (I have an honours degree in the subject) and am able to answer questions on that subject too. In addition, I am very knowledgeable about poetry. One of my hobbies is also politics, mainly British and European though I follow the US political scene as well. Another one is the history of crime and punishment and British social history (the two often overlap!) I am willing to answer questions on all the above issues.
Experience Author of two published works, 'Storm Troopers of Satan,' an account of the lunatic fringes of Nazi ideology, and 'Adolf Hitler: A Portrait,' a biography of the German dictator. 'Adolf Hitler' was published in July 2006 by the top history publisher Spellmount and was named historical biography of the month by the Good Book Guide. I correspond with Ian Kershaw, Peter Stachura, Jeremy Noakes, Roger Moorhouse and Stan Lauryssens. I have undertaken research for radio, television, newspapers and magazines
Organizations Society of Authors
Education/Credentials I have an Honours degree in philosophy.
Awards and Honors LT prize for poetry
Historical Biography of the month, Good Book Guide
Expert: Michael FitzGerald Date: 9/28/2007 Subject: Hitler reacts to Pearl Harbor
Question
Dear Mr. Fitzgerald --- I seem to remember reading many years ago that in reacting to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Adolf Hitler said something like, "Now we cannot lose, for we have as an ally and empire that has not been defeated in 2000 years." Do you know of any quote attributed to Hitler that is similar to this, or conveys this sentiment? Thank you. ross a. muscato
Answer Dear Ross,
Thank you for your interesting question. I do not know where you read this but it is the complete reverse of how Hitler saw the situation. On the contrary, he raged about the untrustworthiness of 'non-Aryan allies' to Goebbels, Bormann and Himmler.
For some years Hitler had been trying to woo the Japanese and throughout 1940-41 he was engaged in a charm offensive designed to persuade them to join him in an attack on the Soviet Union. When they not only refused but attacked the USA instead he raged in fury to his closest advisers.
Curiously, Hitler had only a moral obligation to declare war on the US. If he had been sensible he would not have done so. The Japanese had a moral obligation to declare war on Britain and France in 1939 but refused to do so. They also had one to declare war on Russia but again refused. The decision by Hitler to declare war on the US was perhaps his biggest single mistake. It enabled America to pour troops, equipment and aid into Britain which otherwise would have been entirely concentrated on the Japanese front. The result might well have been a German victory.
