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
Question In what ways was WWII a result of the failures of the Peace of Paris to resolve the problems which had caused WWI? How did the settlement after WWII differ?
Answer Dear Chris,
Thanks for your very interesting question. In many ways the Second World War did arise out of the unjust peace settlement imposed after World War I. On the other hand, the nations of Eastern Europe would probably argue that the one imposed on them after the end of World War II was even worse.
Basically, after World War I the Germans and Austrians were stripped of their empire and parts of their country, but were otherwise allowed to lead independent existences. After the Second World War, the Russians occupied Eastern Europe and the Poles, Czechs, Hungarians etc suffered over 50 years of Communist oppression. Bad as the Treaty of Versailles was, at least the Allies let the Germans keep their independence. The real mistake was appeasement in the late 1930s rather than the Treaty itself.
