Hello, and thank you for listening to The History of World War Two at the 746, a day

in the life of Germany's pilots.

Few doubt or argue that Hitler was wrong in trying to control Europe through warfare.

He exploited the bad economic times of a proud people and promised them greatness.

Once in power, he twisted the truth and took control of many aspects of German life.

Then in a series of brilliant diplomatic moves, he brought pride back to Germany in standing

up to the dictates of the Versailles Treaty and those countries that eroded.

Poland was invaded, then Denmark and Norway.

The German people were not enthusiastic about this latest war because they too remember

the horrors of the last one a generation ago.

But those individual campaigns ended within weeks.

Then the war on the west came and the German people, though fearful, were amazed by the

swiftness of their military's success.

Hitler waved to the crowds and smiled, but he was as amazed as well.

The only ones not stunned were the pans of generals.

The war in Europe was won, but it was not over.

Great Britain, despite all the evidence as to why they should make a peace with Nazi

Germany, would not give up.

They wanted Europe free again.

And because they would not come to the negotiating table, Hitler could say to his people that

Britain was the warmonger.

He was ready to end all conflict, that is, until he was ready to invade the USSR.

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