The volume presents a concise, problem-oriented overview of the most important phases of the Third Reich. It focuses on ideological underpinnings, Hitler's role in Nazi rule, social mobilization, the exclusion of minorities, as well as the National Socialist war. In addition, Echternkamp examines contemporary research on Nazism, which has taken on new force with the debate surrounding the Volksgemeinschaft .

Jörg Echternkamp, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg