P> A brief, yet comprehensive survey of the Third Reich based  on current research findings and written for general readers who want a deeper  view of this period in German history. Provides a balanced approach in  examining Hitler's role in the history of the Third Reich. KEY TOPICS:  Coverage ranges from the economic, social, and political forces that made  possible the rise and growth of Nazism as well as the institutional, cultural,  and social life of the Third Reich, the Second World War, and the Holocaust.  Traces the rise of Hitler and the growth of the Nazi party in the context of  the political, economic, and social problems of Weimar Germany. Presents Hitler  from the perspective of the influences on his early development, character  traits, oratorical skills, and his messianic pretensions. provides an analysis  of Hitler's ideology based on extensive quotations from his writings and  speeches. examines the social composition and membership of the Nazi party and  its leaders. New topics include material on: culture and society in Nazi  Germany; youth in Germany during World War II; an in-depth look at the  Holocaust and anti-Semitism in Germany. MARKET: Appropriate as a  reference book for history, political science, and literature professionals.