The Weimar Years: Rise and Fall 1918–1933

The prequel to Frank McDonough's bestselling Hitler Years series, covering the dramatic era of German history that culminated in the rise to power of Adolf Hitler in 1933.

Established in the wake of German defeat in the First World War, the Weimar Republic held out the hope that democracy, stability and prosperity would take root in Germany. From the start, however, it was beset by political and economic upheaval and spasms of violence between left and right. Year by year, from 1918 to 1933, Frank McDonough describes the major events in both domestic and foreign policy and the personalities who shaped them, together with developments in Weimar's flourishing cultural sphere. McDonough places particular focus on the parliamentary history of Weimar, arguing that it was the failure of parliamentary democracy to bring stability that allowed the power of the elected Reichstag to diminish, leading to Hitler's accession to power.

The Weimar Years is the tragic story of a rise and fall, as well as a warning of how, under poor leadership, economic pressure and unrelenting political instability, a democracy can drift towards a form of authoritarian rule that eventually destroys it.

Review

Astonishing. A masterful account of the Weimar Republic that is the best I have ever read - and one that is destined to be a classic. An extraordinary achievement. ― Peter Frankopan

Magisterial, terrifyingly relevant and yet also a celebration of Weimar's delicious decadence: Frank McDonough's new Weimar Years, the latest in his outstanding series on Nazi rule and how it happened, combines scholarly research, narrative brio and lucid analysis in a work that enjoys the creativity and libertinism of Weimar - while chronicling its flaws and its rising darkness. ― Simon Sebag Montefiore

Yet again McDonough shows why he is one of the best chroniclers of 20th century Germany. This excellent book completes the set. Alongside his other volumes he now tells the whole story of Germany from one World War defeat to another. A giant achievement. ― Dan Snow

Frank McDonough has done it again. This authoritative guide to the fractured Weimar Republic is both well-considered and immensely readable. Superb. ― Clare Mulley, author of The Women Who Flew For Hitler

Written with an easy style which belies its author's erudition, The Weimar Years is a masterpiece of narrative history - and a poignant lesson in how democracy can fail. ― Roger Moorhouse

[A] brilliant new book... shows with terrifying clarity that everything in global politics connects ― Daily Mail

[A] timely book, delivering a stark reminder of what happens when democratic foundations become eroded by social division and political apathy. ― The Spectator

[McDonough] expertly guides the reader through the complex and heady events that led to the rise of Nazi Germany. This is compelling history writ large but with a judicious eye for detail ― History of War magazine

Quite simply, a book that must be read ― Get History

Best History Books of 2023: depicts, with a fine narrative touch, this era as one of decadence and cultural and social experiment ― Daily Telegraph

Observer Best Books for Christmas 2023 ― The Observer

a sparkling if unsettling account of the years after the end of the first world war, which were marked by economic desperation and repeated false dawns before the terrible reality of Hitler's ascent to power. -- Peter Frankopan ― The Guardian online

The book's most fascinating section is its chronicle of the complex web of events that led to Hitler's chancellorship. ― Wall Street Journal

About the Author

Professor Frank McDonough is an internationally renowned expert on the Third Reich. He studied history at Balliol College, Oxford and gained a PhD from Lancaster University. Now based in Liverpool, McDonough has written many critically acclaimed books, including The Gestapo, Sophie Scholl and most recently The Hitler Years, a two-volume history charting the rise and fall of the Nazi regime.