ALLIES AT WAR

Reexamining the “incongruous alliance” that defeated the Nazis.

British historian Bouverie writes that World War II’s first two years were a pure contest between good and evil, with Stalin’s USSR happy to support Hitler. Having declared war when Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, the Allies proceeded to dither until Germany attacked the following spring. The Allied rout after May 1940 crushed morale. Defeatism overwhelmed the French and exerted a powerful influence on its ally because Hitler made it clear that he wanted a peaceful settlement with Britain. It’s not unlikely that, without Churchill, this would have happened. Ignoring historians’ feel-good preoccupation with the Battle of Britain, Bouverie concentrates on that nation’s disappointment on the battlefield and maddening experience with other great powers. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s early support was largely verbal. Selling arms and food for cash soon bankrupted Britain, and Lend-Lease started slowly (the iconic 50 aged destroyers were little help). Charles de Gaulle infuriated both Roosevelt and Churchill. Stalin did not grow less obnoxious as an ally. The Allies’ victory came at a painful price that included plenty of frustration at the top. Churchill was a nationalist and imperialist, willing to sacrifice morality if it benefited his nation. A great insight is his assumption that Stalin held identical views. This proved more accurate than FDR’s conviction that he faced a political boss amenable to the charm and favors that worked so well in America. Readers may gnash their teeth at the democracies’ weakness in the face of Stalin’s ruthlessness but console themselves knowing that the USSR was, ultimately, the big loser.

Fascinating history of a time that is fading from living memory.