A.J.P. Taylor’s The Origins of the Second World War and his
critics in Great Britain
In 1961 A.J.P. Taylor, described as “an enfant terrible among historians” 1 by Ian F. D.
Morrow, discombobulated peer historians with his publication The Origins of the Second
World War. In this book Taylor disputed the orthodox school of war historiography. Taylor's
thesis of the origins of the Second World War has received some support, but primarily
critique. His thesis may be briefly stated. According to Taylor, Hitler was not a demonic
warlord, who had plans of world conquest but was only an ordinary man “who was no more
wicked and unscrupulous than many other contemporary statesman” . Hitler followed a
foreign policy like “that of his predecessors, of the professional diplomats at the foreign
ministry, and indeed of virtually all Germans”. Adolf Hitler was not a “a system-maker,
deliberately preparing from the first a great war which would destroy existing civilisation and make
him master of the world” Hitler's purpose was to liberate Germany from the Treaty of
Versailles that “lacked moral validity from the start” and “to make Germany the leading
Power in Europe from her natural weight.” In fulfilling his goals, Hitler was supported by
appeasers such as Neville and Chamberlain, who believed that Hitler would become pacific if
his demands were met. Hence, all Hitler had to do was waiting for concessions. Taylor
presents Hitler as a passive Fuehrer, without clear intentions. Regarding Danzig and Poland,
Hitler didn't intend its destruction. On the contrary “he had wished to solve the question of
Danzig so that Germany and Poland could remain on good terms.”
[...]
Table of Contents
1. A.J.P. Taylor’s The Origins of the Second World War and his critics in Great Britain
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the controversial reception of A.J.P. Taylor's 1961 work "The Origins of the Second World War" within the British historical establishment, focusing on the scholarly critique of his portrayal of Adolf Hitler and the causes of the war.
- The historiographical thesis of A.J.P. Taylor regarding Hitler's foreign policy.
- The reaction and debate in the Times Literary Supplement involving prominent historians like E.H. Carr and Hugh Trevor-Roper.
- Analysis of methodological criticisms, including the use of evidence and logical consistency.
- The personal and professional rivalry between A.J.P. Taylor and Hugh Trevor-Roper.
- Evaluation of Taylor's work in the context of the orthodox school of war historiography.
Excerpt from the Book
A.J.P. Taylor’s The Origins of the Second World War and his critics in Great Britain
In 1961 A.J.P. Taylor, described as “an enfant terrible among historians” by Ian F. D. Morrow, discombobulated peer historians with his publication The Origins of the Second World War. In this book Taylor disputed the orthodox school of war historiography. Taylor’s thesis of the origins of the Second World War has received some support, but primarily critique. His thesis may be briefly stated. According to Taylor, Hitler was not a demonic warlord, who had plans of world conquest but was only an ordinary man “who was no more wicked and unscrupulous than many other contemporary statesman”. Hitler followed a foreign policy like “that of his predecessors, of the professional diplomats at the foreign ministry, and indeed of virtually all Germans”. Adolf Hitler was not a “a system-maker, deliberately preparing from the first a great war which would destroy existing civilisation and make him master of the world” Hitler’s purpose was to liberate Germany from the Treaty of Versailles that “lacked moral validity from the start” and “to make Germany the leading Power in Europe from her natural weight.” In fulfilling his goals, Hitler was supported by appeasers such as Neville and Chamberlain, who believed that Hitler would become pacific if his demands were met. Hence, all Hitler had to do was waiting for concessions. Taylor presents Hitler as a passive Fuehrer, without clear intentions. Regarding Danzig and Poland, Hitler didn’t intend its destruction. On the contrary “he had wished to solve the question of Danzig so that Germany and Poland could remain on good terms.”
Summary of Chapters
1. A.J.P. Taylor’s The Origins of the Second World War and his critics in Great Britain: This chapter introduces the core arguments of A.J.P. Taylor’s controversial thesis, outlines the initial scholarly backlash in the British press, and explores the intense intellectual and personal debates that ensued among his peers.
Keywords
A.J.P. Taylor, The Origins of the Second World War, Historiography, Second World War, Adolf Hitler, Hugh Trevor-Roper, E.H. Carr, Appeasement, Treaty of Versailles, Historical debate, Diplomatic history, Revisionism, Hossbach memorandum, Mein Kampf, British historians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the 1961 book "The Origins of the Second World War" by British historian A.J.P. Taylor and the significant controversy and critical reception it faced from his contemporaries in Great Britain.
What are the central themes discussed?
Key themes include the reassessment of Adolf Hitler’s motivations, the role of diplomatic documents, the historiographical challenge to the "orthodox school," and the nature of academic discourse and personal rivalry in history.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to analyze how Taylor’s interpretation of war origins—viewing Hitler as a "passive Fuehrer"—was challenged by other scholars who argued that Taylor misused evidence and ignored clear indicators of long-term planning.
Which research method is employed?
The author conducts a discourse analysis of historical reviews and academic correspondence, specifically focusing on the debate within the "Times Literary Supplement" and other scholarly outlets.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the specific critiques leveled against Taylor by historians such as E.H. Carr, David Thomson, and Hugh Trevor-Roper, the personal friction between Taylor and his mentor figures, and a final assessment of the validity of the "Taylor-Thesis."
What are the defining keywords of the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as historiography, revisionism, A.J.P. Taylor, Hitler, appeasement, and academic critique.
How did E.H. Carr initially react to Taylor's book?
E.H. Carr, a close friend of Taylor, initially provided a favorable review, praising the book for its "methodical and impeccable logic" and for offering a fresh scholarly perspective on the inter-war period.
What was the nature of the rivalry between Taylor and Hugh Trevor-Roper?
Their relationship was marked by intense professional competition, exacerbated by the 1957 Oxford Regius professorship affair, which led to years of malicious public exchanges and mutual disdain regarding each other's historical methodology.
- Quote paper
- stephanie mihelic (Author), 2011, A. J. P. Taylor and his critics in Great Britain, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/167726
