The Trap of Deception

by Y-M. M.

A student essay from Dr. Elliot Neaman's History 210 class (historical methods - spring 1998)

The world has been held captive to the memory of a terrible experience. There may be few, if any people who have not heard of the war which changed the world, the war that changed the face of the 20th century forever. The voices of those who lived through World War II and its unforgivable Holocaust can still be heard today. Most of us feel as though we are aware of the events that took place in the 1930’s and 1940’s. As children, the basic history of what was done to the Jewish community of Germany and it’s neighboring countries was taught in school. More recently we witnessed the nation-wide success and emotional appeal of Hollywood movies such as Steven Spieldberg’s "Schidler’s List". And though as years go by, fewer victims are alive to tell their stories recounting what truly took place during the holocaust, we as a human race feel the need to address the event as a sad but true part of human history. Having been born and raised on the island of Puerto Rico, where 90 percents of the student body in my high school was Roman Catholic, my exposure to the Jewish religion was quite limited. Nevertheless, the reality of my own heritage makes the experience of the Jewish people during W.W.II one which arouses great empathy. Having had the entire Taino Indian population of my island exterminated by the hand of colonial power, I can only imagine what it was like for the millions of families who lost every possession and the hope of being reunited with their loved ones. Because of man’s nature, one cannot lose perspective as to what humanity is capable of. Some believe the Holocaust card has been played one too many times, others find that justice still has not been served to the Jewish people around the world. Regardless of ones position, in terms of the frequency with which the events of the Holocaust are discussed, one must keep in mind that W.W.II did take place and human kind did suffer a great deal because of the actions of certain individuals.

Some wonder what the purpose of a historian may be in today’s society. As a history major and future historian, this question seems quite simple to answer. On a personal level, historians are those who maintain an educated and clear perspective of the past, while absorbing the movement of the present and looking on into the future. However simple this task may seem, there are many who do not respect or understand the importance of history. Among the many historical events that have puzzled scholars, the Holocaust is one which presents an outstanding amount of instances where the past shaped the present and the future became the nightmare few envisioned possible. Prior to the outbreak of war, Germany had dealt with great conflict. The people of Germany had experienced an economic backlash after W.W.I, that kept many under the painful vigilance of hunger. After the Treaty of Versailles was signed by the League of Nations, there were a selected few of Germany’s people who found the decisions made unjust and unforgettable. Among the most memorable figures who resented the actions taken against Germany, at the end of World-War I were of course, Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party.

It is established among historians and other scholars that the events which led to the outbreak of war in 1939 were a result of increasing tensions in Germany and the ever-present danger of Hitler’s Nazi war against Jewish people. The antisemitic feelings found in Germany were not unlike those of other countries, the difference lies in the extremity with which the German government dealt with their prejudices. Almost 60 years after W.W.II took flight, there are those who debate whether or not the German state holds the sole blame for the catastrophic results of Hitler’s extermination plan. Still, there is one basic and simple truth behind any argument. Germany was under Hitler’s dominion and control. Though not all events within the war were a direct result of Hitler’s orders, it is a reality that he was aware of what was going on around him. The decision to attack Poland or take over Chekoslovakia was made by Hitler, he was aware of what he was getting Germany into when the manifestation of war took it’s course.

Though most rational thinkers of the 20th century agree that the events of the Holocaust did in fact take place, there is a small but growing number of individuals who question the validity of the Holocaust. To most, this argument is infallible and unbelievable. Still, the so called "Holocaust Deniers" are a growing breed and are seeping through the cracks of the fabric of education. Within the twisted world of Holocaust Denial, there is a group of deniers who consider themselves respectable scholars and historians. In the mid to late 1970’s these individuals came together to form the Institute for Historical Review. Though the name of the group gives them an air of legitimacy, the so-called historians are anything but genuine. The act of revision entitles the preparation of a new version of something or other. Since the Institute of Historical Review performs historical revisions, they are merely attempting to re-write documented historical events, such as the Holocaust. After only one year of being, "Most people who were aware of its existence dismissed it as a conglomeration of Holocaust deniers, neo-Nazis, philo-Germans, right-wing extremists, antisemites, racists, and conspiracy theorists" (Lipstadt 137). Nevertheless, the group gained popularity among professionals in the historical field of study, as well as curious intelligentsia. Eventually, those who took their scholarship seriously, turned away from the group, while other "right-wing extremists" as Deborah Lipstadt puts it, remained under the Institute’s hypnosis.

Amidst the principal figures of the Institute of Historical Review lies its director William David McCalden, better known within the denier community as Lewis Brandon. During the late 1970’s, Brandon made an offer of a fifty thousand dollar compensation to whosoever "could prove that the Nazis operated gas-chambers to exterminate Jews during World War II" (Lipstadt 137). This statement became the Holocaust Denier’s slogan and was their one way of attaining the public’s attention. As their insane "raffle" developed, so did their ideologies. The denial movement went beyond mere gas-chamber debates and dealt with the validity of the entire Holocaust and whether or not six million Jews truly lost their lives by the hand of the Nazis. Though most of the denier arguments can be refuted with quite ease, there are some deniers who intend to appear more scholarly, thus making the refutal a more tedious task.

One such denier was David L. Hoggan. In his book The Forced War: When Peaceful Revision Failed, published by the Institute for Historical Review, Hoggan presents a view of W.W.II few find worth considering. Hoggan, like many deniers led most of his adult life disconnected from any association with "historical revision". In fact, during the 1950’s Hoggan was a respected history professor at the University of California at Berkeley. It was at this point in his life that Hoggan had his first contact with Holocaust denial. While writing his dissertation, Hoggan explored the possibility that Germany was not solely responsible for the outbreak of W.W.II. At the time he wrote his dissertation, the argument was one which promoted healthy intellectual debates. However, as soon as Hoggan met Harry Elmer Barnes who is considered, "the most direct link between the two generations of American revisionists and the Holocaust deniers" (Lipstadt 67), his opinions regarding Hitler and Germany took a fateful turn. Hoggan went from being a questioning historian, to a questionable one.

The danger which the Institute for Historical Review presents to society, lies in that it promotes the idea that the Holocaust is actually an event worth debating. There is no doubt in any respectable scholars mind, that the events generally described as the Holocaust actually took place. The historical amnesia being pushed onto society by deniers may seem trivial, but should no longer be ignored. For the most part, denier literature lacks credibility and contains no evidence that any research went into the composition of the book or journal article. That is, until Hoggan’s contribution became public. For any student who haphazardly chooses to read The Forced War, the ideas presented may appear credible. Due to Hoggan’s professional background, his writing style seems legitimate and respectable. Every piece of his often obnoxious puzzle is complete with footnotes and citations, so as to fool his readers into believing he is a reliable source. For these reasons, it is critical that the allegations and statements made throughout Hoggan’s book be dissected for what they are worth and proved irrelevant.

Throughout the 606 pages that constitute his book, The Forced War, Hoggan manages to persuade his audience into believing several tales as to what actually led to the outbreak of W.W.II in 1939. The way in which the book is set up is an invitation to any slightly gullible or impressionable person to believe this "revision" of history. Within the introduction of the book, written by the proclaimed denier Theodore J. O’Keefe, the underlying thesis of the book is blatantly stated. In his introduction, O’Keefe mentions an incident on July 4, 1984 when the headquarters of the Institute for Historical Review went up in flames and much of the material kept within the headquarters was lost. In a voice reflective of denier thought, O’Keefe describes the event as a terrorist attack. One of the few "survivors" of the fire was Hoggan’s book. Further into his reflection on Hoggan’s work, O’Keefe proclaims that The Forced War "remains the classic refutation of the thesis of Germany’s ‘sole guilt’ in the origins and outbreak of the Second World War" (Hoggan, introduction). The idea that Germany was not entirely responsible for the eruption of W.W.II is carried on throughout the entire book. From the very first chapter up until his conclusion, Hoggan holds on to the idea that the Allies were the ones who truly provoked the Second World War.

In his search for people or figures to blame regarding the events that led to 1939, Hoggan manages to point his finger at everyone except Germany itself. During the first several hundred pages, Hoggan twists evidence so that it is seems as though the Polish were the true enemies in Europe. He describes the manner in which the Poles were cruel to their minority population, in particular the Jews. In his explanation of the reality of Jewish emigration throughout Europe between the years of 1933 and 1938, Hoggan contrasts Germany to Poland by arguing that, "far more Jews departed from Poland than from Germany" (151). By means of this statement Hoggan attempts to convince his readers that the treatment of Jews in Poland was far worse than that witnessed in Germany. From ideas such as the one previously stated, Hoggan endeavors to have us believe that Poland played a more dramatic role than Germany in the disturbances that made W.W.II possible. As far as the blame Hoggan places on the British, its introduction does not come until further on in the book. The idea that the British plotted against Germany is yet another underlying theme for Hoggans work. While placing the situation in perspective, he comes to the conclusion that, "Hitler [Germany] actually had no desire to pick either the time or the place for a conflict with the British" (Hoggan 105). Thus, assuming that it was the British who truly wanted to go to war, while Germany remained untouched by the thought.

The concept that Hitler had no "desire" to go to war with Britain eventually develops into the belief that Hitler was in actuality a peaceful man. Hoggan does a quite convincing job at piecing together countless chapters in which Hitler comes across as being utterly unaware as to what is going on around him. One manner in which he manages to achieve this is by constantly overlooking Hitler’s position within the German government as a decision making individual. On one occasion Hoggan presents a Hitler who was so detached from the reality surrounding him that he, "had no idea of what was in store when 1938 opened" (88). Yet another way in which Hoggan shows an innocent side to Hitler, is by his constant bombardment of the supposition that Hitler wanted to avoid war at all costs. We are led to believe that all the actions done by the German government were for the good of the German people and not because there were any desires for German expansion within Europe. In fact, Hitler was cooperative and desirous of finding a solution, for he "was convinced that war in Europe need not be regarded as inevitable: otherwise he would never have invited the foreign leaders to Munich" (Hoggan 117). Once again, Hitler’s persona appears untouched by the thought of war and distant from the idea of a new, more powerful Germany.

Since Hoggan’s book deals with what took place prior to the Second World War, one would assume that the "Jewish question" would be addressed throughout the text. Interestingly enough, Hoggan manages to go about writing the book without confronting the German treatment of Jews during the Holocaust. Though the topic is mentioned, it is merely brushed over. Hoggan redirects his audiences attention by comparing the German treatment of Jews to that of other European nations. Namely, the neighboring country of Poland, one of Hoggans many victims of blasphemous attacks. The pages that compose chapter seven of Hoggan’s book, are the ones that deal with the treatment of Jews during and prior to 1938. Nevertheless, Hoggan creates an interesting scenario. The picture he presents to us in The Forced War, is one that frees Germany from any real blame regarding the development of Jewish hatred. He expects his audience to believe that the true "Jew haters" were concentrated in Poland and that these feelings somehow spread into Germany. Through his own analysis, Hoggan defends the German treatment of Jews by placing the blame on Polish legal sanctions. One paragraph in chapter seven is introduced with the idea that, "The Polish decree and it’s repercussions produced an important impact on the current treatment of the Jews in Germany" (Hoggan 155). Though Polish legal activity could have affected Germany, it did not hold the blame for the German treatment of Jews. In fact, Hoggan goes so far as to state that one of the reasons why German-Polish relations began to disintegrate after the Munich conference of September 1938, had to do with the manner in which Poland was treating their minority population. In a strange analysis, Hoggan elaborates on this idea:

This concerned primarily the Polish mistreatment of the Germans, but the Polish attempt to strand more than 50,000 of their Jewish nationals in the Reich, in 1938, also had a bad effect on German-Polish relations. The Polish policy in this maneuver to rid Poland of a large number of Polish Jews was both cruel and audacious. (151)

The extent of Hoggans defense of German antisemetic activity is rather limited, as previously mentioned. However, he does speak of the infamous events known as the Kristallnacht (Crystal Night) of November 10, 1938. Somehow ignoring the widespread documentation of this appalling evening, Hoggan comes to the conclusion that no Jewish lives were lost in the event. In his description of this particular incident, he incorporates several German defense tactics. If one takes Hoggan’s thesis at face value, then there were no Jewish deaths during Krystallnacht, the German people were adamantly against the demonstrations, and Hitler was more of a bystander than a perpetrator. The actions taken by Hitler after the night of November 10, 1938, placed the Jewish community of Germany in a desperate situation. Though the decision to tax wealthy Jews in Germany was called upon by Hitler, Hoggan describes the situation in such a way, that it presents Hitler as the victim of another’s insistence. "Hitler was persuaded by Goebbels, to levy a 1 billion Mark (250 million dollar) fine on wealthy and moderately wealthy Jews of Germany" (156). Once again demonstrating Hoggan’s ability to describe a Hitler who was easily convinced when faced with making a decision.

Throughout the book, Hoggan presents his ideas in a way that leaves one somewhat convinced. The language is reflective of his years as a professor at a university and his arguments are so extensive that one loses track of what is actually being said. In turn, logic is drowned by his overdone debates and unnecessary commentary. Alongside his use of irrelevant information is his blatant disregard for the Holocaust. Hoggan dances around the subject, but never truly confronts it. Though he makes reference to one or two events regarding Germany’s Jewish population, the backbone of his argument is found in the "revelation" of certain facts pertaining other European powers during the 1930’s. The method used by Hoggan is quite simple: focus more and more on others so that eventually, one forgets about Germany’s true role in the prelude to World War II .

The basis of Hoggan’s denier argument in the defense of Germany, lies in his depiction of it as a passive country. The bulk of The Forced War is full of persuasive statements. In essence, Hoggan’s use of language is what takes his views as a denier of the true nature of Germany, in World War II, to a more believable level. Whenever referring to Germany in light of the war, he uses phrases that portray the Nazis in a peaceful manner. Hoggan made it a point to emphasize certain facts, while blatantly ignoring others. For example he quotes Hitler as saying, " we have no interest in suppressing other peoples" (Hoggan, 108). Though this truly is something Hitler once said during a speech on September 26, 1938, Hoggan conveniently forgets to mention other parts of the speech. In Hitler: A Chronology of his Life and Time, Milan Hauner quotes Hitler as also saying, "We want no Czechs!" (132). Both comments are said all in the same day. Yet, Hoggan manages to overlook the latter, using only those that conveniently fit his theses.

As one continues to turn page after page of Hoggans seemingly never-ending chapters, the idea that Germany only searched for peace amongst nations is bombarded into one’s brain. Germany receives such commandments as being the friendlier of all nations and of being unaware of others "deceitful" tactics. When dealing with the relationship between Poland and Germany, Hoggan is that much more careful in his use of language. In reference to Germany’s treatment of Polish officials during a particular decision making transaction, "the friendly attitude made it easy for Beck [Polish Foreign Minister] to defer his decision on the October 1938 offer without arousing German wrath" (Hoggan 259). In this passage, Hoggan’s denial lies not so much n the twisting or fabrication of an argument’s truth, but in his presentation of the idea. The "friendly attitude" described by Hoggan is easily arguable. Germany’s friendly demeanor towards Poland had more to do with their desire to get Poland as an ally against the Soviets. Actually, maintaining a positive relationship between Germany and Poland was a front used by the Nazis to keep Poland from turning to the Soviets as allies. The German state had the good of Germany in mind, not that of Poland as Hoggan so wishes to have us believe.

After having attempted to present a Germany free of blame, the ideas introduced by Hoggan are more directly related to the actions taken before World War II. In Hoggan’s world of understanding, the German government had no intention to attack any of its neighboring countries; not to mention Europe as a whole. For Hoggan to get his message across, he had to face the reality of antisemitic activity within Germany. Despite his constant overlooking of the "Jewish question" throughout Germany, Hoggan does touch on several accounts. First and foremost, he enjoys distracting his readers with the situation Jews faced in other European countries. Instead of debating the reality of Germany’s Jewish population, that of Poland is discussed at length. Before actually dealing with the Jewish situation in either country however, Hoggan goes on to talk about Germany’s admirable patience when making political propositions to the Polish state.

According to Hoggan, "The Germans exerted no pressure and betrayed no impatience in discussing their proposals with the Poles" and he continued to say that "Hitler was willing to wait an indefinite period for a favorable Polish response" (291). Judging from the previous statement, Hitler then had no plan to attack Poland, he was "patiently" waiting for a response. However, in March of 1939 the Polish Ambassador to Germany, Jozef Lipski, was being strongly advised by Joachim von Ribbentrop (then German Foreign Minister) to become Germany’s ally against the Soviet Union. Strongly refuting Hoggan’s argument, Read and Fisher describe Lipski’s meeting with Ribbentrop as "somewhat heated and acerbic" (66). And though Hoggan firmly believes Germany was anything but impatient, "The Pole [Lipski] complained bitterly of German pressure" (Read and Fisher 66). Notice how in both instances the word "pressure" is used. Hoggan throws the term around loosely. Nevertheless, it is far from being the true nature of either Hitler or the German nation as a whole.

As Hoggan continues to ignore the growing force of the Holocaust and the terrors being experienced by millions of Jewish people within Germany, his obscure arguments sink deeper into denial. It is hard to visualize a book written solely on the development of the Second World War, without even addressing the growing hatred towards Jews in Germany. Still, this is Hoggan’s main tactic as he continues to distract his readers with unnecessary information for over 600 pages. Half way through the book, he maintains his battle regarding the role of Poland in relation to Germany. In a desperate search to explain what led to Hitler’s eventual attack on Poland, Hoggan reaches for whatever seems tangible. While trying to attain Poland as an ally in Hitler’s mission against the Soviets, "It was the impatience of Beck rather than of Hitler which produced the rupture of German-Polish negotiations in March 1939" (Hoggan 311). Though Poland did take an impatient stand on it’s decision to side with either Germany or Britain, Beck’s impatience is not the sole culprit. If one is to take Hoggan’s argument literally, then Hitler must have had a strange relationship with Poland because he is quoted as having said, "I will knock Poland out so completely that she will not need to be taken into account politically for many decades to come" (Read and Fisher 68). Keep in mind, Hoggan’s mark of rupture took place in 1939, the same year in which Hitler made the previous comment regarding Poland.

In the field of history, a reliable historian must provide sources and citations within his original written work. Though most Holocaust deniers around the nation have published works, few contain reliable and legitimate sources. Few that is, except Hoggan. Throughout the entirety of his book, Hoggan never fails to provide quotes and official citations. Despite the fact that most of the works cited are in French, or other languages unknown to the average reader, citations are provided. However difficult it may be to track down his sources, the citations and bibliographies are provided. In turn, the reader is left with the sensation that the information provided is of a reliable nature and the arguments, worth taking into consideration. One such source is a book by A.J.P Taylor, a historian who dabbles in Holocaust denial. Reflecting on what he might have understood Taylor’s arguments to be, Hoggan believes that "A.J.P. Taylor, in The Origins of the Second World War, has proved beyond dispute that Hitler’s principal moves in 1938 were nothing more than improvised responses to the actions of others" (87). Though Taylor’s thesis may contain a hint of truth in it, it is common knowledge that Hitler was not an improviser but a creator. How else could have Hitler mobilized so many people within the Nazi military? How could the Nazi party have gained control of the German government in the first place, if Hitler did not have a carefully set out plan? Robert E. Herzstein provides us with a simple explanation in the opening of Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich 1933-1945 when he says, "Here was a mass party of the alienated, led by a charismatic leader whose aim was the conquest of total power" (1). As a result, there is a conflict of opinion between these two interpretations. Still, the opinion of the latter is of greater accordance with the general knowledge and opinion regarding Hoitler and his views on power or control.

As in the case of most arguments regarding the events surrounding World War II, the rebuttal of Hoggan’s text leads us back to the "Jewish question". While some historians argue that the entire Holocaust was a direct result of German antisemitism, others find an explanation in the lack of awareness in terms of the Jewish reality in Germany. Regardless of what side of the debate one takes, the reality is that the Holocaust played a pivotal role in the eventual outcome of the Second World War. For many it remains the one aspect of the war that is never forgotten. After taking this into consideration it is that much more confusing to believe Hoggan’s 606 pages of text only briefly mention the situation of Jews in and around Germany prior to 1939. Though Hoggan does admit that Hitler is deeply antisemitic, he implies that the antisemitism prevalent in Poland is just as bad and even worse than that expressed by Hitler. Even if Hoggan’s allegations were so, they are still not of enough value for one to assume that Hitler’s treatment of Jews was reasonable or understandable.

The most clear example of Holocaust denial in Hoggan’s book is found in one simple statement. Historians the world over recognize the night of November 10, 1938 as the start of the Holocaust. This is the evening which has been coined as Kristallnacht, or the "night of broken glass". On this historic evening, the Nazi party expressed their rage against the Jewish communities of Germany. Business’ and homes of the Jews were destroyed and Germany awoke to the sight of broken glass around every street corner. In his book, Hoggan mentions the incident quite briefly:

Some of the Jewish synagogues in Germany were destroyed by fires set by organized groups on November 10, 1938, and much business property was damaged. There were demonstrations against the Jews, but no pogroms, since no Jews lost their lives. (156)

He admits to the destruction of both synagogues and Jewish business properties, yet he blatantly denies any deaths. The amount of evidence proving such a statement wrong is innumerable. One source of evidence refuting Hoggan’s statement is an official document which was put together by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. The document is titled Night Of Pogroms. Quite ironic, considering Hoggan explicitly said there were "no pogroms". In the documents attempt to provide a background to the events surrounding November 10th, there is a mention of the actual number of people who lost their lives that evening. Once the glass ceased to shatter and the demonstrations ended, the people of Germany were left with tangible reminders of the night. "By Friday morning, November 11, nearly 100 Jews were dead" (U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council 11). The destruction and madness which characterized "crystal night" was such that the numbers of Jews who died varies from one book to another. For example, in the book titled Kristallnacht, it is aid that "By January it was admitted that the number killed during those twenty-four hours was officially put at ninety-one. The true figure was atleast 236" (Read and Fisher 69). Though there are differences in the actual number of victims, the established fact is that people did die, Jews were killed. However, Hoggan has no trouble with ignoring these facts. A typical denier way of dealing with evidence. Hoggan dismisses all evidence that does not agree with his ideas.

As Hoggan continues to "dabble" over the issues regarding Germany’s Jewish community he makes reference to the manner in which officials treated Jews. Although he admits that Hitler, "worked for the day when there would be no more Jewish subjects in Germany" (Hoggan 153) he denies any evidence of German abuse towards Jews. In particular he makes reference to the transport of Polish-Jews being deported from Germany. In his view, the Nazis dealt with Jews in a respectable fashion. Hoggan makes no mention of the fact that so many Jews have given testimony to the real abuse inflicted upon them, by hand of German officials. Still, The Forced War tells us a different story, one that believes "German authorities...organized the transport of Polish Jews with great care, and they made certain that the travelers had good facilities, including plenty of space and ample good food" (Hoggan 154). After World War II was over and the Holocaust came to a miraculous end, numerous Jews came forward with the stories of what actually took place behind the iron gates of Nazi abuse. One such victim was Sendel Grynspan, the father of Herschel Grynszpan, who was the young Jew who sparked the flame to the German atrocities of November 10, 1938. In his testimony for the trial of Adolf Eichmann in 1961, Sendel Grynszpan described his experience while being deported by German officials, "The SS came with whips and struck us. Those who couldn’t walk were beaten...The SS treated us in a cruel and barbarous manner" (Schwab 65). Thus, by taking into consideration eyewitness accounts of the actions of German authorities, Hoggan’s arguments greatly lose legitimacy.

If one is to look at the events surrounding the Holocaust, one must take into consideration every angle possible. The only true way of determining what took place and what was done by the part of all envolved, is by listening to both sides of the story. The truth of what led to World War II is quite simple. Germany was not forced into the war, as Hoggan wishes us to believe. Hitler’s own testimony found in Mein Kampf proves to the world his carefully planned out ideas. The German nation as a whole was under the tutelage of Hitler and his companions; nothing was a surprise to them. The idea of taxing Jewish elite in Germany may have been suggested by Goebbels, but the decision to go through with the plan was purely Hitler’s. A leader with the character of Hitler is not likely to be forced into situations, Hitler was fully aware of the world around him. Furthermore, though it is a known fact that the Polish government did take antisemitic actions against their Jewish community, the government backed down. The Polish opened their borders to Germany’s Jews and provided them with some sort of refuge against the Nazis.

One can go on and on providing evidence against Hoggan’s many irrational statements, simply because the evidence against him is quite distinguishable. His denial of the Holocaust may not be as clear-cut as other established deniers, but the nature of his fallacious statements is capable of being detected. His constant overlooking of the truth and the manner in which he drowns his book with unnecessary information, is the key in finding his underlying Holocaust denial. For the historians and scholars of the world, it may be impossible to stomach all 606 pages of Hoggan’s work. However, because of the growing nature of Holocaust Denial, it is imperative that we all take a moment to analyze what is going on around us. Though the pages of The Forced War become irritatingly familiar after only two chapters, it is a work that cannot be overlooked. As a history major and student, it is important to keep in consideration the fact that any library may contain the works of the many Hoggans of the world. It is ones responsibility to study such individuals in order to avoid falling into the trap of their deception.

Works Cited

Hauner, Milan. Hitler: A Chronology of his Life and Time. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1983.

Herzstein, Robert Edwin. Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich 1933-1945. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1971.

Hoggan, David L. The Forced War: When Peaceful Revision Failed. Costa Mesa: Institute for Historical Review, 1989.

Lipstadt, Deborah. Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory. New York: Plume, 1994.

Read, Anthony, and David Fisher. The Deadly Embrace. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1988.

Read, Anthony, and David Fisher. Kristallnacht. New York: Random House, 1989.

Schwab, Gerald. The Day the Holocaust Began: The Odyssey of Herschel Grynszpan. New York: Praeger, 1990.

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. Night of Pogroms. Washington: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, 1988.

Works Consulted

Barnes, James J., and Patricia P. Barnes. Hitler’s Mein Kampf in Britain and America. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1980.

Bartoszewski, Wladystaw, and Zofia Lewin. Righteous Among Nations. London: Earlscourt Publications, 1969.

Goldhagen, Daniel Jonah. Hitler’s Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust. New York: Vintage Books, 1997.

Riess, Curt. Joseph Goebbles. New York: Doubleday & Company, 1948.

Sontag, Raymond James, and James Stuart Beddie. Nazi-Soviet Relations: 1939-1941. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1948.

Thalmann, Rita, and Emmanuel Feinermann. Crystal Night. New York: Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, 1974.