April 1945

The Hinge of History

By: Craig Shirley

Narrated by: Tom Parks

Acclaimed historian and New York Times bestselling author Craig Shirley delivers a compelling account of 1945, particularly the watershed events in the month of April, that details how America emerged from World War II as a leading superpower.

In the long-awaited follow-up to the widely praised December 1941,Craig Shirley's April 1945 paints a vivid portrait of America--her people, faith, economy, government, and culture. The year of 1945 bought a series of watershed events that transformed the country into an arsenal of democracy, one that no longer armed the world by necessity but henceforth protected the world by need.

At the start of 1945, America and the rest of the world were grieving millions of lives lost in the global conflict. As President Roosevelt was sworn into his fourth term, optimism over an end to the bloody war had grown--then, in April, several events collided that changed the face of the world forever: the sudden death of President Roosevelt followed by Harry S. Truman's rise to office; Adolph Hitler's suicide; and the horrific discoveries of Dachau and Auschwitz. Americans doubled down on their completion of the atomic bomb and their plans to drop them on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the destruction ultimately leading the Japanese Empire to surrender on V-J day and ending World War II for good.

Combining engaging anecdotes with deft research and details that are both diminutive and grand, April 1945 gives readers a front-row seat to the American stage at the birth of a brand-new world.

Too Many Errors

Historical tidbits surrounding WWII, but there are many errors,miss pronunciation of names, Alfred Speer, Paul von Rundstedt, events, Hitler shoots Eva Bruan, etc.

damn good work

Great overlay of military and civilian life of the times. interesting details in the history of both theaters of war.

Amazing.

Just as good as December 1941. So insightful makes you think you are in 1945.

The Greatest Generation

Now I understand what the greatest generation really means. Not just our brave military but every civilian in the United States of America. Everyone sacrificed. God bless them all.

A bit confusing

overall this history is very informative. However, going between the war and home front constantly with every new thought made me feel like a pingpong ball going back and forth.