The Origins of the Second World War, by AJP Taylor, proposes and investigates unconventional and widely accepted theories as to the underlying causes of the Second War worldwide. Taylor is a British historian specializing in 20th-century diplomacy and argues in his book that as a historian his job is to "state the truth" (p. xi) as he sees it, even if that means disagree with existing prejudices. The book was published in 1961, relatively soon after the war, and because of its extreme impartiality, the work was the subject of controversy for many years. Studying history through his lens of objectivism, Taylor's theory is that Hitler's design was not one of world domination; on the contrary, his methods, notably his foreign policy, did not differ from those of his predecessors. However, in the face of a strict policy of appeasement, both from the French and the English, the stage was set for a Second World War. Taylor constructs a powerful and effective argument by rejecting certain dogmas that presented Hitler as a madman and by evaluating historical events as a set of actions and reactions, at odds with the common idea that the Axis had a specific agenda from departure. The book begins with the conclusion of World War I, exploring the idea that critical errors made at the time made a second war likely, but not inevitable. Taylor points out that although Germany was defeated on the Western Front, "Russia has left Europe and ceased to exist, for the moment, as a great power." The constellation of Europe has changed profoundly – ​​and to Germany's advantage.” (p.20-21) As a result of the war, Russia was severely weakened, which significantly upset the balance of power in Europe. Taylor states that "What gave France independence as... middle of paper... with him to reconcile?" » (p. 216) Finally, Taylor explains that after Britain's failure to reach an agreement, aggression drew France and Britain into war against Germany. Taylor's view on the origins of World War II, while controversial, is not so simple. rejected. Taylor's approach was "innocent until proven guilty", which allowed him to divide responsibility between the Allied and Axis powers. Taylor carefully constructs a historical chain of cause and effect through his unbiased assessment. World War I left a structurally strong Germany, determined to restore its independence, and a weakened balance of power in Europe. These facts, coupled with a morally revolting but rational leader facing only a strict policy of appeasement, combined to form the perfect storm, one that would ravage the world during World War II...