Occupied: European and Asian Responses to Axis Conquest, 1937-1945

Aviel Roshwald's study explores how patriotic, ethno-national, and internationalist identities were manipulated, exploited, reconstructed, and reinvented during the German and Japanese occupations of Europe and East and Southeast Asia. He examines how behavioral choices around collaboration and resistance were conditioned by existing identities, loyalties, and short-term cost-benefit calculations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 481 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Second World War had a profound impact on the lives of people living in Europe, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. For the majority of these populations, the most enduring and significant aspect of their wartime experience was the occupation of their countries by one or more of the Axis powers. In this comprehensive and ambitious study, Aviel Roshwald offers the first single-authored comparative analysis of the responses of Europe and Asia to German and Japanese occupation during the war. Through eleven case studies spanning across both continents, Roshwald explores how patriotic, ethnonational, and internationalist identities were manipulated, exploited, reconstructed, and reinvented as a result of the wholesale dismantling of states and the redrawing of borders. He examines how behavioral choices around collaboration and resistance were shaped by pre-existing identities, loyalties, short-term cost-benefit calculations, opportunism, or coercion.

The occupation of Europe by **** Germany and its allies from 1939 to 1945 was one of the most significant events of the 20th century. It marked the beginning of a period of unprecedented brutality and oppression that would last for several years and have far-reaching consequences for the continent. The German invasion of Poland in September 1939 was the first step in a series of military campaigns that would eventually lead to the occupation of most of Europe. The invasion was followed by the occupation of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and parts of Norway and Greece.

The German occupation of Europe was characterized by a reign of terror and brutality. The ***** implemented a system of racial segregation and persecution that targeted Jews, Roma, homosexuals, and other minority groups. Millions of people were killed in concentration camps, including the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau complex in Poland. The German military also engaged in widespread atrocities, including the bombing of cities, the execution of civilians, and the rape of women and girls.

The German occupation of Europe had a profound impact on the lives of the people living there. It caused widespread poverty, hunger, and disease, and destroyed much of the continent's infrastructure and cultural heritage. The occupation also led to the rise of resistance movements, such as the French Resistance and the Polish Resistance, which fought against the German occupation and helped to liberate Europe from **** control.

The German occupation of Europe also had significant consequences for the wider world. It helped to lay the groundwork for the Cold War, which would last for decades and involve the United States, the Soviet Union, and other major powers. The occupation also contributed to the rise of fascism and authoritarianism in Europe, which would have far-reaching consequences for the 20th century.

In conclusion, the German occupation of Europe was a dark and tragic period in history that had far-reaching consequences for the continent and the wider world. It marked the beginning of a period of unprecedented brutality and oppression that would last for several years and have far-reaching consequences for the future. The legacy of the German occupation of Europe is a reminder of the importance of resistance, democracy, and human rights, and of the need to stand up against oppression and tyranny wherever they may occur.

Weight: 684g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108790826