The Splendid and The Vile
Erik Larson
Contributed by Youlanda Mill
Part 2 Chapter 28
Summary

Churchill continues to work at Chequers while, in Berlin, German workers are making parade preparations for the upcoming victory party marking the official end to the war. Planning to attack on Saturday, August 10, Goring had to delay the attack for the next morning due to bad weather. He would postpone it again due to August 13.

Analysis

American journalist William Shirer was in a hotel right across from Pariser Platz, the center square that the expected victory parade would come from. Pre-set iron cross replicas, paintings of golden eagles, and the pre-planning of the parade itself showcase the absolute confidence of a German victory. Shirer notes in one diary entry, "Within Nazi Party circles, Shirer found, there was talk that Hitler wanted the stands ready before the end of the month" (Larson, 230). The confidence that Hitler had for his military and the belief that the end is near was a palpable feeling. Germany has had significant success in conquering territories and countries, whereas Britain’s war effort was characterized by retreat, such as in Dunkirk.

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