ABSTRACT

First published in 1979, Nemesis at Potsdam discusses the expulsion and spoliation of the Germans from most of central and easter Europe during the Second World War, a process which over two million did not survive. How did this extraordinary event come about? Was it necessary for the peace of Europe? What role did Britain and the United States play in authorizing the ‘transfer’? The book answers these questions and relates the integration of the German expellees to the phenomenal resurgence of West Germany, and traces the development of Ostpolitik and détente through to the Helsinki Declaration. It will be of interest to students of history, international relations, and political science.

chapter Chapter One|16 pages

The Principle of Population Transfers

chapter Chapter Two|21 pages

The Germans of Czechoslovakia

chapter Chapter Four|20 pages

The Flight: Prelude to the Expulsions

chapter Chapter Five|23 pages

Anglo-American Plan of Limited Transfers

chapter Chapter Six|28 pages

‘Orderly and Humane’ Transfers

chapter Chapter Seven|11 pages

From Morgenthau Plan to Marshall Plan

chapter Chapter Eight|11 pages

Peace Without a Peace Treaty

chapter Chapter Nine|23 pages

Recognition or Revision of the Oder-Neisse Frontier

chapter Chapter Ten|11 pages

Towards the Future