Great Men in the Second World War: The Rise and Fall of the Big Three

The Role of 'Great Men' in the Second World War provides a new perspective on the events of the Second World War by focusing on the role of key individuals. Paul Dukes selects five individuals, each in their turn one of the leaders of the three great victorious powers. The identity of the Big Three changed significantly during the last months of the conflict. Roosevelt died in April 1945 and was succeeded by Truman. Churchill lost to Attlee in the election of July. Stalin alone provided individual continuity throughout the conferences of the Big Three, and immediately beyond. This book explores the power of these individuals, asking questions such as:- To what extent did the leaders exert their own influence and to what extent could they be considered to be simply the spokesmen for their countries?- How significant was it that Truman and Attlee had less colourful personalities than Roosevelt and Churchill?- To what extent can we characterise the individuals involved and their actions as good or bad?Drawing on records of their interactions at conferences at Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam, as well as their memoirs and diaries, Paul Dukes sheds new light on the major personalities involved as well on the course of the Second World War. This is a book that will of interest to any student of the Second World War and anyone with an interest in the role of individuals in making history.