Bibliograph

Checkmate in Berlin, the Cold War showdown that shaped the modern world, Giles Milton

Type

Label

Checkmate in Berlin, the Cold War showdown that shaped the modern world, Giles Milton

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages [347]-357) and index

Illustrations

mapsphotographsplates

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Checkmate in Berlin

Nature of contents

bibliography

Responsibility statement

Giles Milton

Sub title

the Cold War showdown that shaped the modern world

Summary

"BERLIN?S FATE WAS SEALED AT THE 1945 YALTA CONFERENCE: the city, along with the rest of Germany, was to be carved up among the victorious powers? the United States, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. On paper, it seemed a pragmatic solution. In reality, once the four powers were no longer united by the common purpose of defeating Germany, they wasted little time reverting to their prewar hostility toward?and suspicion of?one another. The veneer of civility between the Western allies and the Soviets was to break down in spectacular fashion in Berlin. Rival systems, rival ideologies, and rival personalities ensured that the German capital became an explosive battleground. The warring leaders who ran Berlin?s four sectors were charismatic, mercurial men, and Giles Milton brings them all to rich and thrilling life here. We meet unforgettable individuals like America?s explosive Frank “Howlin? Mad” Howley, a brusque sharp-tongued colonel with a relish for mischief and a loathing for all Russians. Appointed commandant of the city?s American sector, Howley fought an intensely personal battle against his wily nemesis, General Alexander Kotikov, commandant of the Soviet sector. Kotikov oozed charm as he proposed vodka toasts at his alcohol-fueled parties, but Howley correctly suspected his Soviet rival was Stalin?s agent, appointed to evict the Western allies from Berlin and ultimately from Germany as well."--Amazon.com

Table Of Contents

The road to Berlin -- Flag on the Reichstag -- Red Berlin -- Loot -- Arrival of the allies -- Life on the edge -- Dividing the spoils -- Let battle commence -- Enter the overlords -- The Iron Curtain -- Ministry of lies -- Crime and punishment -- Playing dirty -- Shifting sands -- Breaking point -- The perfect siege -- Flying high -- The sky's the limit -- Checkmate -- Fruits of victory

Classification