New Books Network Stephen Fritz, "The First Soldier: Hitler as a Military Leader" (Yale UP, 2018)
Oct 20, 2025
Stephen Fritz, a history professor at East Tennessee State University, dives into his book on Hitler's military leadership. He challenges myths of Hitler's incompetence, revealing that his generals often shared similar strategic misjudgments. Fritz discusses how World War I shaped Hitler's worldview, his initial military relations, and the bold tactics that defined his approach. The conversation also covers the planning of major operations like Barbarossa and the implications of battles such as Stalingrad, culminating in a nuanced assessment of Hitler's strengths and weaknesses as a military leader.
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Seek Diverse Mentors
- Learn from advisors with different strengths to develop varied research skills and perspectives.
Fritz's Academic Home
- Stephen Fritz has taught at East Tennessee State University for 35 years and values its supportive environment.
How The Book Idea Originated
- Yale's Heather McCallum initially suggested Fritz reassess Hitler as a military leader and persuaded him to take the project.
