1941: The Year Germany Lost the War

By: Andrew Nagorski

Narrated by: Michael David Axtell

Bestselling historian Andrew Nagorski “brings keen psychological insights into the world leaders involved” (Booklist) during 1941, the critical year in World War II when Hitler’s miscalculations and policy of terror propelled Churchill, FDR, and Stalin into a powerful new alliance that defeated Nazi Germany.

In early 1941, Hitler’s armies ruled most of Europe. Churchill’s Britain was an isolated holdout against the Nazi tide, but German bombers were attacking its cities and German U-boats were attacking its ships. Stalin was observing the terms of the Nazi-Soviet Pact, and Roosevelt was vowing to keep the United States out of the war. Hitler was confident that his aim of total victory was within reach.

But by the end of 1941, all that changed. Hitler had repeatedly gambled on escalation and lost: by invading the Soviet Union and committing a series of disastrous military blunders; by making mass murder and terror his weapons of choice, and by rushing to declare war on the United States after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. Britain emerged with two powerful new allies—Russia and the United States. By then, Germany was doomed to defeat.

Nagorski illuminates the actions of the major characters of this pivotal year as never before. 1941: The Year Germany Lost the War is a stunning and “entertaining” (The Wall Street Journal) examination of unbridled megalomania versus determined leadership. It also reveals how 1941 set the Holocaust in motion, and presaged the postwar division of Europe, triggering the Cold War. 1941 was “the year that shaped not only the conflict of the hour but the course of our lives—even now” (New York Times bestselling author Jon Meacham).

Critic reviews

"Andrew Nagorski ‘s vivid, incisive account shows how and why 1941 marked not just the beginning, but the beginning of the end, of World War II.” (William Taubman)

"In 1941, the seemingly all-powerful Adolf Hitler snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by making two fatal mistakes: declaring war on the Soviet Union and the United States. In his gripping, deeply researched account of this pivotal roller-coaster year, Andrew Nagorski masterfully shows how Hitler’s hubris and willful lack of knowledge led to the Nazis’ destruction and set the stage for the Cold War that still haunts us today.” (Lynne Olson)

“1941 must have been the bravest and stupidest year of modern times. With gripping narrative and eye-popping revelation, Andrew Nagorski shows us why character is destiny.” (Evan Thomas)

“The Year Germany Lost the War is a seamlessly written and well-researched investigation of how Hitler bungled his geopolitical playing hand in 1941, thereby sinking the Third Reich. There is never a dull moment or lull in this fast-paced narrative. Highly recommended!” (Douglas Brinkley)

Vital History Everyone Should Learn

This is fascinating history. Considering how reluctant Hitler was to consider opinions of people better informed, it’s amazing how successful he was ... for a while. Could there be parallels in today’s politics? The retelling is very complete and informative. The narrator is excellent and a pleasure to listen to except when he mispronounces names and even English words. Averell Harriman and Gallipoli are among the casualties. I wish young narrators and their producers would consult online pronunciation guides or maybe watch a documentary. Ah well, nevertheless I recommend this to all serious history buffs.

Well written , well documented book

This book is well written and obviously involved much research. It is not "shocking" or sensational but does give a good summary and background of the developments leading up to 1941 and the entry of the U.S. into the war. I hadn't known what happened with Stalin during that time.
Book recommended

Moment by moment descriptions of events - very exciting.

Really good, although I lost the timeline about 3/4 of the way through with the defense of Moscow, then suddenly we were at Pearl Harbor. Also, it’s a bit skimpy on developments in Japan, compared to German invasion of Russia.

Excellent history about WW II

Highly recommended if you are a WW II reader. Gave a background regarding WWII and also the beginning of the Cold War. Both sides made many many errors.
Illustration of the insanity of both Hitler and Stalin. You gain an understanding-of why many Russians are so bitter.

One of the best WWII books

This is an amazing book. It does not only cover the pivot year of 1941, but also their impacts and what lead to it. Great details about the wrong assessments from Stalin and Hitler and how Churchill was the main figure of this War. A must read for those who are interested in this relevant period of our history.