Hans-Ulrich Wehler's "History of National Socialism" is now revised in a single volume. Wehler's portrayal of National Socialism within the framework of his "German Social History" caused a significant stir upon its release. Nowhere else has the concept of charismatic leadership been placed so consistently at the center of interpretation. The spectrum of reactions to Wehler's interpretation ranged from great approval to vehement criticism, as it surprisingly introduces Adolf Hitler, the "Führer," as a figure of absolutely crucial importance to the course of events in his social history. This book aims to explain the rise of National Socialism, Hitler's dictatorial leadership, the course of World War II, and the Holocaust. It is based largely on the sources.