The Jew who Defeated Hitler

Main Themes and Topics

The Jew who Defeated Hitler by Peter Moreira delves into the profound contributions of Henry Morgenthau Jr., President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Secretary of the Treasury, during World War II. The narrative centers on Morgenthau's role in financing the war effort, highlighting his innovative strategies to raise a staggering $310 billion (equivalent to over $4.8 trillion today) without relying heavily on Wall Street. Instead, Morgenthau harnessed the patriotism of the American public through the sale of war bonds. The book also explores his efforts in aiding Britain before the U.S. officially entered the war and his leadership in establishing the War Refugee Board, which played a crucial role in saving 200,000 Jews from Nazi persecution. Moreira presents Morgenthau as a pivotal yet understated figure whose unwavering determination significantly contributed to the Allies' victory over the Nazis.

Writing Style and Tone

Peter Moreira's writing is characterized by its clarity and thorough research, allowing readers to gain an in-depth understanding of Morgenthau's contributions and the broader historical context. The author adopts an engaging narrative style that balances factual depth with compelling storytelling, making complex financial and political topics accessible to a broad readership. Moreira's tone is respectful and appreciative, highlighting Morgenthau's achievements while also acknowledging the challenges he faced, including anti-Semitism and the controversial postwar "Morgenthau Plan."

Brief Summary

In The Jew who Defeated Hitler, Peter Moreira offers a comprehensive biography of Henry Morgenthau Jr., focusing on his wartime role as FDR's Secretary of the Treasury. The book chronicles how Morgenthau, a dyslexic college dropout, rose to become a key figure in financing the U.S. war effort. He orchestrated a massive financial campaign to support the Allies, advocated for aid to Britain, and was instrumental in rescuing thousands of Jews from the Holocaust. Moreira also examines Morgenthau's involvement in the Bretton Woods Conference, which laid the foundation for the modern economic paradigm.