Fritz Klein (historian)

Fritz Klein (1924-2011) was a German-American historian specializing in modern German history, particularly the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism. Born in Berlin, Klein emigrated to the United States in 1939 to escape Nazi persecution. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, working in military intelligence. After the war, he pursued academic studies, earning his Ph.D. from Columbia University.

Klein taught at various institutions, including the City University of New York (CUNY), where he became a distinguished professor. He was known for his meticulous scholarship and his commitment to historical accuracy. His work often focused on the social and economic conditions that contributed to the rise of extremist ideologies in Germany.

Major Works:

• Germany's Economic Preparations for War (1959)
• The First World War: Germany and Austria-Hungary, 1914-1918 (1969)
• From Domination to Leadership: America and the Economic Rehabilitation of Europe, 1945-1954 (1991) - (Co-authored)

Klein's scholarship made significant contributions to the understanding of twentieth-century German history and the complex factors that led to the rise of the Nazi regime. He was a respected voice in the field and a dedicated teacher who influenced generations of students.