Business and Politics in Europe, 1900–1970

Book excerpt: This book reflects an increased interest in establishing connections between the political history and the business history of Europe in the twentieth century. The book includes research on the interactions of politicians, businessmen and their institutions in eight countries, with particular focus on the highly charged inter-war period. Fourteen essays cover subjects under four main headings: the business - politics paradigm; banking finance; business and politics in the National Socialist period; and the business community and the state. Together they form a fitting tribute to the academic scholarship and inspiration offered by Alice Teichova. In her distinguished career, and in particular after the publication of her path-breaking book An Economic Background to Munich in 1974, she did much to stimulate a collaborative approach to international comparative work in the field of economic, political and business history. The case studies presented here demonstrate her considerable legacy to the subject.