The Rape of Europa

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The treasures of Quedlinburg, the Trojan gold, and the Amber Room represent just a fraction of the vast array of artistic, religious, and historic artifacts that were sold, confiscated, stolen, or destroyed as Europe fell victim to the Nazis and the devastation of war. In a gripping narrative filled with stories of bravery, betrayal, and moral decay, Lynn H. Nicholas reveals the full extent of this cultural devastation and its implications for the history of the Third Reich and World War II. From Hitler's rise to power, art became a top priority for the regime, with Hitler and Hermann Goering obsessively collecting paintings, sculptures, and various treasures. Their voracious appetite instigated a frenzy in the international art market, prompting museum directors to hide their collections as war approached. The German occupation of multiple countries led to widespread pillaging, with artworks subjected to confiscation, destruction, and perilous transport. Meanwhile, curators and scholars in Washington and London worked tirelessly to persuade Allied leaders to prioritize the protection of cultural heritage during the invasion. The eventual Allied victories in Italy and France enabled a dedicated team of Monuments officers to restore and protect the ravaged cultural landscape, addressing the extensive damage inflicted upon churches and buildings.