Part I, pgs. 4-44 Summary and Analysis

The author has just spent a year on sabbatical in Spain and is now coming back to his former lifestyle. He and wife Tess spend their time swimming, hiking, reading, and entertaining friends.

In February 1934, Shirer works in Paris. He is sent to cover a demonstration at the Place de la Concorde, which turns violent. After the demonstration, he returns to the Herald office to write his story covering the riots and the resignation of Daladier and the cabinet. The next day, Doumergue is named to head the government. A few days later, there is a general strike without any trouble. However, there are problems in Austria. The Nazi socialists fight the Heimwehr under Prive Starhemberg. The fighting lasts until February 15.

Shirer, still in Paris, says he wishes that he can be assigned to Berlin...