The Political Uses of Time

Munich

Every reprieve in the novel buys some people space to act while giving Hitler more time to consolidate success and shape the next crisis.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The First Countdown The First Countdown from "Munich". Time as a Weapon Mobilisation Threatened Hitler’s deadline compresses the options available to Britain, France and Czechoslovakia.

The First Countdown from "Munich". Time as a Weapon Mobilisation Threatened Hitler’s deadline compresses the options available to Britain, France and Czechoslovakia.

Time as a Weapon Mobilisation Threatened Hitler’s deadline compresses the options available to Britain, France and Czechoslovakia. Decisions Under Pressure Leaders must choose without confidence that their military preparations or intelligence are complete.

A Day for Diplomacy A Day for Diplomacy from "Munich". The Clock Is Reset Mussolini’s Intervention Hitler accepts a postponement of mobilisation for twenty-four hours.

A Day for Diplomacy from "Munich". The Clock Is Reset Mussolini’s Intervention Hitler accepts a postponement of mobilisation for twenty-four hours.

The Clock Is Reset Mussolini’s Intervention Hitler accepts a postponement of mobilisation for twenty-four hours. A Limited Window The delay creates time to convene the conference, but it is not a commitment to peace.

A Conference in One Day A Conference in One Day from "Munich". Negotiations Compressed Leaders Convene The four powers try to settle the dispute in Munich while the threat of invasion remains close.

A Conference in One Day from "Munich". Negotiations Compressed Leaders Convene The four powers try to settle the dispute in Munich while the threat of invasion remains close.

Negotiations Compressed Leaders Convene The four powers try to settle the dispute in Munich while the threat of invasion remains close. Detail as Delay Arguments about maps, evacuation and guarantees consume time, yet may also prevent the meeting from collapsing.

The Deal Before Departure The Deal Before Departure from "Munich". An Agreement Takes Form Drafting Continues Officials refine the clauses while the leaders move between negotiations and formal events.

The Deal Before Departure from "Munich". An Agreement Takes Form Drafting Continues Officials refine the clauses while the leaders move between negotiations and formal events.

An Agreement Takes Form Drafting Continues Officials refine the clauses while the leaders move between negotiations and formal events. Hope Narrows Hartmann knows that once the signatures are secured, his chance to change policy will disappear.

The Future Tripwire The Future Tripwire from "Munich". Time Bought, Not Saved Immediate War Avoided The agreement gives Britain and France a respite and the public celebrates.

The Future Tripwire from "Munich". Time Bought, Not Saved Immediate War Avoided The agreement gives Britain and France a respite and the public celebrates.

Time Bought, Not Saved Immediate War Avoided The agreement gives Britain and France a respite and the public celebrates. A Later Test Looms Legat understands that delay may strengthen Hitler and that the next decision could come under worse conditions.

27 September 1938, afternoon

28 September 1938, afternoon

29 September 1938

29 September 1938, late night

30 September 1938, evening