"This book emphasizes the role of the airship as a unique attention-getting device to further the political ambitions of leaders and nations. Unlike the first spidery airplanes, monstrous airships were at once a sensation, attracting mass enthusiasm, awe and wonder. These positive associations were exploited for political gain in the interests of militarism and commerce: in Germany by Count Zeppelin to advance militarism; in America by Admiral Moffett to combat Army aviation ambitions; in Britain by Lord Thomson to foster Socialism and strengthen empire ties: in Italy by Mussolini to promote Fascism; by Stalin to spread world Communism; and by Hitler to promote Nazi ideology. As airships roamed worldwide, so they carried these political influences with them."--BOOK JACKET.