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What makes a nation, follow one man down a fateful path of destruction? What does it take to ensure that the masses will look to join your cause? How can one man garner enough support that conquering Europe would not seem unreasonable? At one time in history Doll Hitler was beloved, and praised. However history tells us that the adjuration of Hitler was a fatal attraction.
The fatal appeal of Doll Hitler lied not solely In manufactured charisma, and conniving propagation but could not eave occurred without the right opportune social and economic conditions. A dire state would be an understatement in describing the social and economic plight of pre Nazi Germany. After the Great War, Germany was made to be a scapegoat by the five major powers. The byproduct of the Paris Peace Conference In which the united States, Britain, France, Italy, and Japan were noteworthy participants was the Treaty of Versailles.
It stated that Germany accept full responsibility for the Great War, downsize their military and navy too hundred thousand, pay thirty three billion in reparations, and languish colonial land in Africa and Asia; however it did not end there, but those stipulations alone we’re devastating on the home front. It created discontent and anguish amongst the German people. Germany a country rich In culture, tradition and history was expectant of more. The fame of Frederick Barbarous and Hermann seemed distant, Germany was seemingly stripped of nationalistic endeavors, while the powers of Europe were thriving off mass colonization.
Most placed the blame on the Treaty, but did not have to look far for others they mimed complicit as the ever-changing social landscape included Marxist, Communist, Socialist and Jews. All were viewed with varying levels of disgust, while the newly Implemented Whimper republic did nothing to dampen the growing displeasure: a parliamentary democracy was not viewed as the cure. Economically, inflation was rampant, as Germany was borrowing money to pay their imposed debt, families struggled to eat; the proletariat interests were of no concern to government from the people’s perspective.
This rather unfortunate state Germany found itself in old be best characterized as De-nationalism. The stage was set for a leader, one to lift the German people out of the doldrums of poverty and despair that they blamed unwaveringly on the treaty imposed by the allies. Enter Doll Hitler, whom recognized and championed himself as a war hero, as one of the common people, a man with many layers thirsting for power. Hitler played the role of courier in the Great War, a dangerous position but not revered. Nonetheless always found the prestige and glory In his past occurrences, whether deemed useful.
Apropos of this was the celebrated annual march that was re-enactment of Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers Party failed staged putsch in Munich November of 1923. Torches lined the street as Nazis trooped through Munich in uniform fashion, Nazis who were killed in the putsch was essentially turned into heroes as the location of their death was marked with adoration. Millions were in attendance and were blessed by Hitler himself. This cannot be understated as it had an undeniable profound effect on those observing, especially the young.
The youth ere integral to the success of the Third Reich and were trained in Nazi doctrine from a young age. The young and Nazi’s alike viewed the furor as a savior, a man who looked out for not himself but for Germany. From Hitter’s political birth within the German’s Workers Party when he outlined his Twenty Five Points, it was evident he knew how to tap into the approval of the German society. He knew how and where to place the blame for the many problems Germany faced, and thus the people identified themselves with him. In summation Hitler told many what they simply wanted to hear.
This in tandem with groundbreaking propaganda, led by Joseph Gobbles made the Hitler out to how he wished to be perceived. To obtain the allegiance of sought after talent such as Gobbles and Albert Speers Hitter’s personal architect, would only take time. Many of whom initially followed Hitler such as the Streamlining or AS and the Chesterfield or AS were almost instantly loyal; a vast majority of these men were ex-soldiers whom fought in the Great War and we’re relinquished of their duty in lieu of the Treaty of Versailles. They longed for action direction, and vision.
Hitler offered this, evidence of which lies in his rallying cry “Give me four years”, it is not a stretch to say this not only played on the ears and hearts of German civilians but of the Nazi party themselves. The controversial writing of Mien Kampala laid out his doctrine in non-strategic fashion but more importantly struck a chord with a society low on nationalistic views, his twisted Darwinism vision and natural superiority of pure Germans added to his dynamic charisma. The establishing of Hitler as chancellor and furor, especially after initially excelling the offer of vice chancellor; further boosted his eminence amongst the Nazi party.
The greater success the Nazi party achieved the more revered their Furor was by his followers. In Albert Speers Inside the Third Reich he termed the mind of a devout follower of Hitler a “isolated chamber” Those who were not already entranced by the charisma of the furor had no loss of love for Hitler, as what he promised came to fruition. But for those who did not adhere to Nazi code, Hitler would not hesitate to use violence and UN-blinding fury for practicing lack of devotion to the furor. Civilians, AS, AS, Nazi, it did not matter, and public sentiment was that this is for the good of the state.
It was deemed necessary to maintain the order within Nazi Germany. As time migrated Hitler tightened his hold on the German people psyche with cunning propaganda utilizing new technology such as the radio, broadcasting his fiery speeches to the masses. Films such as “Triumph of Will” we’re introduced to in class (by our gracious professor) the documenting the annual Nazi rally, Hitler is clearly intentional, and was shown in theaters packed with young and old thirsting or German nationalistic imagery, theaters draped with Nazi flags and memorabilia.