The foundation of the European continent, and the pivotal role played by Germany, a nation known for its industriousness, discipline, technological advancements, and independent thinking, witnessed a peculiar event when its highly educated populace fell under the sway of a ruthless dictator like Hitler, leading their country into a devastating World War. Why did the German people, possessing such highly developed individuals, choose to listen to and support Hitler?
The answer to how German culture supported the Nazis and ultimately led to the destruction under the Nazi regime is a question that has intrigued many. The roots of this lie not in the mistakes and ultimate defeat in World War II, but rather in why Hitler's ideologies were accepted by the German populace beforehand.
This foundation was laid with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. The harsh terms of this treaty left a sense of defeat, humiliation, and loss of respect among many Germans. Hitler capitalized on this by asserting German superiority and advocating for unity among all segments of society.
Furthermore, the Great Depression (1929-1933) compounded the situation. While countries like the U.S., France, and Britain were grappling with economic hardship, Germany, in an even worse state, was forced to pay war reparations to the U.S. This led to hyperinflation and a collapsed stock market. The German mark plummeted in value to the extent that German women were using it to light their stoves. The Great Depression, a time of suffering for the oppressed German population, inadvertently paved the way for Hitler to be seen as a savior.
Initially, in the 1930s, Hitler was not a prominent figure in politics. In fact, due to his imprisonment in 1923 and being an Austrian citizen, he didn't have the right to vote or run for office until 1932. However, historians believe that during this time, Hitler was underestimated by the German parliamentary system. His rapid rise to power, especially with the assistance of figures like Joseph Goebbels, involved dismantling Germany's democratic parliamentary system to establish Nazi dictatorship.
Hitler's path to becoming the Führer is quite intriguing. In early 1933, the Nazi party was the second-largest party in the German Reichstag. Through a manipulative act, known as the Reichstag Fire in 1933, where the Nazi forces (NSDAP) set fire to the Reichstag building and blamed it on the communists, Hitler created a narrative of a communist uprising. This led to a general election on March 5, 1933, where Hitler and the Nazi party gained 43.9% of the votes, securing power. Hitler declared the suspension of democracy in August and, after shutting down other parties, assumed the roles of State and Government President, becoming the Führer.
Hitler made significant strides quickly. By 1934, he suspended democracy, instituted a dictatorship, and in 1936, began expanding internationally. In 1939, he initiated World War II, breaking the Treaty of Versailles and transitioning German industry towards heavy weaponry production.
The Nazis propagated that democracy was dangerous, leading individuals into selfishness. The chaos and economic crisis faced by the German population in the 1930s, exacerbated by factory closures and rising unemployment, led many to associate democracy with these troubles. Hitler openly stated his intention to suspend democracy and establish Nazi rule. With the severe hardships faced by the people, Hitler's message found resonance.
Another crucial factor contributing to Hitler's acceptance by the German populace was the propaganda genius of Joseph Goebbels, one of Hitler's ministers, coupled with Hitler's own oratory skills. Hitler's impassioned speeches at large gatherings elevated him to the status of a great leader in the eyes of the German people. The perception created at that time equated loving Hitler with loving Germany.
Hitler, upon coming to power, immediately purged the elite class and scientists (those of Jewish descent), leaving no room for dissenting opinions. The public, already discontented with the upper class and wealthy, viewed these steps positively. Hitler, however, left untouched those of Jewish descent in critical positions, as he knew removing them would disrupt the system.
Hitler's virulent anti-Semitism played a significant role in his acceptance by the German populace. He claimed that the German capital was under Jewish control, and these Jews were exploiting the German people, robbing them of their rightful wealth. Hitler's other enemy was the communists. He argued that through ethnic cleansing of Jews and Romani people, a pure German race would achieve prosperity. This, according to him, could only be achieved through the Nazi regime, and everyone must unquestionably love and embrace it.
In the end, the German populace, hoping to regain what they had lost, bought into the propaganda and activities, rallying wholeheartedly behind Hitler. With the initiation of war by Hitler's Nazi regime, it is estimated that around 50 million or more people lost their lives.
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