Germany Created Hitler

 Ever since former President Donald Trump indicated he would run again in the 2024 election, I’ve been conducting a study of Nazi Germany and the rise of Adolph Hitler during the previous fourth turning crisis. While Hitler’s rein as the Third Reich fuehrer lasted a mere dozen years (he had boasted the Third Reich would last 1000 years), it’s interesting to note that it took twelve years previous for the so-called “myth of Hitler” to establish the conditions for his rise to power. Germany’s defeat in the First World War was a significant national trauma and the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II, and collapse of the traditional Germany monarchy left a power vacuum and a sense of loss. In its place, the Social Democrats, previously vilified by the right as "enemies of the Reich," came to power, further exacerbating the sense of betrayal and disillusionment among conservatives and right-wing groups. 

The events of 1918 transformed latent desires for authoritarian leadership into a tangible counter-revolutionary force. This force was initially vague and divided but offered an alternative vision to the hated party-political system of the Weimar Republic. In times of social, economic, or political crisis, there can be a heightened desire for strong leadership that promises to restore traditional values and national pride. In Germany, the conditions were ripe for an autocratic “heroic” leader to emerge who could provide stability, direction, and a sense of national renewal.

When he claimed the chancellorship under President Hindenburg on January 30, 1933, Hitler was known primarily as the leader of the Nazi party. For the most part, the average German citizen thought he was simply an aberration that would not last as chancellor. The far-right and Nazi party newspapers were extolling his virtue, but the mainstream papers thought of him in lowly terms.

For those who might not know, the term "chancellor" typically refers to the head of government in certain countries, including Germany. As Chancellor, Adolf Hitler was the chief executive officer of the German government. The role involves overseeing the executive branch, implementing laws, and setting government policy. The Chancellor is often the most powerful political figure in the country, particularly in parliamentary systems like that of Germany.

On February 27, 1933, the German Reichstag in Berlin burned to the ground. The Reichstag can be thought of as the equivalent of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, where the German parliament met. While some evidence suggested the fire was set by the Nazis with Hitler’s approval, he used it to claim that the communists, of which there were many in Germany, were plotting against the government. The following day, he convinced Hindenburg to issue the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties and allowing the arrest of political opponents, primarily targeting communists. One week later, on March 5, 1933, the Nazi party increased its seats in the Reichstag but still did not achieve an absolute majority in the parliament, so they formed a coalition with the National People’s Party.

Reichstag Fire

Disappointed that the Nazis still did not hold absolute power, on March 23, at Hitler’s insistence, the Reichstag passed the Enabling Act, which gave Hitler’s government the power to enact laws without the Reichstag’s approval, effectively giving him dictatorial powers. Momentum was building in Hitler’s favor and series of measures were instituted to consolidate Nazi control over all aspects of German society. They included:

• Abolishing State Parliaments: State parliaments were replaced with Nazi governors.

• Dissolution of Trade Unions (May 2, 1933): Trade unions were replaced with the German Labor Front (DAF), controlled by the Nazis.

• Banning Political Parties (July 14, 1933): The Nazi Party became the only legal party in Germany.

On April 7, 1933, the Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service was enacted thereby removing Jews and political opponents from the civil service. The next month, book burnings began on May 10 targeting all books deemed “un-German” by the Nazis. Soon, the first of the concentration camps, such as Dachau, were established to imprison political opponents and other groups deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime.

Nazi book burning

It didn’t take long for Hitler to realize that many of the leaders he had put in position were now a liability to him and his continued quest for total power, and perhaps even a threat to his life. Over a three-day period beginning June 30, 1934, a purge was launched to eliminate potential rivals within the Nazi Party, most notably the SA (Sturmabteilung or Storm Detachment) leadership. This was a paramilitary organization formed in 1920, originally as a group to protect the far-right Nazi Party meetings, intimidate political opponents, and fight against rival political groups such as the communists and socialists. 

Dubbed the “Night of the Long Knives,” Hitler ordered a purge of the SA leadership, including Ernst Röhm, once considered a close ally of Hitler. This was done to appease the German military, which viewed Röhm and the SA as rivals, and to consolidate Hitler's power. Many SA leaders were arrested and executed. After the Night of the Long Knives, the SA's influence significantly declined. The SS (Schutzstaffel or Protection Squadron), originally a part of the SA but which split off in 1925 and initially served as a small personal bodyguard for Hitler, rose to prominence and became the primary paramilitary organization in Nazi Germany. It was led by Heinrich Himmler after 1929, who transformed it into a powerful and elite organization. The SS placed a strong emphasis on ideological indoctrination, ensuring its members were loyal to Nazi ideals and Hitler, and was central to the Nazi regime's ability to maintain control over Germany and occupied territories. Under Himmler, it was deeply involved in the Nazi’s most heinous actions, including the conduct of the Holocaust.

Himmler and his SS

On August 2, 1934, President Paul von Hindenburg died, and Hitler quickly combined the positions of Chancellor and President, declaring himself Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor. From that point forward, the German military and civil servants swore an oath of personal loyalty to Hitler. Institutionalizing Hitler’s cult of personality was just getting started. His closest sycophants began cultivating the “Fuhrer or Hitler Myth” in earnest, portraying Hitler as a charismatic and infallible leader destined to lead Germany to greatness. This involved portraying him as a messianic figure who was destined to lead Germany to greatness. The propaganda emphasized his supposed superhuman qualities, presenting him as the savior of the German people. 

Hitler's image was used to personalize the Nazi regime. The complexities of the government were simplified into the persona of Hitler, making it easier for the public to identify with and support the regime. This personalization helped to solidify loyalty to the regime by focusing on a single, glorified leader. Joseph Goebbels, placed in the role of Minister of Propaganda, orchestrated massive propaganda campaigns to glorify Hitler, including posters, films, radio broadcasts, and newspapers portraying him as Germany’s savior. The Hitler Youth organization was expanded to indoctrinate young Germans with Nazi ideology and loyalty to Hitler. Large-scale rallies showcased Nazi power and unity and were highly choreographed to create an atmosphere of fervent nationalism and adoration for Hitler.

Joseph Goebbels was Hitler's propaganda chief.

Massive public works projects, such as the construction of the Autobahn (highway system), were undertaken to reduce unemployment and stimulate the economy. These projects were also used to symbolize Germany’s progress under Hitler’s leadership. The development of the Volkswagen ("People’s Car") was promoted as a symbol of technological innovation and prosperity accessible to the average German citizen. Grand architectural projects, such as the planned reconstruction of Berlin into Welthauptstadt Germania (World Capital Germania), were intended to symbolize the grandeur and future glory of the Third Reich under Hitler’s rule. Hitler made numerous public appearances and speeches, where he was met with enthusiastic crowds. His speaking style and presence were carefully managed to reinforce his image as a charismatic and decisive leader.

Hitler initiated a rearmament program in defiance of the Treaty of Versailles. This boosted the economy, reduced unemployment, and fostered a sense of national pride and strength. Military conscription (draft) was reintroduced, and elaborate military parades were held to demonstrate Germany’s growing military power and to rally public support.

Art, music, literature, and film were all harnessed to promote Nazi ideals and glorify Hitler. Degenerate art was banned, and approved works were heavily propagandistic. National holidays and celebrations, such as Hitler’s birthday and the anniversary of the Beer Hall Putsch, were used as occasions for public displays of loyalty and adulation.

The education system was thoroughly Nazified to indoctrinate students with Nazi ideology and the cult of the Führer. The Gestapo (secret police) and SS (Schutzstaffel) ensured strict control over the population, suppressing dissent and fostering an environment where loyalty to Hitler was paramount.

There was also a pseudo-religious aspect of “Hitler Myth.” The decline in traditional religious adherence, particularly among German Protestants, created a vacuum that was filled by secularized notions of salvation and authority. Volkisch-nationalist ideas, which emphasized ethnic purity, national pride, and a return to traditional values, were blended with Christian revivalist elements. This created a form of Christian nationalism that appealed to many Germans and prepared them to accept Hitler as a "savior" who could promise both political and spiritual renewal.

Early foreign policy successes, such as the remilitarization of the Rhineland, the annexation of Austria (Anschluss), and the Sudetenland crisis, were portrayed as Hitler’s triumphs and evidence of his leadership abilities. While propaganda depicted Hitler as a benevolent and omniscient leader, the reality was that his decisions were often erratic, and his policies led to immense suffering and destruction. The perceptions of Hitler by ordinary Germans were shaped by propaganda and the public’s belief in the “Hitler Myth” contributed to widespread acceptance of Nazi policies and the regime’s stability, leading the country right into total war and ruin.