Five Brothers and a War

Modern Contextual Parallel

Ultimately, if this can happen in modern America, it certainly could happen in a Germany trapped by the Treaty of Versailles. It can readily be seen in hindsight that Hitler had no business being elected to be a dictator, which in itself is a huge contradiction of terms. Yet when the people buy into a persona, they can be swayed without a great deal of trouble. Charisma trumps practicality. Germany’s president was von Hindenburg—the quintessential old guard establishment. Hitler was the fresh outsider who had a grand vision of Germany’s future. Not an ordinary future, but one where Germany would lead the entire world—the world that had its boot on Germany’s throat. While people had their misgivings, they nonetheless caved in as others in society were swayed by the hype.

> Yes!

commentary

< “The Liberator of Germany” January 30, 1933

Five Brothers and a War

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