This book is a major contribution to the accurate recording of twentieth-century history. This is not only for its cogent analysis of a complex character and his immense influence over world affairs during this time, but also because it destroys a myth that was in danger of becoming thought of as fact.
It has become fashionable in some quarters to accept the view that Adolf Hitler came to power, and held his position, because of some deep-set, charismatic influence he was able to exert over the people or, more mundanely, a particular gift for fuelling mass hysteria, first at modest gatherings and than at huge rallies. Rainer Zitelmann argues persuasively that this was not so.
The author uses Hitler's own words - from his writings and speeches - to demonstrate that his social, economic and nationalist policies found support amongst the German public in the inter-war years and, much though the thought may cause discomfort today, sufficient numbers were inspired to vote, march and rally in support of these strategies.
If the German people were seduced by Hitler's political agenda, presented to them at a time when they were ripe for such seduction, then they were not the first nation to have followed a bogus banner. If there is a risk that hindsight causes an incorrect picture of the time to be painted, then a debt is owed to an historian who is able to redress the balance and to offer a well-reasoned counterargument, and paint an accurate picture.
Students of world and European history, of personality and of power and influence on the political stage will welcome such an exhaustive study of Hitler's stated policies - his policies of seduction.
Author: Rainer Zitelmann
ISBN: 978-19028090-38
Pages: 540
Features: HB |