Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. During this period, he became a dictator who led the country into World War II. He was the leader of the Nazi German Party and was the driving force behind the government’s anti-semitic policies, which resulted in the Holocaust. That said, many people, including those of Jewish heritage, had mixed feelings about the era of Hitler’s rule. Political science professor, Dr. Alex Westphal, explains: “You can’t really say that Hitler’s rule was a negative or a positive thing. For many, though, there was fear and hatred.”
Hitler ascended to power after a process of legal maneuvering, starting in 1933 when the Nazi German Party was given a majority in the Reichstag. We should remember that Germany was in turmoil at the time due to the crippling economic effects of World War I and the Great Depression; the Republican element had been weakened and the Nazis were able to capitalize on the unrest. Hitler was then made Chancellor of Germany on 30 January 1933 and then a month later President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor of Germany. He became the sole leader of the country on 2 August 1934, when President von Hindenburg died.
The Nazi regime wanted to establish Germany as an authoritarian state. It put forth a policy of ‘Gleicher Deutscher Volksstaat’ meaning ‘National Societal Community of the Same Germans’. It was a totalitarian movement which enforced regimentation in the manner of living and control of the heredity and features of the German people in order to build a nation based upon Nazi ideology. It also sent letters to people in Germany and other countries asking them to contribute financially to the Nazi regime and to conform to the regulations.
Hitler also implemented vast policies of military expansion. He targeted countries such as Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland and imposed severe restrictions on traders and merchants, giving himself control over significant parts of the European economy. His aim was to create an imperial German state which he believed would bring glory to Germany.
In 1938, Germany annexed Austria and his regime was met with some opposition, specifically the Austrian Freedom Movement, whose leaders were arrested and sent to concentration camps. This was one of the first steps taken by Hitler in his attempts to create a ‘master race.’
Ironically, Hitler’s regime also contributed to significant advances in education, technology, and science during his tenure. Hitler invested heavily in education and infrastructure projects. He is credited with the creation of new autobahns which connected previously underserved towns and cities to major German cities. Hitler also heavily supported STEM education and research; he provided scholarships for students in key fields, organized events and conferences to promote scientific progress, and invested heavily in technological research. Germany made great progress in fields like aeronautics, medicine, and physics during this period.
Hitler’s Foreign Relations: Economic Ties and Military Action
Hitler sought to form economic alliances as well as military alliances with other countries. He was able to form strong ties with Italy and Japan and was able to secure military and strategic aid from both of these countries during the early part of World War II. He also sought to form economic ties with other countries and managed to negotiate trade agreements with Britain, France, and the United States. He was also able to negotiate the Anschluss, or the uniting of Austria and Germany, which enabled him to solidify his power in Europe.
Overall, it can be said that Hitler and Nazi Germany had a lot of political and economic power. However, it was also known for its aggressive military expansion and attempts to dominate Europe. Hitler’s focus on a “master race,” increased militarization, and economic protectionism, led to the growth of the Nazi German’ Empire.
Reactions from the International Community
Though Hitler’s rule was popular amongst the German people, it was seen by the international community as a deplorable example of a totalitarian government. The atrocities committed during Hitler’s rule have been well documented, though not fully explored. Much of Europe, along with countries like the United States, condemned Hitler and the Nazi regime for their atrocious acts. Pressure was mounted on Germany and other countries affiliated with the Nazi regime exposed them to international scrutiny.
The allied forces sought to break the power of the Nazi party by creating a democratic atmosphere throughout Germany following World War II, something that the country never experienced in the 1930s and 1940s under the rule of Hitler and the Nazi German Party. They were unable to completely break the power of Hitler, however, and campaigns were later organized to restore some of the rights and freedoms taken away during his reign.
Though the actions of the Nazi regime are often vilified today, some have tried to argue that the policies of the time were necessary for the economic growth of Germany and its people. Despite the economic gains during the Nazi rule, it’s important to note that these economic benefits were achieved in tandem with the suffering of millions of people.
The Fate of Hitler and the Nazi German Party
The Nazi German Party was deemed illegal by the Allied control council in 1945. Hitler and many of his close associates on the Nazi leadership were put on trial, some were sentenced to death, others were jailed. Hitler himself committed suicide on 30 April 1945, essentially bringing an end to his reign as German leader.
Hitler’s death essentially marked the end of Nazi German rule, however, the damage inflicted by Hitler and the Nazi German Party had a lasting legacy. The destruction of millions of lives and the atrocities committed throughout the reign of Hitler are remembered in history and will never be forgotten.
The Legacy of Hitler’s Rule
The legacy of Hitler’s rule is still being discussed and debated today. In many respects, it changed the direction and focus of international law, particularly in terms of human rights, though this has become more pronounced in the years since.
This legacy was further strengthened by the implementation of various regional and international policies designed to prevent a similar event from occurring again. For instance, the Nuremberg Trials were established which laid down new rules and regulations regarding human rights, war crimes, and genocide. Moreover, the United Nations was founded in 1945 shortly after the end of World War II, with the aim of maintaining international peace and security.
The horrors of Nazi Germany still serve as a grim reminder of what can happen when a single leader is given absolute power. The period of Hitler’s rule has come to symbolize the danger of unchecked power, the dangers of prejudice and discrimination, and the importance of upholding human rights.
Hitler’s Lasting Cultural Relevance
Despite being denounced for decades, Hitler and his regime remain a well-known and arguably important part of world history. His beliefs and actions are often used to shed light on modern day issues, used to call attention to prejudices and discrimination, and to illustrate the importance of speaking out in order to effect change.
His face, or a caricature of his face, has become a symbol of the ills associated with racism, bigotry, and oppressive government. He is often cited as an example of why we must be very careful in selecting our leaders. His legacy of hatred and violence stands as a stark reminder of why unchecked power can be so destructive.
The cultural relevance Hitler continues to have decades after his rule is undeniable, as his image is still being used as a tool for education and for the preservation of human rights around the world.
Educational Resources on Hitler
There are a variety of resources available to learn more about Hitler and his rule. These include books such as Mein Kampf, The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler, and The Dark Charisma of Adolf Hitler, as well as documentaries, websites, and other educational materials. There are also museums across Europe that document and reflect on the events of Hitler’s reign, although some have a controversial slant and have been described as “propaganda museums”.
In addition, there are a number of Holocaust Education Initiatives, such as the Auschwitz Memorial Museum, where visitors can learn about the horrors of the Holocaust, as well as the history of Nazi Germany. Various universities and other organizations offer courses and programs on Nazi history, many of which include archive materials, lectures, and documentaries.
In the end, it is clear that awareness and education can play a major role in preventing a similar situation from occurring again. Hitler’s rule remains one of the darkest and most destructive periods in human history, and it is important that we understand the mistakes of the past so as not to repeat them.
