Early Influences and Accessibility to Nazi Propaganda
The early influences surrounding Adolph Hitler likely played an enormous role in the formation of his hatred for Jews and other minority groups. Hitler, who was born in 1889 in Austria, faced anti-Semitism and intolerance in his local community. His father, who was a customs official, was known to be militaristic, violent and anti-Semitic. One of the most influential hate figures in Hitler’s early life was Karl Lueger, a racist and anti-Semitic politician who served as mayor of Vienna. Hitler even dedicated his book, Mein Kampf, to Lueger.
In addition to his community, the accessibility to and intensity of Nazi propaganda was influential in the formation of Hitler’s ideas. Nazi posters, banners and books were littered with messages of racial and religious superiority. By the time Hitler joined the Nazi Party in 1920, the party already raised funds to mass-produce many of these propaganda materials.
Other Notable Influences
Other influential figures in Hitler’s life included long-time Nazi follower Rudolf Hess, and Austrian politician Georg von Schoenerer, who helped establish many of Hitler’s anti-Semitic beliefs. Hitler also drew much of his disdain for Jews from early works of anti-Semitism, such as The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, and from the writings of fellow Austrian author and political critic, Houston Stewart Chamberlain. Chamberlain’s works espoused racial purity, including the proposed “removal” of those who would dilute a master race.
One of Hitler’s personal influences was also his half-sister, Angela, who was strict in her Catholic faith. Angela’s Christian beliefs have been said to have created more empathy in Hitler, and her encouragement may have bolstered his confidence as a leader.
Hitler’s Immediate Inspirations in World War I
World War I was also a major inspiring factor in Hitler’s rise to power. In October 1916, Hitler, who was deployed in a Bavarian regiment, was injured and temporarily blinded. During this time in the hospital, the war was nearly over, which was crushing news to many of the troops, especially Hitler. It is thought that these feelings of failure may have driven Hitler to seek power through politics, as a way to regain control.
Hitler was also supposedly inspired by the highly respected and revered commander, Erich Ludendorff. Ludendorff was the poster-boy for Aryan superiority in the German Army, and some of his fervent devotion to the causes of racial and religious superiority may have played a role in Hitler’s mentorship.
Hitler’s Belief in German Nationalism and Afinity for Cult-like Ideology
Hitler’s beliefs and actions as leader of Nazi Germany were also highly influenced by German nationalism. Since his success as a soldier in World War I, Hitler felt a strong connection to German national pride. As a result, he was inspired to create a German empire that would promote its racial and cultural supremacy. Hitler’s desire to create a cult-like following may have been spurred by the beliefs and guidance of cultural philosopher Oswald Spengler, a fanatical German nationalist.
Also believed to be a major influence on Hitler’s thinking was one of the most important figures in German politics and culture, General Erich Ludendorff. A staunch anti-Semite, Ludendorff denounced Jews and blamed them for the military defeats in World War I. His hatred and fear of the Jews, in part, helped persuade Hitler to pursue a career in politics, which eventually led to him becoming one of the most famous and notorious leaders of all time.
Adolf Hitler’s Political Influences and Education
Though Hitler was already an infamous figure thanks to his role in World War I and his involvement with the Nazi party, his eventual election in 1933 was also driven by a range of political influences. In 1920, potential political rivals threatened to expose past details of Hitler’s time in the German Army, which included events such as desertion. To prevent these secrets from being revealed, Hitler was encouraged to strengthen his political agenda and gain presidential power.
As a result, Hitler was motivated to pursue a career in politics and to educate himself on the fundamentals of political science. He studied the biographies of key political leaders, including Mussolini and Lenin. He also read political works and biographies of figures he admired, including Martin Luther and Frederick the Great. Hitler even tried to emulate certain traits of these figures in his own character. As a result, these political inspirations greatly impacted Hitler’s political ambitions.
Hitler’s Fervent Loyalty to German Nationalism Influenced His Actions
Hitler’s fierce loyalty and commitment to German Nationalism likely spurred his actions of hate and genocide. His unwavering belief in racial and political superiority far outweighed any other considerations. Hitler’s love for the fatherland took over any other emotion or value and spilled over into the atrocities his regime pursued, in an effort to create a solely Aryan society.
Hitler received a tremendous level of support from the German people due to his commitment to protecting the fatherland. His fanaticism for German superiority may also have encouraged those who volunteered in his army or collaborated with his regime.
Hitler’s Cult-like Following and Need to be Idolized
Hitler’s idolization of leaders like Frederick the Great and his admiration for political and cultural philosopher, Oswald Spengler, made it easier for him to develop a cult-like following. Hitler was a skilled orator, giving powerful public speeches and rallying up legions of supporters with passionate words of German Nationalism.
His fierce loyalty and commitment to the German cause resonated with many in his in-crowd and helped propagate the supremacy of the German master race. Millions of Germans, who feared separatism and persecution of religious minorities, felt they had a saviour in the form of Hitler. These fervent loyalists were a major influence in Hitler’s rise to power.
Hitler’s Leadership Style
Beside his political agenda and cult-like following, Hitler also relied heavily on authoritarianism and dictatorship as elements of his leadership style. To ensure the establishment and strength of the Nazi Party, he employed terror tactics which offered a sense of control to the German people. A portion of the population felt a sense of protection from outsiders like Jews and other minorities by implementing extreme measures such as the Nuremberg Laws.
In addition, Hitler’s forceful leadership style and commitment to racial purity reminded some of the German people of civil law during the Medieval and Renaissance times, which was a technique few other leaders used in modern Europe. Hitler also imposed an extreme version of the welfare state that provided for the population and for those that showed loyalty to the Nazi regime.
