Adolf Hitler’s rise to power was one of the most influential events of the twentieth century. His dictatorial rule and pro-National Socialist Party policies set off a chain of events that ultimately led to the Second World War. From his passionate speeches to his masterful propaganda campaigns, he was able to rally millions of people behind him and his vision for Germany. But why did people follow him? There have been numerous theories about why people followed Hitler, and a closer look reveals some of the reasons.
One of the main reasons why people followed Hitler was due to the economic conditions in Germany at the time. After the First World War, Germany was in a state of economic and political turmoil. With the country in disarray, many people were looking for a strong leader to bring stability back to the country. Hitler presented himself as that leader and many people were drawn to his rhetoric of hope and change. Moreover, he was able to capitalize on the deep-seated nationalism and patriotism among the German people. By blending his view of a strong and powerful Germany with the German citizens’ own patriotism, he was able to garner much support.
Another reason why people followed Hitler was his ability to appeal to human emotion. In his speeches, Hitler was able to effectively communicate his ideas and values in a way that people could relate to and understand. He was a masterful public speaker and was able to draw on people’s emotions to rouse them to action. His ability to capture the imagination of the people made him an even more influential leader. Moreover, Hitler was able to exploit the fears and anxieties of the people and channel them into a unified Nazi ideology.
Additionally, Hitler was able to garner support due to the powerful propaganda campaigns. He understood the power of the press and was able to use it to his advantage. Through propaganda, he was able to spread his message to the masses and convince them of the validity of his ideology. Additionally, the powerful imagery in his propaganda was able to further influence people, as it presented Hitler and his values in a larger-than-life manner. As a result, it was easier for people to become emotionally involved in the Nazi movement and to support it.
One of the other major factors influencing people to follow Hitler was their sense of loyalty. While Hitler’s ideology and rhetoric were powerful, many people followed him out of a sense of loyalty to their homeland and leader. People wanted to support their leader and country regardless of the consequences, and Hitler was able to use this loyalty to inspire and maintain his followers’ devotion. In addition, the loyalty to Hitler that many people felt was reinforced by the party structure, with each person’s dedication to the Nazi cause being viewed as a sign of loyalty.
Finally, many people were drawn to Hitler’s vision of a new and improved Germany. His views of a strong, unified nation appealed to the people, and they were willing to follow him in the pursuit of that vision. Additionally, his ideas of racial and cultural superiority were able to manipulate the minds of the people and further motivate them to follow him. His rhetoric of Aryan supremacy and the notion of a master race were deeply embedded in the minds of his followers, and this was a major reason why they chose to follow him.
Influence of Peers
An often overlooked factor in understanding the draw of Hitler is the role of peer pressure. While Hitler’s speeches and propaganda gave him a public face of strength, it was the subtle pressure from peers that actually could have been a determining factor. Hitler appealed to more than just the one individual, but he also appealed to them as a group. He was able to appeal to the group mentality by creating a sense of togetherness and unity among his followers, which made it easier for them to accept and follow his views.
Additionally, peers could have influenced the decision making process. As many of his followers were part of the same social circles or groups, it is possible that some individuals were influenced by the opinions and beliefs of others. In essence, it is possible that peers were able to sway the decision of some people to follow Hitler, which may have had an impact on the overall support of him.
Moreover, this influence of peers could have been a primary factor in Hitler’s success. In some circumstances, peers can act as a form of social support, which gives individuals greater confidence to pursue their beliefs. In the case of Hitler, his followers could have felt more supported by the idea of following him, which helped them commit to this decision.
Fulfilling Expectations
Another factor that likely had a major impact on why people followed Hitler was the belief that he could fulfill their expectations. In the context of the 1930s, Germany was a nation in a state of chaos and turmoil. To many, Hitler appeared to be a ray of light in the darkness, a savior from the struggling economy, political divisions and social turmoil. Through his words and deeds, he began to gain the trust and respect of his countrymen, making it easier for them to accept and support his ideologies.
Furthermore, many people were likely attracted to the promise of a better future that Hitler was offering. He made various promises that appealed to his followers, such as restoration of Germany’s status as an international power, unification of the German people and an ideal society. These promises of a better future likely led many people to rally behind him in the hopes that his vision could be fulfilled.
In addition, the hope and optimism that Hitler evoked may have been an additional draw for those who followed him. By being able to capture the collective imagination of his countrymen, he was able to effectively lead them and make them believe in his plans and ideals. Coupled with the promises of a better future, this hope and optimism likely led many to join his cause and to follow his lead.
Opposition of Others
As mentioned earlier, Hitler was able to capitalize on people’s patriotism and emotional connection to their country. This emotional pull made it easier for people to overlook the opposition against Hitler and to rally behind him and his cause. Even though there were numerous opponents of Nazi Germany, Hitler’s adherence to his own beliefs and leadership of the party was enough to draw a great amount of support from the public.
Furthermore, the political and social divisions within Germany at the time likely played a role in why people followed Hitler. Nationalism was the prevailing ideology at the time, and those who opposed Hitler were often labeled as anti-nationalists. This label alone was enough to create a divide between those who followed Hitler and those who did not, making it easier for people to place their trust in Hitler’s vision.
Additionally, many academics, political leaders, and other influential figures were fervent supporters and admirers of Hitler and his values. The presence of seemingly authoritative figures and their approval of Hitler further validated his message and leadership and made it easier for many people to accept and follow him.
Pressure from Nazi Propaganda
Openly opposing Hitler was often met with strict punishment, which further influenced people to follow him. Through propaganda, Hitler was able to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, which effectively silenced any opposition. In this way, Hitler was able to control the narrative and create an environment in which people felt more inclined to accept and follow his beliefs.
Moreover, people felt more inclined to ignore the atrocities that were being committed under Nazi rule. By creating a narrative in which the victims of the Holocaust were seen as inferior and subhuman, Hitler was able to justify his actions to a large extent. In addition, the propaganda was able to spin these tragedies in a way that made it easier for people to ignore the truth and to instead support Hitler and his ideals.
In conclusion, there were many factors that compelled people to follow Hitler. From economic conditions to peer pressure to Nazi propaganda, Hitler was able to manipulate people’s emotions and utilize various tools to gain and maintain the loyalty of his followers. While this is by no means a complete list of reasons why people followed Hitler, it is clear that there were many elements that influenced people to believe in his ideals and to rally behind him.
