Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Leader Who Could Do No Wrong
What fascinates me the most in the "Hitler Myth" are the references to the "Personality Cult" of Hitler which greatly aided in his rise to power. The purpose of wide-spread propaganda was much deeper than the goal to make people believe in the Nazi Party. Hitler's goal of creating a "Personality Cult" which would make the German people develop a psychological, deep love for their new leader that goes beyond his political agendas. Kershaw describes the wave of acclamation for Hitler as "infectious" and explains that the "Personality Cult" not only "reinforc[es] the devotional of the already converted, but isolate[s] the reluctant and hesitant by making them feel outsiders from a society in which the adulation expressed by millions was the norm" (57). This utter devotion and love which began to take on an emotional role in the hearts of his followers put Hitler on such a high pedestal that some enthusiasts believed he was only paralleled to Jesus Christ who created a religious movement of millions of followers (39). Kershaw describes this growing devotion and affection as a "Love-affair" with Hitler (40). While Goebbels propaganda was incredibly key to the rising popularity of the Nazi party, it strikes me as fascinating how equally necessary the vastly growing "Personality Cult" was to create Hitler loyalists that would support their Führer even in the blackest of times.
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I also found the "Personality Cult" of Hitler very interesting. I think that this book by Kershaw is unique in that it really dives into the question of how Hitler, though disliked by many, came to be the "Fuhrer" and loved to the point of near obsession. It is not exactly clear how this happened in a matter of a couple years. Kershaw clearly points out that numerous Germans were not fans of Hitler until the Nazis came to their villages and towns and imposed rules that removed their current political leaders from power. Ultimately, people were not offered alternatives to Hitler besides the Left, which was a source of hatred for many. The Nazis' portrayal of the Left and communists as poor additions to society, in addition to Hitler's charismatic charm, definitely contributed to his growing "Personality Cult."
ReplyDeleteI definitely share the same fascination with the "Personality Cult" side of the Hitler mania spectrum. While in the past our class has explored the more superficial political and sociological implications, Kershaw uncovers the underlying psychological influence that the Nazis spread throughout the German population. It seems clear that the Nazis took advantage of a population that was left vulnerable following years of instability within the country's political, social, and economic infrastructure. These years of instability within the government was reflected in German people's heightened sense of fear for their welfare, disdain for the left, and, above (or as a result of) all the need for a leader that would stand and deliver. As the Nazis rose to power, the party continued to satisfy an foster this vulnerability, conditioning and coercing the population to envision Hitler as the fuhrer and absolute solution for the German nation.
ReplyDeleteWhat is terrifying is the nature of this "Personality Cult," which allowed many Germans to become swept up in admiration for Hitler without being fully aware of the evil that his party would be capable of bringing. However, even (as you say) during "the blackest of times" this effect of the "Personality Cult" is steadfast in maintaining a population of subconscious supporters.
rebecca hartke
I Think the main power of the “Personality Cult’ was its ability, as Kershaw describes it, that if you resented Hitler and the Nazis it put you in such a weak and frightening minority that you would have no choice but to go with the public fervor. Similar to past historical sociological phenomenons like the Salem Witch Trials, people were either unwilling or unable to speak against him because they were intimidated or blinded. So the cult, along with the brilliant propaganda campaign made it so that you were not just intimidated by the Nazis and their storm troopers, but you were intimidated by your neighborhoods and society at large. Because the “Personality Cult” was so strong and popular among German citizens, it dwarfed the efforts of a number of Germans who stood against the Third Reich. In short, the “Personality Cult” gave Hitler an army of everyday citizens.
ReplyDeleteSam Butin