Hitler, despite his unheroic appearance, did not lack in charisma. There was an intensity about him that mesmerized many people who came into contact with him (and repelled others). When Hitler spoke publically, he had the knack of transmitting this charisma through whatever medium he was using, whether it was movie footage, radio, or in person. While this was an innate talent, it was not one that Hitler left to chance. He did practice his speeches, and his movements, consciously working to find a style that would capture the imagination and hearts of the listeners.
And yes, Hitler used propaganda very effectively. He could speak to his brownshirts about the jews and how they betrayed the Volk/People, to businessmen about the need to control the spread of communism, and to the average worker about the need for a strong German economy. He appealed to both the patriotic (Germany was betrayed from within, and he would lead germany back to its proper greatness) and to the selfish (not only will you have jobs, but here are low cost vacations, and join the party and advance your career). In short, Hitler told people what they wanted to hear. And he offered the only realistic alternative to the extremism of the Communist party at the time.
Skilfulness At Making Deals With Politicians
It propelled Hitler to solid national and international prestige and aroused the curiosity of the world press. He was besieged with interview requests. Foreign journalists wanted to know – what did he mean – tear up the Treaty of Versailles and end war reparations? – and that Germany wasn't responsible for the First World War?
Gone was the Charlie Chaplin image of Hitler as the laughable fanatic behind the Beer Hall Putsch. The beer hall revolutionary had been replaced by the skilled manipulator of the masses.
On October 13, 1930, dressed in their brown shirts, the elected Nazi deputies marched in unison into the Reichstag and took their seats. When the roll-call was taken, each one shouted, "Present! Heil Hitler!"
They had no intention of cooperating with the democratic government, knowing it was to their advantage to let things get worse in Germany, thus increasing the appeal of Hitler to an ever more miserable people.
Nazi storm troopers dressed in civilian clothes celebrated their electoral victory by smashing the windows of Jewish shops, restaurants and department stores, an indication of things to come.
Now, for the floundering German democracy, the clock was ticking and time was on Hitler's side.
Hitler in the German ReIchstag - 1938 |
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