In this week's reading, I was particularly drawn to Hitler’s use of propaganda, the “ceaseless mass mobilization for a cause to be followed blindly” (170), in his rise to power. I’ve known that Hitler was a magnificent orator, whose voice was normally louder than any man who spoke furiously. Hitler’s various propaganda programs directed by Joseph Goebbles in the forms of rallies, posters and flags flooded the streets of Germany and must have had some psychological effect on the Germans in making them believe that the prominence of the Nazi Party is omnipresent. The party’s notable propaganda success in 1922 on “German Day” is a prime example of Hitler taking full advantage of the situation in order to advertise itself, often at the expense of his opponents. This openly violent act of the Nazi Party in a way foreshadowed the establishment of the use of terror as one of the party’s signature trait.

I think much of Hitler’s success, aside from the party’s ideology and his personal appeal, can be attributed to his ability popularize himself as a savior and heroic figure at a time of hopelessness. As a result of the Treaty of Versailles, war reparations pushed Germany into a hyperinflation crisis in 1923. The effects were so adverse that anyone who provided viable solutions was deemed an ideal leader. Hitler, utilizing that mindset to his interest, was able to maximize his appeal through platforms that promised economic relief.

It was also interesting to note the progression of there being “no trace of a leadership cult” (182) in the Nazi to Hitler eventually establishing himself as the leader, as influenced by Mussolini’s triumph. We could probably say that behind everyman there is a greater man and Hitler, surprisingly, is no different.