Hitler The "Hitler Myth": Image and Reality in the Third Reich (1987) is a book by historian Ian Kershaw.

In the book, Kershaw explores a concept he calls the "Hitler Myth" that describes two key points in Nazi ideology that depict Adolf Hitler as a demigod figure and as a mighty defender.[1][2] In the demigod aspect Hitler is presented as a figure that embodies and shapes the German people, giving him a mandate to rule. As a defender, he is depicted as defending Germany against its enemies and redressing the imbalance evoked at the Treaty of Versailles. These two elements were essential elements of propaganda of the time and helped to 'plaster over' early cracks in the Nazi Regime's facade, though by no means de-fusing all tensions in Germany at that time. The myth of Hitler as the Saviour of Germany from conspiracies directed against it by the Soviet Union and the West - especially France - was an extremely powerful tool in binding together the German people in loyalty and submission. The German people were left embittered by the ineffective and unstable party politics of Weimar Germany which had failed to rescue its people from the humiliation administered by Europe at the close of the First World War. Thus, as Ian Kershaw states, "Hitler stood for at least some things they [German people] admired, and for many had become the symbol and embodiment of the national revival which the Third Reich had in many respects been perceived to accomplish."[3] The myth was lent much credence by Hitler's huge successes in the regeneration of Germany's economy over just a few years, recovering it from what seemed like unredeemable circumstances. In 1932, one year before Hitler's rise to power, unemployment had been at over five and a half million,[4] but by 1938 Germany was producing at record levels, and unemployment was below 200,000 and real wages were up for the first time since authoritarianism.[5] According to Albert Speer, by around 1936 the Hitler Myth was under threat, with officials having to organise cheering crowds,[6] presenting a stark contrast with Hitler's spontaneous crowds of old. 1938 saw a rise in Hitler's popularity, which dipped sharply with the outbreak of the Second World War. Only the victories in the West during 1940 revived it, and even then the campaign against the Soviet Union led to a dramatic decline in Hitler's popularity.[7] In his book Last Train from Berlin, Howard K. Smith wrote: "I was convinced that of all the millions on whom the Hitler Myth had fastened itself, the most carried away was Adolf Hitler, himself."[8] _______________ Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) OVERVIEW Adolf Hitler, leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party, was appointed Chancellor of Germany in 1933. He acted as the military and political leader of Germany from 1933 until 1945.1 Though Hitler achieved this status through parliamentary means, his power transcended his official title, reaching into the depths of Germans and German society. The theory presented in this section asserts that Hitler became a seemingly flawless revolutionary figure for the German people. This section will discuss the circumstances that allowed such an image to resonate with the Germans, as well as the specific measures Hitler took to promote the view of himself as larger than life. EVIDENCE Hitler assumed the title Fuhrer, or "Lord."1 This name carried many implications. It framed Hitler as the final word and gave him supreme authority. Many Germans looked to Hitler as a godlike figure. The following excerpt from a speech by Robert Ley, a politician in the Nazi Party, illustrates the profound German belief in Hitler's abilities and the power of his words:

Hitler It was all due to the faith of one man! Yes, you who called us godless, we found our faith in Adolf Hitler, and through him found God once again. That is the greatness of our day, that is our good fortune!2 This view of Hitler as a supreme authority was complemented by official legislation. "Heil Hitler!" became legally obligatory as a greeting.3 Hitler's godlike aura also impacted the ways in which Germans interpreted various events. German perception of Hitler as infallible heavily influenced popular opinion of the Night of the Long Knives. On June 30, 1934, Hitler purged the party of high-ranking "deviant" SA guards.1 Ian Kershaw comments on the general reception of Hitler's actions: The almost total absence of any criticism of Hitler was, in fact, already apparent even in the immediate aftermath of the events. 'Sympathy lay generally from the beginning on the side of the Fuhrer'... In Upper Bavaria 'unreserved recognition for the energy, cleverness, and courage of the Fuhrer could reportedly be heard everywhere.4 Though Hitler's actions could have been viewed as excessive punishment, the public reacted favorably, deeming Hitler's behavior courageous. Germans perceived Hitler's purges as means to maintain order and uphold morality: The two most potent features of Hiter's perceived image following the 'Rohm Putsch' were, first, that he was the executant of 'natural justice' (even if flouting all legal convetions), defending the 'little man' against the abuse of power of the 'big shots'; and, second, that he was the upholder of public morality, cleansing public life of the dissolute immorality and corruption of the SA leaders.4 The German view of Hitler's actions as highly moral shows the degree to which a personality cult existed around Hitler. The Germans, so captivated by an image of Hitler as godlike, perceived his actions as well-intentioned to promote the general good. In The Hitler Myth, Kershaw writes that these incidents show how Germans fell victim to an "uncritical deification of Hitler."4 Kershaw also details how Germans held the myth that Hitler was not responsible for any troubles they felt. Rather, people blamed the corrupt Nazi party for anything negative and assumed Hitler had no knowledge of these actions: And the myth of 'if only the Fuhrer knew' was already at work. Many genuinely believed that matters, especially if unpalatable, were deliberately kept from Hitler, and that if he learned of them he would act swiftly to set things right.4 Images of large crowds of Germans also help to show the deification of Hitler. Images, like the one below, have become infamous as evidence of German devotion to Hitler.

The following clip from "Triumph of the Will" also depicts the unwavering allegiance to Hitler. Germans in the crowd cheer in unison, practically worshipping Hitler during rallies: Closing Scene from Triumph of the Will These examples show how Hitler achieved a godlike status in Germany. But through what methods was he able to accomplish such a feat? The following sections will discuss the circumstances and tactics that allowed Hitler to rise to this status. CIRCUMSTANCES Before discussing specifically how Hitler achieved such power through the personality cult, one must understand the prevailing circumstances in Germany before Hitler's rise to power. These circumstances allowed Hitler's tactics to work in that they created an ideal environment for a revolutionary figure to captivate the minds of desperate Germans.

Hitler Following their defeat in WWI, most Germans were depressed and lacked pride in being German. They felt as if the entire international community blamed them for the brutality and death toll of World War One.3 The War Guilt Clause of the Treaty of Versailles required Germany to take complete responsibility for the war. The following website contains useful information about the background and specific provisions of the Treaty of Versailles: Versailles Details In addition to shame and embarassment, the Treaty of Versailles also contributed to a declining and stagnant German economy. The obligation to pay reparations mandated in the treaty hurt the German economy. This already dire economic situation worsened due to the hyperinflation of the German Reichsmark in the early 1920s, as well as widespread unemployment and a decrease in the standard of living.5 Such economic downturn represented a dramatic change from German pre-war prosperity. The Great Depression of the 1930s further plunged Germany into economic catastrophe, a period characterized by Ferguson as one of "economic chaos." For more information on the economic pitfalls in Germany following the war, refer to the following article from The Economist: Millenium Issue: German Hyperinflation Many Germans associated these dismal economic circumstances with the Weimar government. Such widespread discontent and general desparation fueled German desire for a radical change in leadership. These sentiments provided an ideal venue for Hitler's ascent to power and use of personality cult. Germans, so down on their luck and depressed, longed for a strong, revolutionary figure to deliver them from their present depression: Hitler, and Hitler alone, seemed in the end to stand in the eyes of many Germans between them and total annihilation.6 RHETORIC: DOMINATION THROUGH SPEECH Hitler's manner of speaking contributed heavily to the development of a personality cult around him. Hitler's style was direct and made the Germans feel as though he understood their specific needs. Richard Breiting, a journalist, describes Hitler's rhetorical style: He used simple, straightforward language that ordinary people could understand, short sentences, powerful, emotive slogans... There were no qualifications in what he said; everything was absolute, uncompromising, irrevocable, undeviating, unalterable, final. He seemed... to speak straight from the heart, and to express their own deepest fear and desires... Such uncompromising radicalism lent Hitler's public meetings a revivalist fervour.7 Joseph Goebbels, Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda under the National Socialists, also wrote about Hitler's effective oratory style in a book Hitler published in 1936: One cannot imagine that the Fuhrer ever spoke differently than he does today, or that he will ever speak differently. He speaks his heart, and therefore reaches the hearts of those who hear him. He has the amazing gift of sensing what is in the air. He has the ability to express things so clearly, logically and directly that listeners are convinced that that is what they have always thought themselves. That is the true secret of the effectiveness of Adolf Hitler's speeches... The essential characteristics of his speeches to the people are: clear organization, irrefutable logical reasoning, simplicity and clarity of expression, razor-sharp dialectic, a developed and sure instinct for the masses and their feelings, an electrifying emotional appeal that is used sparingly, and the ability to reach out to the souls of the people in a way that never goes.2 This YouTube video of one of Hitler's speeches also helps to illustrate Hitler's passion and powerful speaking style: 1932 Hitler Speech. Hitler's speaking style fueled the personality cult because it allowed him to connect with the German people in a seemingly sincere and honest manner. Hitler demonstrated an emotional understanding of German needs and played off their vulnerability by speaking candidly and strongly. Desperate Germans found comfort and solace in Hitler's powerful words and direct style. Germans were drawn to Hitler's charisma and his interpersonal skills contributed to his ability to instill hope in Germans. His manner, however, was not the only element that resulted in German reception of his ideas and the creation of a personality cult. In addition, the specific words and language used by Hitler promoted an image of him as the savior of the German people. He specifically addressed the needs of 3

Hitler the German people. Because Hitler promised deliverance from economic hardships and provided hope for a prosporous future, Hitler came to be viewed as a beacon of hope for the German people: Germany of post-World War I was demoralized and disorganized. Adolph Hitler's rhetoric was successful not only because of his personal charisma and his mastery of delivery, but because he spoke at the right time: the German people wanted a way out of its economic morass and its cultural shame, and Hitler provided them both with his strong, nationalistic oratory. Had Germany been doing better economically, Hitler's words would have bounced harmlessly off the air.8 Hitler also used songs and music to boost allegiance and engender loyalty. In Unheard Witness, Ernst Hanfstaengl discusses how he introduced Harvard fight songs to Hitler as a means for creating excitement among Germans. Hanfstaengl says that Hitler was immediately taken with the idea of using marching bands. I told him about the thousands of spectators being made to roar, "Harvard, Harvard, Harvard, rah, rah, rah!" in unison and of the hypnotic effect of this sort of thing... I had Hitler fairly shouting with enthusiasm... and he pranced up and down the room like a drum majorette. After that he had the S.A. band practicing the same thing.9 Hitler's use of song helped to restore happiness and joy to the German people. It built excitement among otherwise downtrodden Germans. In doing so, it furthered the personality cult around Hitler in that Germans viewed him as the gateway to happiness and prosperity. SYMBOLS AND IMAGES OF THE FUHRER Hitler scrutinized every picture of himself, allowing only images he approved to be released.2 Specifically, Hitler prevented pictures of him wearing reading glasses from being distributed.2 This, and other restrictions, represented Hitler's efforts at systematic image control. Such actions contributed to the personality cult in that they promoted a strong image of Hitler. Images, like those of Hitler wearing glasses, could have suggested weakness and detracted from his godlike image. These images of a strong and statuesque Hitler played a large role in the public perception of Hitler in that portraits were displayed everywhere in Nazi Germany, even in private homes. The image to the right shows two German women admiring a portrait of Hitler. Photo Courtesy of: Cornell Institute for Digital Collections Artistic representations of Hitler also furthered the personality cult. Many of these images were intended to exaggerate Hitler's power or represent him as a godlike figure. The image below clearly depicts Hitler as a Christ-like figure. The bright light coming from above helps to deify Hitler. It shows him as the savior of the German people, leading the masses to prosperity and toward the common German future. Also, the words at the bottom can be translated to "Germany lives." This implies that Germany can only thrive under Hitler's leadership. It also suggests Hitler's ability to bring together the German people under a common identity. Hitler created the myth of the German Destiny, in which he convinced the German people that Germany was destined to become an "imperial and great military power."10 Hitler framed himself as the man who could lead Germany toward this destiny. In doing so, Hitler caused the personality cult around him to grow as Germans looked to him to deliver them from current destitution and into prosperity. Images, like this one, helped to build Hitler's personality cult. The two images below both contain the same caption: 'One people, one empire, one leader.' This builds upon the idea represented in the previous image in that it connects Hitler and Germany. The poster on the left combines Hitler's face with a map of Germany. These identifications of Hitler with Germany further the personality cult in that people view Hitler as an integral component of the German identity. This magnifies his signficance to the German people and creates a larger-than-live aura around him.

CONCLUSION The personality cult around Hitler was of epic proportions. Germans, generally depressed about post-WWI conditions, looked to Hitler for guidance out of their dismal circumstances. Hitler's rhetoric and symbolic representations furthered this notion of Hitler as a savior. However, these are 4

Hitler not the only factors that contributed to the personality cult around Hitler. Further research could include the role of the media and propaganda in fueling the personality cult, as well as other influences. A comprehensive understanding of the personality cult around Hitler could supplement the debate over how seemingly ordinary Germans participated in the implementation of the Final Solution. This theory helps to show how ordinary people became emotionally attached to a charismatic leader like Hitler and, because of this attachment, were willing to embrace his ideas and carry out his plans.

REFERENCES 1. "Adolf Hitler." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 4 December 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_Hitler 2. "German Propaganda Archive." Calvin College. 4 Dec. 2007 http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/ley2.htm 3. "Adolf Hitler." Britannica Online Encyclopedia. 4 December 2007 http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106283 4. Kershaw, Ian. The Hitler Myth: Image and Reality in the Third Reich. London: Oxford University Press, 2001. 5. Stephenson, Jill. "The Rise of the Nazis: Sonderweg or spanner in the works?" in 20th Century Germany. Politics, Culture and Society, 1918-1990. 6. Lindner, Evelin Gerda. "Were Ordinary Germans Hitler's 'Willing Executioners'?" in Idea (2000). 2 Dec. 2007. http://www.ideajournal.com/articles.php?id=31. 7. Brooks, Michael. "The Rise of Nazi Germany, 1919-1933." HistoryMike (2007). 2 Dec. 2007. http://historymike.blogspot.com/2007/08/rise-of-nazi-germany-1919-1933.html 8. "Analyzing Rhetoric." Research on Contemporary Diplomacy. DiploFoundation. 4 Dec 2007 http://www.diplomacy.edu/Language/Rhetoric/analysing.htm 9. Hanfstaengl, Ernst. "Tristan in the Theischstrasse," in Unheard Witness. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company 1957, pp. 52-53. 10. "Adolf Hitler." MSN Encarta Online Encyclopedia. 3 December 2007 http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761556540/Hitler.html