Factors Blamed for Germany’s Problems
Hitler blames all the issues facing Germany on the Great War, the Treaty of Versailles, and communism. He argues that the Great War was not instigated by Germany but was instead caused by Germany being forced to defend itself (Hitler, 1933). However, Germany lost the war and was forced to make great concession through the Treaty of Versailles which included a guilt clause that made Germany an inferior nation (Bottom, 2004). Germany was thus both defeated and embarrassed as a nation. It is on this basis that Hitler repeatedly speaks about reclaiming its place in the world. Finally, Hitler blames communism which Germany had been gradually leaning towards after the Great War. It is because of the war, the treaty, and communism that the Germany economy was on the verge of collapse or in ruins.
Appealing to Nationalism
Hitler appeals to nationalism by arguing about the greatness of Germany, the weaknesses caused by division, and the equality of the German people. To elucidate on the greatness of Germany, Hitler talks about the great nation that Germany was as a united entity at the advent of the Great War (Hitler, 1933). Going back to such a great status can be a strong unifying factor. He then argues that Germany has become weak because it is divided into small factions. Finally, Hitler argues about the equality of all, which is an attack on any form of nobility, still existing in Germany. Nationalism based on a single national government is then presented as a solution for all German problems (Hitler, 1933). Hitler’s nationalism clarion call was predicated on the pride of the populace as German, hence bound to succeed.
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Actions that Will Result in WWII and the Holocaust
The process that led to the holocaust begun with the reorganization of the economy and trade as suggested in the speech, as Jews were an integral part of the economy. Seeking to place the government as the controller of trade and the economy would place it in conflict with the Jews, a fact that would precipitate the Holocaust. With regard to the WWII, the promise by Hitler to retake the dignity and place of Germany among the nations of the world by developing its military which was an affront to the Treaty of Versailles is a major bearing factor. However, the main cause of the WWII and the destruction that came with it lies in the fact that Hitler not only had a plan for Germany but also for Europe and the whole world: “…the fulfillment of this our earnest wish for the welfare of Europe and of the whole world ” (Hitler, 1933). All Hitler needed to do was leave the world alone and it would also have left Germany alone. However, it seems that Hitler was always out to change the world hence WWII was always inevitable.
Response to the Speech as a German
Had I been a German listening to Adolph Hitler’s “Proclamation to the German Nation,” I would not only have accepted it but also embraced it. The speech came at one of the lowest points in the History of the German nations, coming hot in the heels of Germany being a global superpower. Exactly 20 years before that Speech, Germany was a powerful empire with a massive army, colonies overseas, and a thriving economy. A war that Germany was dragged into by Austria-Hungary due to a crisis in the Balkans not only led to German defeat but also bankrupted the nation with all its overseas territories gone. The government that came after the Great War then seemingly did more bad than good leading to a crippled Germany (Zadoff, 2018). The promise to end unemployment, create equality, and give Germany the pride of the Fatherland back would have been embraced by every German.
References
Bottom, W. P. (2004). Essence of conflict: Cognitive illusions, war guilt, and the origins of appeasement. Retrieved from http://apps.olin.wustl.edu/workingpapers/pdf/2004-07-001.pdf
Hitler, A. (1933). Berlin: Proclamation to the German Nation. Retrieved from http://www.hitler.org/speeches/02-01-33.html
Zadoff, M. (2018). Werner Scholem: A German Life . Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press
