How could Hitler influence whole nations to such an extent?
First, we will take a look at the political circumstances of Hitler‘s time that made his rise to power possible. Then we will assess the crucial events from his personal history and his psychological profile. And finally in chapter 7, we will analyze how a schizophrenic psychopath like him could influence whole nations.
1. What were the primary political and economic issues of his time?
Put yourself in the shoes of an average German in 1921. Your country just lost the Great War (WW1), you have to pay reparations to certain countries (roughly equivalent to $442 billion in 2021) and your military is severely restricted. Germany is forced to accept the sole responsibility for all the loss and damage of the war. Your national pride is shattered. You feel humiliated on the international stage.
Then in 1929, the Great Depression strikes. The German economy begins to collapse. You cannot feed your family. Everyone around you is suffering. Then comes Adolf Hitler, the leader of the NSDAP party, and promises to restore national pride, take back the land lost in the war, and create more jobs. He has an enchanting charisma and it seems like he can vocalize every feeling of the crowd. He says everything the people want to hear — and then he does exactly what…
