Adolf Hitler’s 1933 Speech Mobilizing the Masses
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Introduction
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Germany’s Problems
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Appeal to Nationalism
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Measures Suggested
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Reflection on the Speech
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Conclusion
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References
Introduction
Adolf Hitler’s speech in 1933 is one of his famous public speeches calling for a reorganization policy in the country (“Berlin,” 1933). Although further actions, as it is known, will entail enormous destruction, some of the proposed theses seem logical in the context of the situation in which Germany found itself between the two world wars. The analysis of this performance may allow determining its background, key facts, and arguments.
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Germany’s Problems
Hitler mentions various external and internal factors that, in his opinion, are the causes of the collapse of the German statehood. According to him, the communist ideas that seized part of Europe are a significant external problem for the country’s security (“Berlin,” 1933). Similar causes of an internal threat are also suggested by Hitler since, in his opinion, Marxist ideas leak into their country, and hampering them is one of the government’s top priorities (“Berlin,” 1933). Also, as the problem inside Germany, the future dictator notes the disunity of the nation and the lack of brotherhood among its citizens (“Berlin,” 1933). These ideas form the basis of his emotional speech and the whole political course.
Appeal to Nationalism
When speaking, Hitler emphasizes that the German nation suffered greatly during World War I, and for eighteen years after its end, significant problems became evident (“Berlin,” 1933). The unity of the country is considered in the context of creating a holistic and indestructible power that is capable of confronting external threats and defending its interests. Hitler does not mention the term nationalism directly; nevertheless, his speech is dominated by statements where he justifies Germany’s actions the war and condemns its opponents (“Berlin,” 1933). According to Lebovics (2015), the country’s policy in 1933 supported the development of nationalism as the main state ideology. Therefore, the calls to unite for the sake of prosperity are the main Hitler’s theses.
Measures Suggested
The measures proposed by Hitler give an opportunity to predict the possible consequences of the policy course that will ultimately lead to World War II and the Holocaust. In particular, he argues that every citizen of Germany, without exception, should help the country to create the new Reich, thereby reinforcing nationalist ideas (“Berlin,” 1933). Also, he wants listeners to understand that national discipline and order should be key the features of the nation that is able to build a new country. These theses are evidence of the future Fuhrer’s desire to follow the course of nationalism.
Reflection on the Speech
When considering this speech from the position of a German who does not know about the consequences of future actions that will be followed by the ideals of Hitler, the proposed theses look logical and even reasonable. The desire to strengthen the internal situation of the country weakened after the previous war is natural, and the arguments about the merits of unity seem to be correct. However, even despite these nuances, the course of nationalism cannot be considered a solution to problems since, as practice shows, it brings dangerous outcomes.
Conclusion
The ideas of nationalism and the desire to create an ideal nation are the main provisions of the speech. Germany’s internal and external problems are viewed as a threat to its integrity, and the rallying of the people is proposed to overcome difficulties. The chosen political course cannot be considered a solution to all the challenges, and the results of the nationalization of the German authorities prove this assumption.
References
Berlin: Proclamation to the German nation. (1933). Web.
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Lebovics, H. (2015). Social conservatism and the middle class in Germany, 1914-1933. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
