Why Adolf Hitler Gained High Approval in Germany Before World War II
Adolf Hitler's rise to power and his high approval ratings in Germany before World War II have been a subject of extensive debate among historians. While some argue that his popularity was based on widespread support from the German populace, others suggest that factors such as propaganda, economic conditions, and the erosion of democratic institutions played a significant role. This article explores the multifaceted reasons behind Hitler's increasing approval and support.
Economic Conditions and Unemployment
The global economic depression that began in the late 1920s had a particularly profound impact on Germany. By 1929, millions of Germans were unemployed, leading to a growing sense of despair and dissatisfaction with the Weimar Republic's inability to address the nation's economic woes. In this context, Hitler's promise of economic revival and his appeal to the unemployed resonated strongly with a large segment of the population.
Propaganda and Nationalist Sentiments
Hitler's success was in part due to the sophisticated propaganda machinery he employed. Through radio broadcasts, rallies, and the use of modern media, Hitler effectively created a narrative that appealed to various segments of the population. Nationalist sentiments, which emphasized a sense of German exceptionalism and cultural superiority, were integral to this propaganda.
The Erosion of Democratic Institutions
The weakening of democratic institutions, such as the Reichstag, created a power vacuum that Hitler and the Nazi Party were able to exploit. As democratic checks and balances weakened, the Nazi Party's rise to power became more plausible. This erosion of democratic processes allowed for a more autocratic and centralized form of government, which many Germans supported due to their fear of communism and economic instability.
The Early Reception of Hitler and the Nazi Party
It is important to note that Hitler's initial reception was not uniformly positive. In 1923, the Bavarian State Police and Erich Ludendorff’s respectful marchers were not that supportive of Hitler. Similarly, in the 1928 general elections, the Nazi Party received only 2.8% of the vote, indicating that a significant portion of the electorate did not support his message at that time.
The Results of Post-World War II Elections and Voter Support
Despite Hitler's eventual rise to power, even in the last free German parliamentary election before the Nazi takeover in 1933, the Nazi Party (NSDAP) obtained only 33% of the vote. The 1932 election, held in July, showed the NSDAP winning 37% of the vote, while the November 1932 election saw them win 33%. This suggests that while Hitler and the Nazi Party gained significant support, a substantial portion of the electorate did not embrace their message.
After the Nazi coup, an election in March 1933 produced a result of 43.9% for the NSDAP, but it was conducted under intense intimidation. One could argue that these results were more indicative of fear and coercion than genuine voter support. It was only after the banning of other political parties that an election was held in November 1933, which then produced a majority for the NSDAP. However, this was not a free and fair election, but rather an instrument of political repression.
The Role of Hitler's Ethnic Background
History is complex, and Hitler's ethnic background is often misinterpreted. At the time, the distinction between German and Austrian was not as clear as it is today. Austria, including Vienna, was considered an integral part of Germany until 1866. Even after the foundation of the German Empire in 1871, Austria remained culturally and linguistically linked to Germany. Hitler's birthplace, Braunau am Inn, had a strong Bavarian identity, and many in the region saw themselves as Bavarians rather than Austrians.
In conclusion, Hitler's rise to power and the Nazi Party's increasing approval within Germany before World War II was a result of several factors, including the economic conditions, propaganda, and the erosion of democratic institutions. While his appeal grew, a significant portion of the electorate did not fully support his message, and the legitimacy of later elections is questionable due to the political climate of the time.