About this video

• Video Title: Hitler'in Önlenemez Yükselişi ve Nazilerin İktidara Gelmesi / - Emrah Safa Gürkan - Historik 67
• Channel: OMNIBUS
• Speakers: Emrah Safa Gürkan, Can
• Duration: 01:15:36

Overview

This video discusses the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party to power in Germany. Emrah Safa Gürkan, the speaker, analyzes the historical, social, and political factors that contributed to this phenomenon, touching upon Hitler's early life, his ideology, strategic shifts, and the broader context of post-World War I Germany. The discussion also delves into the complexities of German identity, the economic crises of the era, and the role of various societal groups in enabling the Nazi regime.

Key takeaways

• Hitler's Austrian Origin and German Identity: The discussion begins by clarifying that Hitler was Austrian and explores the fluid concept of "Germanness" in the early 20th century, particularly in the context of a multinational empire with significant population movement.
• The Impact of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles: The video touches upon the repercussions of WWI, comparing the Treaty of Versailles to the Treaty of Sèvres and highlighting the sense of betrayal and resentment in Germany, often attributed to politicians who, in the narrative of the "Dolchstosslegende" (stab-in-the-back myth), were seen as undermining the war effort.
• Factors Contributing to Nazism's Rise: Several elements are identified as crucial: the fear of socialist revolution, potential support from the "deep state," the appeal of Hitler's ideas and his strategic shift towards a "legal revolution" after 1923, and the perceived "stillbirth" of the Weimar Republic.
• Internal Inconsistencies and Popular Appeal of Nazism: The video examines the theoretical contradictions within Nazism, questions Hitler's socialist leanings and whether industrialists controlled him, and explores what Hitler promised the German people – stability, national resurgence, and the purging of radical elements upon gaining power.
• The Role of Economic and Social Crises: The severe economic conditions following WWI, including hyperinflation and the impact of the Great Depression, are presented as significant factors that made people receptive to Hitler's promises and scapegoating of groups like Jews.
• Hitler's Ideology and Rhetoric: The discussion highlights Hitler's ability to connect disparate ideas (like anti-Semitism and anti-modernity) and his charismatic, theatrical, and passionate oratory style as key to his success in mobilizing people.
• The Nature of Nazi "Socialism": The video clarifies that Nazi "socialism" was not aligned with traditional Marxist socialism. It was nationalistic, rejected class struggle in favor of racial ideology, and did not fundamentally challenge private property or the existing industrial and landowning elites, differing significantly from socialist movements.
• The "Stab-in-the-Back" Myth: The concept of "Dolchstosslegende" is explained as a crucial narrative that blamed politicians for Germany's defeat in WWI, fueling resentment and distrust towards the democratic Weimar government.
• The "Horseshoe Theory" and Totalitarianism: The idea that extreme left and extreme right ideologies can converge is touched upon, with the discussion noting that while both Nazism and Bolshevism were totalitarian, they differed significantly in their core tenets and the societal structures they aimed to create.
• The "Jewish Question" and Anti-Semitism: The video addresses the origins and use of anti-Semitism in Nazi ideology, refuting claims about Hitler's Jewish ancestry and explaining how anti-Semitism was amplified by fears of Jewish influence in both communism (Komintern) and finance capital.

Several factors beyond economic hardship contributed to the rise of Nazism:

• Fear of Socialist Revolution: The post-WWI period saw a significant fear of communist uprisings, influenced by the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. This fear led many in the middle and upper classes to see Nazism as a bulwark against communism.
• Post-WWI Resentment and the Treaty of Versailles: Germany's defeat in World War I and the harsh terms imposed by the Treaty of Versailles created widespread national humiliation and resentment. The "stab-in-the-back" myth (Dolchstosslegende) blamed politicians, rather than the military, for the defeat, eroding trust in democratic institutions.
• Nationalism and a Fluid Concept of "Germanness": The discussion touches upon a growing German nationalism and the idea of a shared "Germanhood" that extended beyond state borders, particularly relevant given Hitler's Austrian origin. This sentiment was exploited by Nazi ideology.
• Social and Cultural Discontent: The Weimar Republic, despite its cultural vibrancy (e.g., in arts and cinema), was perceived by many as unstable and decadent. Hitler promised a return to traditional values and national pride.
• Political Fragmentation and Ineffectiveness: The Weimar Republic was characterized by a fragmented political landscape and frequent coalition changes, leading to a sense of paralysis and an inability to effectively address the nation's problems. This created a vacuum that Hitler's decisive rhetoric filled.
• Influence of Ideological Currents: Ideas such as racial purity, national destiny, and anti-Semitism, which had been developing in intellectual circles, were adopted and amplified by the Nazis. The fear of societal "degeneration" was also a potent theme.
• Support from Elites and Institutions: While not a primary factor initially, elements within the military, industrial, and conservative establishment eventually supported or tolerated Hitler, seeing him as a useful tool against the left and a potential restorer of order.