Why did people work for Hitler? How did he become such a big leader...?

Question

that he could do so much in his time? Why did his followers listen to him? Would he be the man he was in this time of day? Could he be as influencial if he is alive today?

Answer 1

Here's a great resource for that, largely borrowed from Schirer's great work: http://www.lewrockwell.com/hornberger/hornberger100.html

How Hitler Became a Dictator
by Jacob G. Hornberger

"Whenever U.S. officials wish to demonize someone, they inevitably compare him to Adolf Hitler. The message immediately resonates with people because everyone knows that Hitler was a brutal dictator.

"But how many people know how Hitler actually became a dictator? My bet is, very few. I’d also bet that more than a few people would be surprised at how he pulled it off, especially given that after World War I Germany had become a democratic republic.

"The story of how Hitler became a dictator is set forth in The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, by William Shirer, on which this article is based."

click on the above link for the rest of the story.

Answer 2

Times were bad in Germany at the time. Maybe that's why he had so much success. He had charisma, and he provided the easiest solution for their problems: it was all someone else's fault (Jewish people, homosexuals, gypsies, etc.)
I think the German people were desperate at the time, which is why they were so easily fooled by the propaganda Hitler's men provided for the public about the war, how great and superior the German people were, and how everyone else was responsible for the suffering the German people had to endure.
Their misguided faith and trust in Hitler is a mistake that could be made by any group of people, which is why it is important to be informed, to never trust any political figure blindly, or believe everything you hear on the news.
If they (the German people) had been informed, if they had asked questions, Hitler probably would not have gotten as far as he did.
At least, that's what I think.

Answer 3

Why did people work for him? They wanted to work for a powerful organization.

Why did his followers listen? Hitler was a rousing speaker who appealed to the nationalism and pride of lower middle class Germans who had been hard hit by World War I. He promised to bring back the glory days of German rule. He demonized some groups, especially the Jews but also the Gypsies, Poles and others. He fed the already racist lower class Germans the notion that they were superior to other ethnic groups and entitled to rule these inferior peoples. He blamed all economic problems on the Jews.

Could he be as influential today? Probably. Bad leadership can bring out the worst in ordinary people. Psychopaths and people without conscience can do evil deeds and be rewarded with honors and medals.

Answer 4

Hitler came into power when the people were looking for a leader. He strongly believed in what he was doing and strongly believed that what he was doing was good for his country. People with strong beliefs make strong leaders. He played upon people's already established prejudices. He advertised his campaign and recieved a lot of attention. He offered the (chosen) people of his country answers and power.

I think the question you can consider also is this:
How to politicians today get into government?

Hitler was a politician that was granted supreme rule. Fortunately many societies have safe guards against any one person calling the shots, so I do not believe that in WESTERN society he could be as influential if he were alive today. But in some societies, maybe...

Answer 5

Hitler was like many leaders, just happened to be in the right place at the right time! What is more, he was a visionary leader- he spoke to his audiences of what could be. This was very moving to people who had been beaten down by the American war repayments from WWI

Answer 6

Probably would be as influencial. Look at GW Bush. He has a lot of people who adamantly stand behind him, are openly promoting torture of people not even charged with a crime, who may have been at the wrong place at the wrong time. A lot of the GITMO people have been released because there was no evidence against them at all; we just rounded up everyone in view. Could you imagine Congress debating torture as a means of interogation a few years ago? Yes, we have gone to pot.

Answer 7

I've wondered the same thing. NO WAY could someone do that in the U.S. ... I've seen "clips" of him. The man had such "anger" in him. But, to have an entire country follow the insanity....is perplexing. People have suggested and perhaps joked about , maybe he "put something in the water". He FORCED his ways on people. Then he killed himself.

Answer 8

He came into Germany when Germany at it's lowest they were in and industrial depression. Hitler took the Germany economy and turned it right side up and the people were very thank ful for that Germany was again a thriving leader in Europe. Could he do that again today I don't know.

Answer 9

1. He was a charismatic speaker.
2. He appealed to the ordinary people, the working class.
3. He found a common enemy for all Germans.
4. He curtailed civil liberties.
5. He rewarded those in power.
6. He had a messianic complex.
And by the time the German people realized what was happening, it was too late.

Any of this sound familiar? Good morning, America!

Answer 10

It always starts small. He didn't start his rise by telling everyone that he wanted to create a "master race" and kill everyone who did not conform to his standards.

Hitler rose to power after WWI. He promised people that he would bring Germany back to its former power and status. He was a very eloquent and charismatic speaker. (That's why it doesn't bother me that GW is not.)

I'd like to say Hitler couldn't happen today, but it would be just as easy. There are so many who are blindly led by people who say whatever they want to hear whether or not it fits with reality.