Nazis: Why would they follow a man like Adolf Hitler?

Question

I need info on the Nazis for a report.
thanks for you're time.

Caseyb1996

Answer 1

After having read your question and the answers given so far, I don't know if it has been answered correctly or not. So let me try to understand the question. Do you mean the actual members of the Nazi party or do you mean the German people in general. It DOES make a difference, you know. If what you meant was the German people in general, then you have some pretty good answers already and I don't need to be the 5th one to repeat it. If you mean the actual party members then my answer is this.

The Nazis followed Hitler because they were just that - followers. They were mainly comprised of lazy or uneducated people who had ambition, but no way to realize those ambitions. Along comes Hitler and tells them what they want to hear. They find in Hitler a leader that can help them fulfill their purposes. (read gain power and prestige). They had found a man just like them. One with very little principle and honor and one that was able to ruthlessly attain power. Many were disenchanted soldiers with no prospects for a better life.
They were willing to do whatever was necessary to attain their goals. There was also the added bonus of being able to wear a uniform again. something that had been taken away from them after World War I. In a militaristic state and mind set, that was tantamount to emasculation.
It again gave them a sense of belonging and brotherhood. something Hitler understood very well as he was a loner himself.

Keep in mind that I'm speaking of the party member before 1936. Up to that time it wasn't necessary to be a member of the party if you were in a high profile profession. After that, you were required to join the party if you wanted to remain in your line of work.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The simple answer was Germany was punished severly for WWI. The Treaty of Versailles made them pay for all the other country's expenses in fighting Germany. Germany was broke and there was basic disorder. Inflation was so rampant that a cucumber cost a trillion Marks. The Kaiser was considered a relic of an earlier error.

Hitler tried to take over in 1923 during the Beer Hall Putsch. This failed and he and Goebbels went to jail. This is where he wrote Mein Kampf (My Struggle). The book basically says it is all the Jews's fault and Aryans are the best.

By 1930, there was a global economic depression and socialism was on the rise. Hitler was a very charismatic speaker who appealed to German nationalism. He was the right man at the right time. He rearmed the country and renewed its pride. The Mark regained its strength.

Basically he hypnotized them. He would start softly and then work his way up into a frenzy. The audience was rapt.

It is not shocking that Hitler came along. What is actually more shocking is that there are not more.

Answer 3

One of the reasons Hitler came into power was, that after losing WWI, Germany was economically devastated. High unemployment, poverty , even starvation was common. Then there is a man who promises everyone a job (Hitler build the first Freeway in Germany aka Autobahn) peace and prosperity and the poor suffering people who had been abused under Kaiser Wilhelm wanted a new hero,they needed it to believe that life had purpose and there was hope for the future. Hitler burned down the Reichstag (Congress) and came to power first as a Chancellor then as a Dictator. The people who followed him blindly lost their children in the war, lost their own life's, by the time some woke up it was to late, Hitler had destroyed the Jewish People and Germany. This sad History will follow Germany till the end of days, no matter how democratic they proclaim to be today, Anti-Semitism is on a roll in Germany once again. There is even a Party voted into power that mirrors Hitlers
Party, it is very disturbing, one would guess that so much suffering would stay in peoples thoughts, it is the younger Generation now who is fanatical, watch out.

Answer 4

They were very angry about the Versailles Treaty since WW1 and the growing comunist movement. Hitler then wrote the book Mein Kampf" which was a best seller. It exploited the long simmering hatred of the Jews in Germany who many blamed for Germany's problems and the growing communist movement. The capitalist industrialists got behind him with big money to help him take over the country to fight communism and the Jewish bankers who they owed a lot of money to. A lot of Germans owed the Jewish bankers. There was also a severe depression which seemd to have little effect on the wealth of the Jews who many thought were exploiting the German people so there was jealousy too.

Answer 5

G'day Casey b1996,

Thank you for your question.

There were several factors that led to the rise of Hitler in Germany;

a) the defeat of Germany in World War I and what was seen as the harsh treaty of Versailles;

b) political instability in Germany during the 1920's and early 1930's with weak Governments lacking majority support;

c) a very weak economy with hyperinflation in the 1920s and mass unemployment in the 1930s exacerbated with illconsidered economic policies.

As well, Hitler was a skilled politician and public speaker but an evil man. His opponents mostly failed to see the dangers that he presented.

I have attached sources for your reference.

Regards

Answer 6

He was a charismatic speaker who could hold audience of any size in awe. Practiced speech in front of mirrors. Starting from the bottom of bars to feed himself by speaking to big time at the stadiums. But it was the German mentality that help him. The German nation was and still is a military minded people, meaning they obey the laws cross their T's and dot their i's. Winning over the people by giving hope out of the depression. He first started with military veterans for his outreach program and enlistment of a political army.
A comparison: Hitler and Roosevelt. Both countries were in a depression Hitler chose war and Roosevelt chose industry and work programs to jump start a nation.
Both gave hope but in different ways.

Answer 7

His messianistic personality and message was what the German masses needed in the early 30's to bring them out of the depression and shackles of Versaille Treaty. The strong nationalism evoked positive emotions, little did they realize that his megolomania would bring them utter destruction.

Answer 8

because the people were at depression at the time no jobs, nothing.so they saw Hitler comin seeing him as a role model and they follow him. People had a reason to blame jews.

Answer 9

after germany got their butts whipped in www1, they wre a starving.broken country. hitler came along touting promises
of a phoenix rising from the ashes.
alot of people didn't know he was a nut until he obtained absolute power over them....
oh wow..could this be de ja vu???

Answer 10

Deception. He was an absolute dictator and coming from the standpoint of most people, he ruled them like a tyrant.

What a terrible man.