(S+) National Socialism: »People had the feeling of being part of a great future project«

SPIEGEL:

Mr. Wildt, according to Hitler in Mein Kampf in 1925, the people are "feminine in nature and attitude" that "their thoughts and actions are determined less by sober considerations and more by emotional feelings."

The propaganda must therefore "be more and more emotionally directed" and aimed at the "hearts of the masses."

How did that happen?

Wildt:

If you read Hitler's early speeches, it becomes clear that, unlike democratic politicians in the Weimar Republic, he relied on negative feelings - on hatred, aversion, envy and resentment.

This included in particular anti-Semitism, which was also directed against the Republic of Weimar.

Hitler mantra-like claimed that Germany had been betrayed by Jews and Communists at the end of World War I.

Destructiveness was the hallmark of the orator Hitler and exerted an enormous attraction on the audience.

SPIEGEL:

At first, however, he had little success. In 1923, Hitler instigated an unsuccessful coup attempt and was imprisoned.

The National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) also got off to a rocky start before membership soared from 27,000 in 1925 to 130,000 in 1930.

In which milieus was the party particularly popular?

Read more with SPIEGEL plus

Read on now.

With the right SPIEGEL subscription.

Special reports, analyzes and background information on topics that move our society - by reporters from all over the world.

Test now.

MIRROR Plus

introductory month

€1

in the first month

Expand the Introductory month area

Your advantages:

• All articles freely accessible on SPIEGEL.de.

• DER SPIEGEL as an e-paper and in the app.

• Try one month for one euro.

  One-time for new customers.

Test now for 1 euro

MIRROR Plus

3 months for 30 euros

€10

a month for 3 months

Expand the 3 months area for 30 euros

Your advantages:

• All articles freely accessible on SPIEGEL.de.

• DER SPIEGEL as an e-paper and in the app.

• Save 9.99 euros for three months.

Test now

Already a digital subscriber?Sign up here

Read more with SPIEGEL+

More perspectives, understand more.

Free access to all articles, videos, audio content and podcasts

• All articles freely accessible on SPIEGEL.de

• DER SPIEGEL as an e-paper and in the app

• DER SPIEGEL to listen to and the weekday podcast SPIEGEL Daily

• Only €19.99 per month, cancellable at any time

Buy now

Already have a digital subscription?Sign up here

Restore iTunes subscription

SPIEGEL+ is processed via your iTunes account and paid for with the purchase confirmation.

24 hours before expiry, the subscription is automatically extended by one month at the current price of €19.99.

You can cancel the subscription at any time in your iTunes account settings.

To use SPIEGEL+ outside of this app, you must link the subscription to a SPIEGEL ID account immediately after purchase.

By purchasing you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.