Introduction
Despite brutal and inhumane methods Adolph Hitler used during his rule in Germany, no one can neglect the fact that this person remains one of the strongest and effective leaders and orators of all time. He was able to rely on human feelings and emotions, as well as outside political and economic factors, to convince people and make them follow his plans and dreams. Hitler proved his intention to unite Germany and save it from the unpredictable outcomes of communism that spread a considerable part of Europe and caused poverty. In his “Proclamation to the German Nation”, Hitler demonstrated his perfect oratory skills and conviction about the worth of German nationalism, the necessity to take action and solve Germany’s problems, relying on specific internal and external factors.
Internal and External Problems
To make sure his speech was effective and working, Hitler paid attention to a number of internal and external factors that resulted in Germany’s problems. On the one hand, he blamed World War I and communism that resulted in the misery of people and the loss of honor and freedoms (Hitler, 1933). These were the two major outside factors to blame Germany’s problem on and analyze. At the same time, Hitler focused on personal challenges and national concerns that prevented Germany from its success and development. The desire to defend the Fatherland and the belief that equality and fraternity could be achieved were examples of blinded trust and hope. The inability to take the right course and find a good leader was the current problem of Germany. Hitler was ready to support people and offer a plan that was characterized by a properly developed line of nationalism and governmental measures on people.
Nationalism
At the period when the speech was pronounced, no one could guess that it would be a new era for the country. Hitler offered to use the chance, re-establish the nation, and demonstrate people’s pride, abilities, and readiness to fight for their safer future. There were several evident examples where Hitler appealed to nationalism. Firstly, he used the word “we” many times in his speech, underlying the fact that Germany’s problems were not the problems of the government or a certain group of people but the whole nation. Secondly, such elements of national identity like culture, territory, and emotions were recognizable in his proclamation. Hitler (1933) said that “the very foundations of morality and faith and scoffs at culture and business, nation and Fatherland, justice and honor” were challenged and broken by the supporters and developers of communism in Europe (para. 4). Hitler (1933) used the basics of Christianity and family as the “foundation of our national morality, and… national life” (para. 7). In his speech, he was confident in the future greatness and glory of Germany if people understood and supported him, giving him all powers and rights.
Measures
Hitler did not want to give the promises and build plans for several decades. His speech was definite and smart. His goals had specific time frames – four years – to solve the country’s problems and re-organize several industries. It was necessary to focus on commerce and trade, so the German farmer could be rescued and “supplied with the necessities of life” (Hitler, 1933, para.10). Then, labor-service principles could be underlined to reduce unemployment rates. Finally, a chaotic state of affairs could be controlled to restore community (Hitler, 1933). In other words, the two major measures were identified: the way of how the nation was supplied and the way of how the nation contributed to its development. Still, the demands and expectations of the nation were high, and the government failed to avoid armament increases, which resulted in World War Second and the Holocaust.
Response
When one reads this “Proclamation to the German Nation”, the ideas of fascism, cruelty, and danger cannot be ignored. However, if I were a German who was not aware of the measures Germany could take and the sufferings that millions of people would experience, I would probably admire and follow Hitler at that moment. In his words, confidence and desire to change something were present. His words were not empty, and clear goals and time frames were defined. He used a good emotional background to underline what mistakes were made in the past and created an evidence-based future for the country in case his plan worked. I would positively respond to this speech because, for that period when despair, grief, and the fear of communism covered the nation, some hope and inspiration were obligatory.
Conclusion
There are many reasons for hating Hitler and considering him as a person who made World War II possible. However, despite the harm he made to different nations and the number of innocent lives that were lost because of his decisions, his leadership skills deserve attention and recognition. He combined his charisma with facts and made thousands of people sympathize with him even if he ordered to kill children and women. His goals were breathtaking and horrible at the same time. Still, regardless of the quality of his decisions, his personal weaknesses, and the lack of political experience, his “Proclamation to the German Nation” served as a strong example of how a great orator should talk and a strong leader had to behave.
Reference
Hitler, A. (1933). Berlin: Proclamation to the German nation. Web.