Adolf Hitler and Franklin Roosevelt became leaders of the state at about the same time, promising their people radical reforms that were supposed to lead their countries out of the political and economic crisis. Both of these leaders were so deeply engrossed in internal transformations that the military clash between Germany and America soon seemed completely impossible. Nevertheless, the tension between the two countries had been growing all the time and had become particularly strong after the outbreak of the war in Europe in 1939. Having met in one political world arena, they radically differed in their views on politics and society. It was a confrontation between a representative of democracy and a representative of a total dictatorship.
The future solution to the state’s problems in Hitler’s understanding
In the speech, Adolph Hitler (1933) highlighted the problem of unemployment: “A concerted and all-embracing attack must be made on unemployment so that the German working class may be saved from ruin. In fourteen years they have created an army of millions of unemployed. Within four years unemployment must be finally overcome. At the same time, the conditions necessary for a revival in trade and commerce are provided.” He was worried by the unemployment rate in the country. The peasantry was destroyed in fourteen years, and he was going to restore everything within four years by providing the unemployed peasants with work.
Concerning foreign policy, Hitler (1933) said: “As regards its foreign policy the National Government considers its highest mission to be the securing of the right to live and the restoration of freedom to our nation. He is impressed with the importance of his duty to use this nation for equal rights as an instrument for the securing and maintenance of that peace which the world requires today more than ever before. May the good will of all others assist in the fulfillment of this our earnest wish for the welfare of Europe and the whole world. Great as is our love for our Army as the bearer of our arms and the symbol of our great past; we should be happy if the world, by reducing its armaments, would see to it that we need never increase our own.” He was sure that his nation consisted only of decent and equal people. They would achieve order in this world. If other countries arm themselves and thereby threaten the freedom of the nation, Germany would not keep itself waiting long and would repulse anyone.
Adolph Hitler (1933) also spoke about banking, finance and in general, the economy and agriculture: “The National Government intends to solve the problem of the reorganization of trade and commerce with two four-year plans: The German farmer must be rescued in order that the nation may be supplied with the necessities of life….” He was confident of the reorganization necessity of all spheres of the country to rescue the nation. Hitler considered the main problem of his state the disunity of the real representatives of his people. Only in unity, they were a power. Only the strength of their army could save those remnants of the state and society in a crisis. The only struggle against the whole world would help to stand up the unified people of Germany.
The future solution to the state’s problems in Roosevelt’s understanding
Franklin Roosevelt (1989) in his speech also touched upon the urgent problems of his state, namely: “In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things. Values have shrunken to fantastic levels; taxes have risen; our ability to pay has fallen; government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income; the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone. More important, a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence and an equally great number toil with little return. Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment.”
The speech highlighted current problems of the country concerning industry, agriculture, finance and the economy which led to unemployment. Roosevelt considered the main problem of his country in choosing the wrong leaders, who by their actions led the country into a decadent state. The new president of America was sure that his democratic policy would be able to re-establish all areas of the state.
The study of the speeches of the heads of such states as America and Germany makes it possible to clearly reveal the tendencies of the democratic orientation of the policy of the one and the total dictatorship and intolerance of other nations and peoples by the other. The historical figures as Franklin Roosevelt and Adolph Hitler left an indelible mark in the world’s history as well as in the history of their country.
Reference
Roosevelt, F. (1989). Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States. Web.
Hitler, A. (1933). Proclamation to the German Nation. Web.