PDF Summary:The Coming of the Third Reich, by Richard J. Evans

For over a decade after World War I, the Weimar Republic in Germany struggled to establish itself as a functioning democracy. In The Coming of the Third Reich, Richard J. Evans examines the political turmoil, economic instability, and social unrest that plagued Germany during this period—paving the way for the rise of the Nazi party.

Evans sheds light on key events and factors that enabled the Nazis' ascent to power in the early 1930s. From exploiting widespread discontent with the Treaty of Versailles, to dismantling democratic structures and quashing opposition forces, the summary reveals how the Nazi regime rapidly consolidated its authoritarian grip on the nation.

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Evans emphasizes that the Nazis' rise to power cannot be attributed only to their strategic maneuvers in politics or their successful propaganda efforts. These components held significant importance.

The Nazi Party's skillful use of propaganda harnessed the widespread dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles and the deeply rooted conviction of a national betrayal, successfully uniting the German populace in pursuit of restoring their country's past glory and might.

The turmoil that beset Germany's political landscape during the 1920s, according to Richard J. Evans, stemmed chiefly from the consequences of the Treaty of Versailles, which levied substantial political, economic, and territorial challenges. All strata of society in the Weimar Republic, from the countryside aristocracy to urban workers, considered the Treaty's terms to be humiliating and an affront to national honor, with a common albeit varied resolve to overturn these conditions, whether by negotiation or warfare. The belief that Germany's loss in the war stemmed from domestic treachery, commonly referred to as the 'stab-in-the-back' myth, became popular across a spectrum of political groups, ranging from the centrist Social Democrats to the extreme-right Nationalists. This idea played a substantial role in the escalation of antisemitism amid the tumultuous period after the war and the subsequent revolution. Skillfully exploiting these feelings, the emergence of the Great Depression in the late 1920s suggested that Germany might struggle to fulfill reparations payments without triggering another wave of inflation. The Nazis presented their agenda as a catalyst for significant national and social renewal, advocating for a comprehensive restructuring of the international order as dictated by the Treaty.

Practical Tips

• Engage in conversations with people from different backgrounds to understand the personal impact of political decisions. By talking to immigrants, veterans, or economic experts, you can gain insights into how policies similar to the Treaty of Versailles affect individuals' lives. For example, you might learn how a family's history was shaped by geopolitical changes, much like how German families were affected by the treaty's aftermath.
• You can analyze the spread of modern myths by tracking social media trends related to political rumors. Start by selecting a current political rumor and use social media analytics tools to observe how it spreads across different platforms and groups. This will give you a hands-on understanding of the dynamics behind myth propagation in the digital age.
• Engage in conversations with family or friends about the long-term financial obligations of nations and draw parallels with personal debt management. Use topics such as reparations from historical events to initiate discussions on the importance of managing personal debt, creating emergency funds, and planning for financial resilience. This can lead to a deeper understanding of financial stability and preparedness in your own life.
• Engage in conversations with peers about the concept of renewal in politics without revealing the origin of the idea. This can be done during casual meetups or online forums. Discuss what renewal means to them and how it could be applied to current societal challenges. This strategy will give you insight into how the concept of renewal resonates with different individuals and can help you understand the broader appeal of such narratives.

Hitler skillfully channeled the nation's collective anger and trepidation, directing it at groups he depicted as foes, through his compelling leadership and oratorical prowess.

Evans accurately notes that in Germany, a host of charismatic leaders sought to form political groups by capitalizing on their public speaking prowess, such as the leader of the Free Corps, Ehrhardt, and Vienna's right-wing advocate Karl Lueger; yet, none reached a comparable degree of triumph as Adolf Hitler did. During his time as a political instigator for the German military in the chaotic aftermath of the revolution in Munich in 1919, Hitler discovered his oratorical talents and, with his persuasive speeches, attracted the attention of numerous individuals who felt alienated from the politics and culture of the Weimar era, reflecting their complaints and dissatisfaction. While his oratory didn't introduce novel ideas, it resonated deeply with the prevailing prejudices and shared convictions; his authenticity was seen as undeniable by many, and coupled with his intensifying belief in his destined role of leadership, he convinced a multitude that he was the long-awaited leader Germany had been expecting. Starting in 1930, Hitler's oratory began to captivate an expanding audience, and as his near-messianic conviction gained traction, he increasingly peppered his speeches with calls for forceful action against those he deemed enemies of Germany. His speech, filled with aggression and often ambiguous yet clearly aggressive, persuaded his listeners, who had become numb to aggression due to their post-World War I experiences, that the sole path to realizing political ambitions lay in employing coercion, bullying, and robust methods of compulsion.

Practical Tips

• You can analyze speech patterns by recording yourself giving a speech and noting any language that could be perceived as divisive or unifying. After giving a speech on any topic, listen to the recording and identify phrases or strategies that may inadvertently create an "us vs. them" mentality. This self-awareness can help you refine your communication to be more inclusive and constructive.
• Volunteer to speak at local events on topics that resonate with you and your community. This not only gives you a platform to practice your speaking skills but also allows you to connect with individuals who might feel alienated or unheard, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
• Engage in conversations with people who hold different views to practice active listening and understand the convictions of others. Approach these discussions with an open mind, aiming to learn rather than debate. Pay attention to the arguments that resonate with you and those that don't, and consider why that is. This exercise can help you see how shared convictions are formed and challenged within a community.
• Develop a personal brand that resonates with an audience by creating a narrative around your core values and beliefs. Write down the key messages you want to convey and weave them into a story that highlights your journey and commitment to these values. Share this narrative on social media or a personal blog to attract and engage an audience that shares your interests.
• Create a personal challenge to refine your persuasive writing by composing letters or blog posts on topics you're passionate about, using forceful yet respectful language. Aim to write one piece per week, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and the ability to call readers to action. Over time, you'll develop a stronger voice and may influence others' opinions or actions through your words.

The Nazis skillfully utilized modern propaganda methods such as mass rallies, parades, visual advertising, and radio broadcasts to convey an impression of steadfast strength and unity centered around a dominant leader.

Nazism's rise was aided by its skillful exploitation of the era's propaganda methods, as highlighted by Evans. Influenced by the pre-war socialist parties' structured approach and the vibrant theatrical milieu of Munich and Berlin, figures such as Goebbels crafted a strategy in the 1920s that utilized a varied array of visual and public displays. This approach included deploying posters, pamphlets, banners, flags, and a series of public demonstrations and celebratory events, all meticulously orchestrated in venues ranging from taverns to open-air spaces, all designed to foster a sense of dynamism and forward movement focused on a charismatic, commanding leader. The Nazi Party depicted its movement as an unstoppable force magnetically pulling the nation into its ideological orbit. Modern methods of communication and transportation, such as gramophone records, radio broadcasts, air travel, and film projection, were instrumental in portraying Nazism as a progressive movement, instead of an echo from the past. Evans compellingly demonstrates how the atmosphere was heightened through a wide array of propagandistic visuals, which included depictions of Nazis launching attacks against their vulnerable opponents and threatening posters denouncing the 'Jewish Republic' or belittling the global financial elite. The propaganda of the Nazi Party, which drew inspiration from far-right ideologies, also incorporated elements commonly associated with leftist factions. They positioned themselves not merely as a political group but as a broad-based movement, adopting a range of strategies first employed by Communists in the 1920s. This included engaging in violent street battles, extensive poster campaigns, organizing political gatherings, and employing slogans, chants, as well as the adoption of the clenched-fist salute. The swastika was chosen as the central emblem of the Nazi Party to symbolize their goal of uniting different social classes and beliefs within a new, racially unified state. Evans highlights how the Nazi party skillfully tailored their communication to appeal to various social factions, positioning themselves as a multifaceted adversary to an unpopular republic and securing support from a wide demographic.

Context

• The use of propaganda by the Nazis was part of a broader trend in the early 20th century where mass communication technologies were increasingly used by political movements to influence public opinion. This period saw the rise of radio and film as powerful tools for shaping societal narratives.
• The rise of Nazism occurred during a period of economic instability and political turmoil in Germany following World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. The Weimar Republic faced hyperinflation, unemployment, and social unrest, creating fertile ground for extremist ideologies.
• Joseph Goebbels was the Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany, responsible for controlling and directing the Nazi Party's messaging and public image. His background in literature and philosophy contributed to his understanding of how to manipulate public perception.
• By depicting themselves as an unstoppable force, the Nazis also highlighted the perceived weakness and fragmentation of their political opponents, further positioning themselves as the only viable option for national salvation.
• Air travel, still a novel concept at the time, was used by Nazi leaders to project an image of modernity and efficiency. Hitler's use of airplanes for campaign travel was unprecedented and symbolized a break from the past.
• The term "Jewish Republic" was a derogatory phrase used by the Nazis to describe the Weimar Republic, which they falsely claimed was dominated by Jewish influence. This was part of their broader antisemitic propaganda campaign.
• The Nazi Party's far-right elements included nationalism, militarism, and a focus on racial purity. They emphasized the superiority of the "Aryan" race and sought to create a homogeneous national community by excluding or eliminating those they deemed undesirable, such as Jews, Romani people, and others.
• The Communist Party in Germany was known for its grassroots organizing, use of symbols, and mass mobilization tactics. The Nazis adopted similar methods to create a sense of solidarity and collective identity among their followers.
• The swastika, an ancient symbol used in various cultures, was appropriated by the Nazis to represent their ideology of Aryan supremacy and racial purity, distorting its original meanings of good fortune and well-being.
• The Nazis actively recruited young people through organizations like the Hitler Youth, offering a sense of belonging and purpose, which helped secure future generations' loyalty.

The National Socialists expanded their influence by combining electoral successes with confrontational street strategies, eventually gaining acknowledgment from traditional conservative powers.

In Evans's view, conservatives believed that by merging Hitler's dynamic movement with their objective of establishing a more authoritarian regime, they could partly explain the rise of the Nazi party.

By 1932, the Nazis had methodically ascended to the status of the most influential political entity in Germany, which strategically placed them in a favorable position to bargain for roles within the government.

The ascent of the Nazis to power was often perceived as the outcome of a meticulously orchestrated and implemented plan. However, Evans observes that looking back, the approach they took to their political maneuvers until 1930 seemed haphazard and was greatly influenced by current events, with party members across various regions following their distinct objectives. The initial surge of the Nazi Party, bolstered by the backing of right-leaning artisans, petty merchants, and farmers who previously voted for the German National People's Party and similar groups, seemed to wane, resulting in a meager 2.6 percent of the vote in the 1928 Reichstag elections. It signified a critical juncture. The worsening situation in the farming industry resulted in a growing number of agriculturists finding the movement more attractive as they experienced a substantial drop in income. The Nazis leveraged the discontent of farmers struggling under heavy import duties designed to control the cost of farm products. The allure of economic self-reliance in Germany grew as agricultural product prices experienced a significant decline. Simultaneously, the Nazis began to make substantial inroads into the more respectable sectors of the rural and urban electorate, which ultimately resulted in Alfred Hugenberg, the leader of the Nationalist Party, gaining Hitler's support for the 1929 campaign he orchestrated against the proposed reparation scheme, which was referred to under the moniker of the Young Plan. The campaign for a national referendum to reject the Plan failed, with only 5.8 million people voting against it. Evans highlights how this occurrence propelled the Nazis to prominence, placing Hitler in the limelight alongside notable figures like Hugenberg. After the Wall Street crash, the economic downturn resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of people backing the Nazi Party, elevating it to the position of the most prominent political entity following the Social Democrats. This was clearly demonstrated in the Reichstag elections of September 1930, where they attracted over 6 million votes, a substantial rise from the 800,000 votes they had obtained two years prior. Evans characterizes their position as sufficiently impactful to secure their participation within the ministerial echelons of the government.

Context

• The SA (Sturmabteilung or Storm Detachment) played a crucial role in the Nazi rise to power by using violence and intimidation against political opponents, creating an atmosphere of fear and chaos that the Nazis promised to resolve.
• Germany's electoral system of proportional representation allowed smaller parties to gain seats in the Reichstag, enabling the Nazis to become a significant political force despite not having a majority.
• Specific local crises, such as agricultural failures or industrial strikes, could shift the focus of Nazi objectives in a region, as party members sought to capitalize on immediate discontent to gain support.
• Artisans, petty merchants, and farmers were part of the Mittelstand, or middle class, which felt threatened by both big business and organized labor. The Nazis' promises to protect small businesses and promote traditional values appealed to these groups.
• By 1928, Germany was experiencing a period of relative economic stability and recovery under the Dawes Plan, which restructured reparations and stabilized the currency, reducing the appeal of extremist parties.
• Many farmers felt abandoned by traditional political parties, which they believed were not addressing their economic hardships effectively. This disillusionment made them more receptive to alternative political movements that promised change.
• While the intention was to protect local farmers, the duties often led to higher prices for essential goods and materials needed for farming, increasing production costs and reducing profit margins for farmers.
• The idea of economic self-reliance, or autarky, was appealing in the context of the global economic instability following the Great Depression. It suggested that Germany could become economically independent, reducing reliance on foreign imports and protecting domestic industries.
• Hugenberg believed he could control and use Hitler for his own political ends. However, this alliance ultimately backfired, as it provided the Nazis with the legitimacy and resources they needed to expand their influence.
• The campaign against the Young Plan included a national referendum, which, despite failing, served as a platform for the Nazis to increase their public profile and rally nationalist opposition to the Weimar Republic.
• The failure of the referendum highlighted the divided public opinion in Germany, with many citizens still supporting efforts to comply with international agreements to stabilize the economy and improve diplomatic relations.
• The Wall Street Crash of 1929 triggered a worldwide economic depression, severely affecting Germany, which was heavily reliant on American loans and investments following World War I.
• Adolf Hitler's charismatic leadership and oratory skills played a crucial role in attracting support, as he was able to galvanize public sentiment and present himself as a savior of Germany.
• Moderate and traditional parties failed to address the economic and social crises effectively, leading to a loss of confidence among the electorate and driving them towards extremist parties like the Nazis.
• In January 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, a key step in the Nazis' consolidation of power. This appointment was facilitated by conservative politicians who underestimated Hitler's ambitions.

Conservatives, who saw the SA's forceful methods and intimidation as a means to potentially join forces in their effort to undermine the democratic structure of the Weimar Republic, were alarmed.

Evans points out that the early dynamism of the Nazi movement stemmed from the aggressive street clashes initiated by their SA brownshirt enforcers. The SA, initially formed as a security detail for meetings and bolstered by the involvement of former Free Corps leaders such as Ehrhardt and the politically motivated Röhm, along with some support from the SS, had achieved a level of infamy in the German media by the time the Beer Hall Putsch took place. During the early stages of the Republic, the membership count of these groups was marginally greater than that of the Communist Red Front-Fighters' League, which was among the numerous right-wing paramilitary groups that surfaced in Germany after 1918. Their status as a serious threat to public order only became apparent in the early 1930s, when they clashed repeatedly with the Red Front-Fighters and the Social Democrats' Reichsbanner, and their rapidly increasing membership, reaching nearly half a million by 1932, was a constant source of worry to moderate conservatives, who feared that they were merely a prelude to a full-scale Nazi revolution. In April 1932, following intensive monitoring, Bruning enacted a ban on the group, which resulted in law enforcement storming their headquarters, confiscating their weapons, and arresting many members. Numerous smaller paramilitary groups disbanded and their members joined the SA to avoid facing the same fate. In June, as part of his strategy to appease Hitler, Papen lifted the ban, which resulted in the stormtroopers reappearing on the streets with renewed vigor, ultimately leading to the 'Bloody Sunday' massacre at Altona, where a confrontation between several SA men and Communists led to the tragic loss of eighteen lives, the majority of whom were uninvolved in the conflict. On January 30, the Stormtroopers marched triumphantly through Berlin to celebrate Hitler's rise to Chancellor, demonstrating to the world and the apprehensive conservative hierarchy their pivotal role in what they declared to be the 'national revolution'.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer with a community group that focuses on public safety or event security to gain firsthand experience in the field. This will give you practical insight into the organization and management of security details, and how they operate within the community, mirroring the early functions of groups like the SA.
• Enhance your critical thinking skills by creating a media bias diary. Over the course of a month, jot down instances where you suspect media bias in reporting, including what the bias seems to be and why you think it's present. This exercise will help you become more aware of the nuances in media reporting and the potential influence on public opinion.
• Create a simple survey to distribute among peers that measures their interest in various social and political groups. This can help you understand the factors that influence people's decisions to align with certain groups over others. You might find patterns that reflect historical trends in group membership, such as shared values or opposition to a common adversary.
• You can deepen your understanding of historical conflicts by creating a visual timeline of events. Start by researching the early 1930s political groups in Germany and plot the key events, clashes, and political changes on a timeline. This will help you visualize the sequence and impact of these events, making it easier to grasp the complexities of political struggles similar to those between the SA, Red Front-Fighters, and Reichsbanner.
• Conduct informal interviews with members of rapidly growing communities to understand their motivations for joining. Find a community that has recently seen a surge in membership and engage with some of its members in casual conversation. Ask them what attracted them to the community, what keeps them engaged, and what they feel the community is doing right. This firsthand information can provide valuable insights into the elements that can drive membership growth in various organizations.
• You can deepen your understanding of historical fears by comparing them to contemporary concerns through journaling. Start by writing down current political or social movements that generate widespread anxiety. Reflect on the reasons behind these fears and how they mirror the apprehensions of the past. This exercise can help you recognize patterns in societal reactions to change and how fear can influence political perception.
• You can learn from historical decisions by creating a decision-making journal to reflect on your choices and their outcomes. Start by jotting down significant decisions you make each day, the reasons behind them, and the immediate and long-term effects they have. Over time, you'll be able to analyze patterns in your decision-making and improve your process.
• Develop a role-playing game with friends to simulate the decision-making process of joining different groups under pressure. Assign roles and scenarios where players must choose to align with different factions based on various incentives and consequences. This activity can help you grasp the complexities of such decisions in a safe and controlled environment.
• Create a personal journal to document the effects of self-imposed restrictions and their removal in your daily life. For instance, if you usually limit your screen time, lift that ban for a week and note any changes in your behavior, productivity, or mood. This self-observation can provide insights into how rules and their absence shape habits, paralleling the broader implications of policy changes on groups like the SA.
• Engage in reflective writing to explore the emotional and human aspects of historical tragedies. Set aside time each week to write a reflective piece from the perspective of someone who might have been affected by the event. This could be a fictional diary entry, a letter to a loved one, or a narrative recounting the day's events, which can foster empathy and a deeper personal connection to the historical narrative.
• Improve your ability to recognize propaganda by comparing historical and modern examples. Collect and study propaganda materials from different eras, focusing on their techniques, messaging, and intended impact without making direct references to the specific historical events in the book. Then, identify similar strategies in today's media to sharpen your media literacy skills.

The collaboration of individuals like Papen and Schleicher with the Nazis, in an attempt to control the party's influence, ultimately led to Hitler ascending to the role of Chancellor at the beginning of 1933.

Influential conservatives and nationalists, including figures like Papen and Schleicher, believed they could harness Hitler and his party's energy, incorporating them into the government in January 1933 with the intention of steering Germany towards an authoritarian regime. To circumvent the limitations imposed on Germany's military strength and weaponry by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, Schleicher proposed to Hindenburg the strategic incorporation of Hitler and the Nazi Party, as well as the SA, to enhance their military capacity. Papen, succeeding Schleicher, who was instrumental in the collapse of the Grand Coalition in June 1930, also held the conviction that the Nazis' influence could be contained and sought to expand his administration's foundation of support during a period when the Nationalists found it challenging to secure significant support from the German voters. In June 1932, he rescinded the prohibition on the brownshirts, seeking to appease them and simultaneously demonstrate to the middle classes his firm grip on the situation. Amidst the growing turmoil within the nation, Hitler remained resolute in his demand to be appointed as Reich Chancellor, a position that the President, sensing a decline in his own support, began to contemplate earnestly. Schleicher harbored doubts regarding Hitler's appointment as Chancellor, fearing he might prove to be unmanageable. When the two men joined forces to overturn Papen at the end of 1932, it seemed to them that, with Schleicher as Chancellor and Papen now in control of Prussia, they would easily be able to master the Nazis, weakened, as they appeared to be at the time, by their failure to improve on their July electoral triumphs in the Reichstag poll of November 1932. Conservative-leaning politicians made yet another error in judgment with their decisions. Hitler's reluctance to form partnerships played a pivotal role in the rejuvenation of the Nazi Party, adeptly repairing the rifts within the party that Strasser had instigated, culminating in their triumph in the Lippe state election. Schleicher, already facing disfavor from senior military officials, resigned by the month's close, resulting in Papen and Hindenburg losing the backing of the Social Democrats and the Centre Party, thereby forcing them to acquiesce to Hitler's demand to be appointed as chancellor.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal code of ethics to guide your interactions and decisions. Start by listing out values that are important to you, such as honesty, integrity, and fairness. Use this list as a benchmark to assess your actions and choices, ensuring they align with your ethical standards, especially when faced with pressure from influential groups or individuals.
• Develop a strategy to present your ideas in a way that aligns with the interests of different groups you want to win over. This could involve tailoring your communication style or the content of your message to appeal to the specific values and goals of each group. For instance, if you're trying to gain support for a community project, you might emphasize the economic benefits when talking to local business owners and the social advantages when discussing it with residents.
• Write a short story or script that explores the theme of appeasement in a fictional setting, drawing parallels to historical events like the one mentioned. Focus on the characters' motivations, the pressures they face, and the consequences of their actions. This creative exercise can deepen your insight into the human elements that drive leaders to make such decisions and the potential fallout, helping you to better grasp the nuances of leadership and control.
• Improve your negotiation skills by role-playing scenarios where you must advocate for a promotion or leadership role. Partner with a friend or colleague to simulate a situation where you need to convince someone of your value in a time of organizational change, similar to how political figures negotiate for positions of power. This practice can prepare you for real-life negotiations and help you develop persuasive communication techniques.
• Reflect on your own collaboration style by journaling about past experiences where you either took on a project alone or partnered with others. Consider the outcomes of each and note any patterns that emerge regarding success, satisfaction, and the quality of the end result. This self-reflection can help you understand when it might be beneficial to seek partnerships and when it's better to go solo.
• Develop a habit of recognizing and celebrating small victories within your team to build momentum towards larger goals. This strategy draws from the idea of using smaller successes to propel a group forward, similar to how a political victory can energize a party. For instance, if you lead a sales team, you could create a monthly highlight reel showcasing top performers and successful deals, which can motivate the entire team and reinforce a winning culture.

The Nazi regime capitalized on the Reichstag fire in February 1933, a contrived crisis, to suppress remaining dissent and consolidate their dictatorial power.

The fire that engulfed the Reichstag on the night of February 27, 1933, provided the Nazis with the eagerly anticipated opportunity to solidify their control. The authorities exercised their power unyieldingly, suppressing the Communist Party, silencing the Social Democrats, and eradicating the remaining democratic freedoms that were established by the Weimar Republic.

The swift and illegal dismantling of the Communist Party created a climate of fear and coercion, leaving those who might oppose the government powerless, and the public was led to believe that this was a necessary response to the Reichstag fire.

Evans observes that from the outset, the regime acted as if it had been forewarned. The reaction appeared hasty, disjointed, and was notably deficient in its readiness across multiple areas. The stormtroopers and the police took advantage of the widespread sense of emergency to act on their own instincts. They embarked on a relentless campaign marked by savagery and intimidation, showing a degree of inhumanity and pitilessness not witnessed since the early days of the Republic, targeting their hostility not just towards acknowledged adversaries but also towards their family members and people with no association. At the beginning of 1933, there was a marked escalation in the number of detentions, physical assaults, executions, and violent acts, which led to a substantial rise in the figures of those taken into 'protective custody' in an attempt to suppress opposition. The campaign of terror, though not explicitly intended as such, had the effect of cowing the Nazis' adversaries, muddling the political discourse, and instilling enough fear among the populace to guarantee the absence of any significant opposition during the critical constitutional battles that followed, ultimately culminating in the consolidation of power by the Nazis, transforming the January 30 coalition government into an authoritarian regime. In the early hours of February 28, 1933, a significant crackdown began, targeting Communist leaders, officials, and activists. Before the Reichstag fire occurred, the authorities had begun devising strategies to tackle what they considered disruptions to societal peace. The Interior Ministry, guided by Frick, laid down the legal groundwork for the action on February 28, which was sanctioned by the Cabinet at 11 o'clock that same morning, a mere sixteen hours after the Reichstag fire. Following the Reichstag fire decree, civil liberties were curtailed, allowing the police to hold individuals considered 'dangerous' indefinitely without the need for judicial intervention or official accusations. On an infamous date, the edict laid the essential groundwork for the establishment of a government that would operate perpetually under a state of constant emergency. The actions implemented resembled previous steps taken to suppress civil disorder and political instability, especially those that escalated in the early 1920s, culminating in Ebert's 1923 order to dissolve radical leftist governments in Thuringia and Saxony. The Nazis skillfully converted a measure that was supposed to be provisional into a crucial tool for the total collapse of the legal and political frameworks that upheld the Weimar Republic, a point that Evans distinctly highlights.

Practical Tips

• Develop a better understanding of coercion by volunteering with a local civil rights organization. Through this, you'll gain firsthand experience with the challenges faced by those whose rights are threatened. You'll also learn about the legal and social mechanisms that can either protect against or contribute to fear and coercion in society.
• Develop a habit of conducting pre-mortem analyses in your projects to anticipate and prepare for potential problems. Before starting any new project, sit down and imagine the project has failed. Then, work backward to identify what could lead to this failure. This exercise can help you foresee issues and react more coherently in real situations, unlike the disjointed reaction of the regime.
• Volunteer for community emergency response teams or first aid courses to learn structured approaches to emergencies. These programs often provide hands-on experience in dealing with crises in a controlled environment, which can help you develop a more measured response to emergencies, countering the instinct to act without thinking.
• Engage in role-playing exercises to explore the impact of intimidation tactics. With a group of friends or colleagues, create scenarios where one person uses intimidation while others respond in various ways. This can help you recognize the signs of such behavior and develop strategies to counteract it, whether it's through assertive communication, seeking support, or other means.
• Enhance your critical thinking by writing a series of reflective essays on how the escalation of violence in any society can impact daily life. Focus on different aspects such as social interactions, economy, and personal freedoms. This exercise will help you explore the consequences of such events on a personal level and develop a more nuanced understanding of their impact.
• Create a volunteer group that focuses on supporting people who feel marginalized or fearful in your community. By providing a platform for these individuals to share their experiences and concerns, you can work together to develop strategies that counteract fear and promote unity. This might involve organizing community meetings, creating informational materials, or establishing a support network.
• Protect your community's democratic processes by volunteering as an election observer. By participating in the oversight of local elections, you contribute to the transparency and integrity of the democratic process, helping to prevent the erosion of democratic norms that can lead to authoritarianism. Contact your local election board to find out how you can get involved.
• Engage with the topic by participating in a role-playing debate with friends or family. Assign roles such as a Communist leader, a government official, and a neutral observer. Each person will argue their character's perspective on the crackdown, allowing you to explore different viewpoints and understand the complexities of political power struggles.
• Engage in active listening and conflict resolution training to better handle disputes that could escalate into larger issues. You can find online courses or local workshops that teach these skills, which you can then practice in your daily interactions. For instance, if you encounter a heated argument at work or within your community, you can use these skills to de-escalate the situation and promote a peaceful resolution.
• Engage in a mock debate with a friend or family member to practice constructing a well-founded argument, akin to laying down a legal groundwork. Choose a topic, research your stance, and prepare points of argumentation. This exercise can enhance your critical thinking and persuasion skills, which are valuable in both personal and professional settings. For instance, debate on a current social issue, presenting evidence and legal precedents to support your position.
• You can educate yourself on the historical context of civil liberties by visiting local museums or online archives that focus on the era of the Reichstag fire. By understanding the specific conditions that led to the curtailment of civil liberties, you'll be better equipped to recognize similar patterns in current events. For example, explore the digital collections of the German Historical Museum or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which often include detailed accounts and primary sources from the period.
• Develop a "stress test" for your household's emergency preparedness without relying on external systems. Create a scenario where you simulate a power outage or water supply interruption for 24 hours. This exercise will help you identify gaps in your emergency plan and encourage proactive improvements to your household's resilience.
• Engage in conversations with friends and family about the importance of checks and balances in government. Use historical examples that are not related to the book's content to illustrate how the absence of such mechanisms can lead to the erosion of legal and political structures. This will help spread awareness and foster a culture of vigilance against the potential abuse of provisional measures.

The 'Enabling Act' was secured by coercing the Social Democrats and by promising the Centre Party that compromises would be forthcoming.

Upon taking power, Hitler and his associates intended to pass laws that would grant their government the ability to promulgate decrees and regulations with the same weight as those from the national legislature, effectively reducing or rendering the Reichstag's function superfluous for a period of up to four years. Upon securing control of state legislatures and local councils, the Nazis implemented a series of procedural changes, including the establishment of a hierarchical command structure within their legal system, which greatly undermined the formerly mandatory democratic decision-making processes. The strategy was designed to scale up this method to the national level, allowing the President to function similarly to the previous Kaiser by choosing a government that was aligned with his interests rather than reflecting the will of the voters as expressed in national elections. Hitler's maneuvers lacked a firm legal basis for his actions. The Nationalists believed that the terms under which he was appointed would inhibit the rise of a Nazi autocracy. Attempts to diminish Hitler's influence commenced with the formation of the government's executive body. However, their commitment to following legal protocols did not take into account Hitler's blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of the Weimar constitution and his willingness to bypass them if they hindered his party's goals.

Practical Tips

• Improve your understanding of political maneuvering by joining a local community board or committee. Observe how members negotiate, form alliances, and make decisions. This hands-on experience will give you insight into the dynamics of securing support and making compromises, akin to historical political strategies.
• Enhance your civic engagement by participating in public consultations or forums whenever there is a proposal to change the balance of power within your government. Many governments and organizations hold public consultations when significant changes to the law are proposed. By attending and voicing your opinions, you contribute to a democratic process that can prevent the concentration of power that bypasses legislative scrutiny.
• Develop a personal mission statement that guides your choices, similar to how a president's agenda guides their government appointments. Write down your core values, long-term objectives, and the impact you want to have. Use this mission statement as a benchmark for evaluating potential commitments, opportunities, and relationships to ensure they are in harmony with your overarching intentions.
• Encourage informed voting by creating a checklist of legal and ethical standards for political candidates. Before any election, use this checklist to evaluate each candidate's platform and past actions for adherence to legal norms. Share your findings with friends or on social media to promote a more legally grounded political discourse in your community.
• Enhance your decision-making skills by creating a "constraints map" for personal or work-related decisions. Draw a chart that lists the factors that limit your choices, such as time, money, or social pressures. For each decision you face, use the map to identify which constraints are at play and consider how they might skew your judgment or lead to unintended consequences, much like the underestimation of Hitler's rise to power.

The regime of the Nazis rapidly consolidated power throughout the country by merging the local governments into a unified structure.

Evans underscores the pivotal actions of Franz von Papen in early 1933, who used questionable tactics to undermine the minority Social Democratic government in Prussia, thereby paving the way for the National Socialists to consolidate their grip on Germany without opposition. The administration under Hitler exhibited a clear contempt for the rule of law, as evidenced by Papen's ongoing political activities, highlighting their capacity to flout these standards without consequence, and upon seizing power at the end of the month, Hitler rapidly expanded his control over the other federal states. Each of these territories had a Reich Commissioner appointed to govern them, an official selected by the central authorities in Berlin. The Nazis also eliminated regional parliaments, prohibited the activities of the Social Democratic and Communist Parties, purged their adherents and sympathizers, as well as all Jewish officials and employees from government positions, while methodically reshaping social and political organizations to align with the model they established in Prussia following Papen's rise in the preceding summer. The Social Democrats and the trade unions consistently adhered to lawful conduct, even when it no longer produced effective outcomes. The National Socialists incrementally and systematically assumed power across various regions, while the general population watched their rise without offering active opposition. The attempts by the Centre Party to collaborate with the regime inadvertently led to the downfall of political Catholicism in Germany. SA squads bolstered the efforts of local Nazi Party officials who took on the responsibilities of municipal leaders and regional heads in various areas before Berlin formally passed legislation to consolidate administrative control. The Nazi administration utilized existing governmental structures to stifle freedom, centralize control, and eliminate any opposition to their rule.

Practical Tips

• Simplify your personal project management by adopting a single, comprehensive tool. Instead of using separate apps for notes, calendars, and to-do lists, find one that combines all these functions. This will help you consolidate your tasks and information, making it easier to track progress and stay organized.
• Develop critical thinking skills by playing strategy games that involve building alliances and making tactical decisions. Games like chess or Risk can help you understand the complexity of strategic moves and the importance of thinking several steps ahead. As you play, consider how each move could represent a political strategy and what the potential consequences might be.
• You can deepen your understanding of the rule of law by volunteering at a local legal aid organization. By assisting in providing legal services to those who cannot afford them, you'll see firsthand the importance of equal access to justice and the consequences when it's not upheld. This experience will give you a practical perspective on the significance of the rule of law in everyday life.
• If you're involved in a volunteer organization, suggest the creation of oversight roles for various projects. This can help improve coordination and control over the organization's activities. For instance, if your community group is organizing multiple events, recommend appointing event coordinators for each one to ensure consistency and adherence to the group's objectives.
• Enhance your critical thinking by writing a comparative analysis of different government structures. Choose two distinct forms of governance, such as democracy versus authoritarianism, and list their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. By comparing and contrasting these systems, you'll gain insight into how different political frameworks can shape society, influence the distribution of power, and affect the lives of citizens.
• You can analyze your local community organizations to identify and understand their influence structures. Start by attending meetings or reviewing their published materials to see how leadership and decision-making are structured. Compare these with historical models to recognize patterns and assess how these structures impact community dynamics.
• You can foster a culture of lawful conduct in your workplace by creating a peer recognition program that rewards employees who demonstrate adherence to laws and ethical standards. For example, set up a monthly award for the 'Ethical Champion' where colleagues nominate someone who has gone above and beyond in maintaining lawful conduct. This not only encourages legal compliance but also promotes a positive work environment where lawfulness is valued and celebrated.
• You can analyze the decision-making process in your workplace by mapping out how small policy changes lead to larger shifts. Start by observing and noting down minor policy adjustments over a period of time, then review these changes to see if they correlate with any significant alterations in the company's direction or power dynamics. This will help you understand how incremental changes can lead to significant outcomes.
• You can foster a culture of active engagement by starting a "Challenge the Norm" journal where you record instances where you or others accept the status quo without question. Reflect on these entries weekly to identify patterns and brainstorm ways to advocate for change in your daily life.
• Create a decision-making framework for future collaborations that includes a checklist of criteria such as shared objectives, mutual respect, and clear communication channels. Before entering into any new partnership, use this framework to evaluate the potential for alignment and the risk of negative consequences. This could involve scoring each criterion on a scale and only proceeding with collaborations that meet a minimum threshold.
• Create a personal case study by tracking a local leader's career progression, noting the support systems and strategies that contribute to their success. Documenting this journey can provide a microcosm of larger political movements and offer a clearer picture of the mechanics behind gaining and maintaining power in a community.
• You can start a personal project, like a blog or a small online business, and consciously apply a decentralized management approach. As you build your project, make sure to delegate tasks and encourage input from any collaborators or partners. This could mean, for example, allowing guest bloggers to choose their own topics or letting a partner make independent decisions about design or content within agreed-upon guidelines.

The rise to power by the Nazis brought about profound alterations in Germany's social and cultural landscape during the era referred to as the Third Reich.

After establishing a coalition government backed by conservative groups, the Nazis quickly took action to eliminate rival political entities, break down independent social structures, and lay the foundation for an authoritarian regime where their doctrines infiltrated all facets of existence, influencing everything from cultural conventions to political procedures, and impacting every stratum of society.

Under the Nazi regime, organizations and political parties that aligned with their ideological stance were methodically substituted, eradicating any potential for dissent.

Evans suggests that while the Nazi revolution was directed by those in power, it also involved considerable involvement from the base level, with Stormtrooper units frequently starting initiatives that gained support from Hitler and his inner circle. The leadership of the Nazi party, centered in Berlin, implemented actions to disband competing political organizations and authorized the assumption of local governance by its agents across the nation.

The organizations and labor unions linked to the Communist and Social Democratic movements were systematically taken apart.

As Evans describes, on the morning of February 28, 1933, the brownshirts and SS, clad in their signature black uniforms, initiated a series of raids that led to the arrest of Communist Party members and their subsequent detention in newly set up facilities like Oranienburg, signaling the commencement of the Communist Party's systematic disassembly. The initial raid, which was disorganized and not premeditated, allowed numerous prominent Communists to evade capture, and indeed, many were never apprehended. At the beginning of March, with the peak of activity occurring just before the Reichstag elections, Göring formally established an 'auxiliary police' force, composed of individuals from the SA, SS, and Steel Helmets, which had the authority to suppress any dissent they came across, even though this power was not officially proclaimed. The Communists were an obvious target, for their street battling, their confrontations with law enforcement, their relentless advocacy for toppling the current system, and their association in the minds of many from the middle strata of society with the severe atrocities committed in Russia by Lenin and his adherents. This perception, according to Evans, facilitated the regime's efforts to vilify them by insinuating that their goal was to unleash a brutal crackdown and bloodshed in Germany similar to the 'Red Terror', threatening to obliterate private property, clamp down on religious freedoms, and cause a host of other disasters. The onslaught, both extensive and forceful, caught the Communist Party by surprise, leaving it struggling to uphold its principles. The Communist Party's belief that a 'Soviet Germany' would surface after the collapse of capitalism, leading to the bourgeoisie's fall similar to the Russian aristocracy's, led to its underestimation of the threat posed by the Nazis, its failure to predict the violent events of February 28, and its erroneous assessment of the typical middle-class German's tolerance for terror directed at others. The Social Democrats found themselves unprepared and consequently could not provide support, as the Communists had primarily targeted them as their chief opponents.

Practical Tips

• Create a virtual book club with friends or colleagues to read and discuss historical accounts or fiction that depict the dismantling of organizations and unions. Through these discussions, you can gain a deeper understanding of the social and emotional effects of such events on individuals and communities.
• You can enhance your problem-solving skills by practicing evasion tactics in a game setting. Create a scavenger hunt with friends where the goal is to reach certain checkpoints without being 'caught' by designated 'seekers.' This activity can help you think on your feet and strategize under pressure, similar to how the Communists evaded capture.
• You can explore the impact of authority on behavior by volunteering as a community mediator. By engaging in conflict resolution, you'll experience firsthand how perceived authority can influence people's willingness to conform or dissent. For example, observe how your suggestions are received compared to those from someone without a designated role.
• You can analyze political language by keeping a journal where you note down political statements and categorize them based on the emotions they evoke. This will help you understand how language is used to manipulate public perception. For example, when a politician speaks, write down key phrases they use and whether they seem to be using fear, hope, or anger to influence the audience.
• You can enhance your adaptability by practicing scenario planning for unexpected events in your personal life. Start by identifying potential surprises or disruptions that could affect your daily routine, such as a sudden job change or a family emergency. Then, brainstorm possible responses and create a basic action plan for each scenario. This exercise will train your mind to think on its feet and reduce the shock factor when faced with real-life surprises.
• You can enhance your preparedness for supporting others by creating a personal readiness plan. Start by identifying areas where you or your community may need support, such as emotional well-being or practical resources. Then, list the steps you would take to provide assistance, like learning basic counseling techniques or compiling a directory of local services. Practice these steps regularly to ensure you can act effectively when needed.