HI109 Lecture Notes - Heinrich Himmler, Mein Kampf, Hitler Youth
Document Summary
Led to the idea that internal threats (socialists, jews) defeated germany: germans were in fact defeated on the field of battle. Trying to rebuild their lives with unemployment. Challenge to preexisting cultural values: church (they had open sexuality) Old aristocracy and officer core hates the republic. They think liberals and socialists dominate the republic. The army never has full sympathy with the republic: many member of the army welcome hitler. Difficult to form strong coalition to deal with the country. By 1930-31 it is virtually at a standstill: conservatives turn to the right to keep the communists out (hitler 1933) Spencer takes darwinism ideas and applies to humans. Survival of the fittest: end of traditional morality or honour, it is moral if it means survival, strengthened national bonds. A government run by the nazi party serves all the people, not just the business elite. Anti-semitic because many big business elites are jewish: enslaved good ordinary germans, gathered good benefits.
