Many historians form their opinions of why and how dates cause dramatic historical events over the course of many centuries. For example, most historians believe Nazism began when the German military was defeated in 1918 which caused the uprising of Nazis in Germany. One historian however believed that this was not the case of how Nazism began in Germany. Peter Fritzsche states his argument in his book “Germans into Nazis,” he describes how Germans became Nazis on their own accord.
Fritzsche pin points in his argument that Nazism began precisely in August 1914 when Germans are clearly unified for the first time. This moment was referred to as “August Days” when the declaration of war caused a huge unity within the nation or “Volk” in Germany. Fritzsche states in his book how Hitler was among the Germans uniting for the war during 1914. “As Hitler himself reported, the declaration of war produced a sense of Germanness that filled him with ecstasy. … In his eyes the summer of 1914 was truly historic because it has created a new historical subject in world history—the German Volk—one unencumbered by the past history and past inequities and finally unified to claim its imperial destiny.” (Fritzsche, 07) Fritzsche further discusses that as the war effort continues for a couple years and the once unified nation begins dividing through politics. “… wartime censorship laws were relaxed and vigorous debates on war aims, unrestricted submarine warfare, and suffrage reform followed, revealing more clearly the political divisions of the German people, but also enlarging the parts they played in the political process. From Left to Right citizens mustered themselves in politics….” (Frizsche, 63,64) I feel that Frizsche’s argument is partially true. The “August Days” when Germans are unified for the first time and supporting the war effort could be considered the beginning influence of Nazism, but not necessarily the defining moment of Nazism.
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1914 as a start to Nazism is an interesting claim. While I think that you can look to that date for as a paradigm shift in German history, I feel that it is a tad premature to annoint that date as a rising tide for the Nazi's. In my opinion, the rise of the Nazi's wasn't inevitable at all, and without several very determined individuals, who took advantage of the some of the effects of 1914, the national socialist movement could have died at mulitiple points in time throughout the 20's and into the early 30's.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I agree that this was the start of Nazism. However, I feel this was the start of the solidarity that Nazism brought about in Germany. This was the first time so many Germans were united in thinking what they could accomplish as a new nation. Still, there were other factors which led to Nazism becoming a staple of Germany during those times.
ReplyDeleteI think it was a big boost for mass politics that eventually led to Nazism but I really don't think the August days were tied to the development directly. The only effect it had was an increase in active participation which you could argue contributed to the climate for the fragmentation in future politics. That is people more inclined to make demands and splitting from the main, more stable parties.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the other comments. I don't think tha Fritzsche sees 1914 as the origins of Nazism and the moment that Germans became Nazis. Rather, I think he chooses that date to show how people not only became more involved in politicas but also how they changed their thinking about the relationship between people and their leaders.
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