The World At War 1973(World War II Documentary) 01.A New Germany (1933–1939)

Auradur Surglan: A Tragic Narrative

• Location: Auradur Surglan, France

• Historical Context: On a summer day in 1944, soldiers arrived in Auradur.

• Impact on Community: The village had been inhabited for a thousand years; soldiers left only hours later, resulting in its destruction.

• Events That Unfolded:

  • Men were taken to garages and barns.

  • Women and children were gathered and led into the church, where they heard gunfire as men were executed.

  • Women and children were subsequently killed.

• Aftermath:

  • The remaining ruins serve as a memorial to the community's martyrdom, representing countless other similar tragedies in war-affected areas worldwide.

The Rise of Nazism in Germany: A Historical Account

• Initial Arrival of National Socialists (1933):

  • Germany was recovering from economic hardships and issues stemming from the Treaty of Versailles.

  • Many viewed the Nazis as absurd or temporary, yet they gained power through political manipulation.

• Adolf Hitler's Appointment as Chancellor:

  • Politicians believed they could control Hitler.

  • Hindenburg remained a symbolic leader as Hitler's popularity fluctuated.

• Parliamentary Maneuvering:

  • The Reichstag fire allowed Hitler to suspend civil liberties, leading to the quick transformation from office to dictatorship.

  • The Reichstag voted to grant Hitler powers without parliamentary oversight.

  • Effective consolidation of power occurred with Hindenburg's silent compliance.

Consolidation of Power and Repression

• Targeting Enemies:

  • Hitler's regime immediately targeted Communists, Socialists, and journalists.

• Early Repression Tactics:

  • The Iranian-Borg concentration camp served as an initial site of bullying rather than outright murder.

• Anti-Jewish Campaigns Begin:

  • SA's organized boycotts of Jewish businesses aimed to normalize anti-Semitic sentiments.

  • Some viewed these actions as extreme, while Hitler's campaign against Jews proceeded unhindered.

• Cultural Purges:

  • Books associated with Jewish culture were burned, leading to a flight of intellectuals from Germany.

  • Many Jews viewed the campaign as a temporary radicalization.

The Nazi Social Order and Economic Promises

• Support for the Regime:

  • The Nazis drew support from the disillusioned middle-class individuals affected by the depression.

  • Hitler appealed to farmers, promising security of land and basic needs (bread).

• Blame for Economic Struggles:

  • Resentment towards the Treaty of Versailles fueled Hitler's rhetoric of reclaiming lost territories.

• International Perceptions:

  • Some foreign leaders admired the revitalized German spirit under Nazi leadership, often ignoring negative reports.

The Transformation of Society Under Nazi Rule

• Control and Manipulation:

  • The Nazis used propaganda to cultivate a sense of community, abolishing unions while granting privileges in symbolic gestures (e.g., May Day holiday).

  • A narrative emerged that emphasized unity and shared suffering.

• Mass Mobilization:

  • The building of the autobahns and public works programs showcased the regime's economic claims.

  • Militarization efforts included training youth for military roles, expanding the armed forces secretly beyond Versailles limits.

Aggressive Expansionism and the Road to War

• Territorial Ambitions:

  • Reoccupation of the Rhineland (March 1936) was a pivotal moment, marking defiance against the Allies.

  • The annexation of Austria without resistance validated Hitler's aggressive strategies.

• Czechoslovakia Crisis:

  • Sudetenland was a focus point, leading to Munich Agreement and subsequent invasion of the Czech lands in March 1939, ending democracy.

• The Start of World War II:

  • The Nazi-Soviet Pact in August 1939 sealed Poland's fate, leading to Germany's invasion and the official start of the war.

The Fractured Society: Moral Dilemmas and Resistance

• Public Perception and Complicity:

  • Many Germans wanted to reclaim perceived lost territory rather than pursue imperial ambitions.

• Ethical Decisions:

  • Resistance to tyranny posed risks, creating a moral quandary for those who recognized the regime's abuses after they impacted their lives directly.

• Kristallnacht (November 1938):

  • Felled Jewish communities symbolically through violent reprisals and terror following a Jewish assassination of a diplomat.

• Personal Accounts of Horror:

  • Eyewitness testimonies detail the brutality and violence during the pogroms, exploring the intense fear instilled in communities.

Nazi Rule Seen Through Personal Experiences

• Witness Accounts:

  • Various testimonies provide insight into the atmosphere of fear and tumult under Nazi rule, capturing the pervasive atmosphere of hostility towards Jews and dissent.

• Impact of Propaganda:

  • Hysterical media narratives stoked fears of war and bolstered nationalist sentiments.

  • Personal stories reflect a transformation in community perceptions of neighbors and the surrounding environment.

Reasons for Abandonment of Roads: No one lives down that road anymore due to the historical significance and tragedies associated with it, serving as a reminder of past atrocities, marked by the impact of WWII, especially the events that transpired in villages like Auradur Surglan.

Public Sentiment Towards the Nazi Party: The sentiment varies; some Germans admired Hitler’s ability to restore national pride and stability, while others feared and opposed the regime's brutality.

Steps to Hitler's Rise to Power:

1. Economic hardships post WWI and Treaty of Versailles grievances.

2. Political manipulation and promises of revitalization.

3. Appointment as Chancellor, believing he could be controlled.

4. Utilization of the Reichstag fire to suspend civil liberties, enabling dictatorial powers.

Initial Campaign Against the Jews: The campaign aimed to normalize anti-Semitic sentiments and scapegoat Jews for Germany’s issues, serving as a form of social control and unification against a common enemy.

Supporters of Hitler: Support typically came from disillusioned middle-class individuals, conservatives, and nationalists who sought stability and a return to traditional values.

American Perception of Germany: As of now, America views Germany with a mix of suspicion, concern regarding military build-up, and as a potential threat, yet some admire the revitalization of German energy.

Hans Kehrl’s View: Kehrl noted that the Nazi party was an effective unifier of the German people and their ambitions.

Konrad Morgen's Perspective: Morgen provided a critical view of Hitler’s ambitions, highlighting the disconnect between idealism and reality in the regime’s methods.

Heinz Reinheimer’s Comments: Reinheimer remarked on the alarming militarization and societal changes under Hitler’s rhetoric and governance.

Accomplishments in First Year: In his first year, Hitler accomplished the re-establishment of military strength and initiated vast public works programs to reduce unemployment.

Origins of the SS: The SS originated as a personal guard unit for Hitler but evolved into a powerful paramilitary organization; Ewald von Kleist expressed concerns about its growing influence.

Oath of the Army: The army now swore an oath to Hitler rather than the constitution, symbolizing loyalty to the Führer.

Longevity of Germany Under Hitler: Questions arose whether Germany could endure for 1,000 years based solely on Hitler’s leadership model, indicating skepticism regarding its sustainability.

Party Presentation: The Nazi party and its leaders presented themselves as the saviors of Germany, promoting strong nationalism and unity.

Public Opinion on Nazi Leaders: General feelings towards Nazi leaders were mixed; some admired their strength while others feared their oppressive tactics.

Addressing Unemployment: The Nazis countered unemployment through military rearmament, public works, and promoting a sense of national purpose.

Werner Pusch on Speeches and Rallies: Pusch recounted the emotional fervor and the indoctrination of crowds during Hitler’s speeches, indicating their impact on public sentiment.

Eva Braun: Braun was Hitler's long-time companion, famously known for her closeness to him, yet remained largely in the background of political affairs.

Children and Old Women Handling Weapons: This was a part of Nazi ideology to prepare the populace for defense, instilling militaristic values from a young age and across demographics.

Global Tolerance of German Armament: The world allowed such build-up due to political expediency and the hope of containing Hitler through appeasement policies.

Territorial Incorporation: Other countries/territories allowed themselves to become part of Germany due to existing ethnic ties, coercion, or political maneuvers by the Nazis.

Crystal Night Description: “Crystal Night” refers to the pogrom against Jewish communities on November 9-10, 1938, marked by widespread violence and destruction of property, symbolizing escalating anti-Semitic sentiments.

Changes in Germany under Hitler’s Rule: On Hitler’s 50th birthday, Germany was transformed socially, economically, and politically, marked by militarization and suppression of dissent.

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact: The shocking aspect of this pact was the ideological contradiction of two opposing regimes agreeing to not attack one another, allowing Hitler strategic advantages in Europe before the war.