Scan barcode
A review by mattlb
The Death of Democracy: Hitler's Rise to Power and the Downfall of the Weimar Republic by Benjamin Carter Hett
5.0
Fantastic. Focuses on the key events and people of the Weimar Republic without digressions in a page turning, compact account.
Dispels common conceptions that led to Hitler’s rise, such as depression or reparations, while also focusing on the psyche of the German nation and its post WWI leaders.
Lays out well the Nazi propaganda victories and their rapid rise to prominence through synchronizing their message with rural Protestant voters. Later the book describes the consolidation of power through elimination of the press and rule of law.
The book illustrates the political intrigue and mishandling of the situation by establishment politicians (and at times nazi leaders) and the aftermath well. Some of the results are shockingly ironic.
Most fascinating is the description of the Weimar constitution and its shortfalls, and the dilemmas of preserving rule of law while ineffectually trying to bring the nazi party into a legitimate coalition government to moderate their views and defeat legislative gridlock.
While there are some passages that focus on the terrors faced by individuals, and the specter of horrific violence and genocide is never forgotten, this was not a book that was painful to read because it focuses on the politics of the era before the emergence of mass tragedy.
Incredible as both a historical account and as a description of a state in constitutional crisis. Many of the propaganda positions, rhetoric, and hopes of compromise mentioned will seem alarmingly similar to present day politics.
Dispels common conceptions that led to Hitler’s rise, such as depression or reparations, while also focusing on the psyche of the German nation and its post WWI leaders.
Lays out well the Nazi propaganda victories and their rapid rise to prominence through synchronizing their message with rural Protestant voters. Later the book describes the consolidation of power through elimination of the press and rule of law.
The book illustrates the political intrigue and mishandling of the situation by establishment politicians (and at times nazi leaders) and the aftermath well. Some of the results are shockingly ironic.
Most fascinating is the description of the Weimar constitution and its shortfalls, and the dilemmas of preserving rule of law while ineffectually trying to bring the nazi party into a legitimate coalition government to moderate their views and defeat legislative gridlock.
While there are some passages that focus on the terrors faced by individuals, and the specter of horrific violence and genocide is never forgotten, this was not a book that was painful to read because it focuses on the politics of the era before the emergence of mass tragedy.
Incredible as both a historical account and as a description of a state in constitutional crisis. Many of the propaganda positions, rhetoric, and hopes of compromise mentioned will seem alarmingly similar to present day politics.