January 30 of 2010 marked the 77th anniversary of Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany. On that day, the Nazi leader was sworn in as Chancellor of the Weimar Republic. The number 77 is mystical, and the Nazis were known for their love for mysticism. Further we will explore some Nazi-related myths.
One of the contemporary myths suggests that Hitler came to power lawfully and democratically. Obviously, this myth is used as a horror story prior to virtually any election. In reality, this statement is false. This historic experience only attests to riskiness of elections in terms of formal democracy coupled with unfair practices of the election campaigns.
Adolf Hitler and his party seized the power employing complex, formally democratic procedures and dirty election techniques. They utilized non-constitutional “emergency” lawmaking, administrative annihilation of the country’s federal system, and, most importantly, games and intrigues in the executive offices.
Election campaign conducted by National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP) could not serve as an example of lawful and honest politics. First, the campaign was based on demagogy and populism, leaving the people unaware of the real purposes and methods of the Nazis. Anti-capitalist and socialist slogans were widely used.
The party who proclaimed itself as “socialist” and “workers” had no intentions of justifying these attributes in practice. On the contrary, it created blocks with the most conservative parties of Germany who represented the interests of the big money.
Hermann Goering once wrote a letter to a German manufacturer saying that the latter should not be confused with the texts of the party’s posters. He stated that the ends justified the means, and that every party enticed the voters with slogans. This example clearly shows the intentional deception of the voters.
Second, the Nazis used dirty intimidation and “false choice” techniques. The voters were mobilized with a threat of communist power. Twice deceived voters gave their votes to the NSDAP. They believed they were choosing patriotic socialism (and not the Nazism) over the Communist Party of Germany (KPD).
Third, besides election techniques and lies, the Nazis used direct pressure and terror by removing from political struggle and physically eliminating their competitors. They also employed provocations, including arson attack on the Reichstag building in Berlin on 27 February 1933, a month after Hitler was appointed Reichschancellor.
Yet, despite all tricks and ploys, constitutional struggle of Nazis for power was not always successful. Contrary to general opinion, the Nazis never received the absolute majority in the German Parliament lawfully and democratically.
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