Did Hitler Say 'Make Germany Great Again'? A Closer Look at Hitler's Rhetoric

The question of whether Hitler said the phrase 'Make Germany great again' is often the subject of historical debate. While the exact slogan ‘Make Germany great again’ was not Hitler's, his rhetoric reflects a similar sentiment aimed at restoring and growing the power and influence of Germany. Let's delve deeper into the context and details of Hitler's objectives and how they align or differ with contemporary political slogans.

Hitler's Philosophical Foundations and Rhetoric

Hitler's ideology, rooted in National Socialism, envisioned a powerful and expansive Germany. He never used the specific phrase 'Make Germany great again' in his speeches or writings. However, his rhetoric often contained the idea of restoring Germany to its former prominence, which he associated with the period before World War I.

He did not think that Germany was ever truly great in his eyes. Instead, Hitler portrayed the 'men of November 1918', who signed the Armistice, as the ones to blame for Germany's supposed decline. His speeches often resounded with the notion of fighting against the establishment to create a strong Germany.

The concept of 'Greater Germany' was central to Hitler's vision. He sought to unite Germany with Austria and incorporate the lost territories. This idea of a larger, more powerful Germany was a driving force in his political campaigns, though it was not expressed in the exact phrase 'Make Germany great again'.

Historical Rhetoric of Fear and Respect

While Hitler did not directly use the phrase 'Make Germany great again', his rhetoric often aimed to instill fear and respect for Germany. The National Socialist ideology, similar to Soviet Communism, saw the phrase 'love of country' as outdated. Hitler believed that Germany needed to be feared rather than respected, as respect had to be earned through strength and power.

Contemporary Parallel: Donald Trump and 'Make America Great Again'

There is a scene from a 2015 German independent comedy film where Hitler is shown waking up in the modern-day site of his bunker. In this fictional scenario, the character uses a phrase quite similar to 'Make America great again', which was a campaign promise by former U.S. President Donald Trump. While Trump did borrow his slogan from Ronald Reagan, it's important to note the historical context and the differences in their motivations and ideologies.

While both Hitler and Trump sought to rally support through the rhetoric of restoring greatness, the methods and underlying ideologies were vastly different. Trump used 'Make America great again' as a rallying cry to restore economic prosperity and national pride, drawing upon the success of the Reagan era. Hitler, on the other hand, sought to achieve his goals through more radical and often destructive means, rooted in his belief in racial superiority and a totalitarian state.

Darker Aspects of Hitler's Rhetoric

It's also important to address the darker aspects of Hitler's rhetoric. He was not shy about explicitly stating that Jews and those who opposed his policies would face severe consequences. This aspect of his rhetoric is chilling and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of extremist ideologies.

In conclusion, while Hitler did not use the exact phrase 'Make Germany great again', his rhetoric was aimed at restoring and growing the power and influence of Germany. This aspiration for greatness, however, was accompanied by a highly authoritarian and ultimately destructive ideology. Understanding the context and motivations behind historical rhetoric is crucial for learning from the past and avoiding the pitfalls of extremist narratives.