What Would Adolf Hitler Think of East Germany?
Adolf Hitler vehemently opposed communism and Marxism, leading to a diametrically opposed view of the political landscape that emerged in the aftermath of World War II. East Germany, officially known as the German Democratic Republic (GDR), was a communist state aligned with the Soviet Union, an entity that Hitler saw as the arch-enemy of his Nazi ideology and the German people.
Hitler's View of East Germany
Given his staunch anti-communist stance, the question arises: what would Hitler think of East Germany if he were to visit it after the war? Indeed, it is a speculative exercise, but many historians and commentators have explored the possibility. East Germany, while communist, retained many characteristics that would have appealed to the Nazi leader:
A Very German, White, Organized Land
East Germany was a meticulously organized society, much like the Prussian lands that Hitler admired. Prussian values, known for their strictness and order, were highly regarded and reflected in the political and social structures. In many ways, East Germany can be described as a Nazi-utopia, lacking only the grandeur of Nazi architecture and the supposed racial purity that Hitler envisaged. It was a land of racial purity, a concept that would have deeply resonated with a man like Hitler.
Personal Connections and Place
Hitler had a deep affection for certain German cities, such as K?nigsberg, Breslau, and Posen. He held these places in such high regard that he allowed them to be turned to ruins in exchange for a few more days of life. These cities held significant sentimental value for him, making them dear to his heart. It is likely that if he were to revisit these places in their new communist guise, he would be more disturbed about the political division of Germany rather than specifically about the East-German state.
The Nature of Governance
Hitler himself envisioned a totalitarian regime, albeit under Nazi rule. The fact that East Germany was a police state would not have been new or shocking to him, as he was familiar with and even encouraged similar structures during his reign. However, if East Germany wasn't Nazi, it would still be a form of totalitarianism that would align more closely with his vision than a liberal democratic state.
Division of Germany
One of the most striking aspects of East Germany that would have perplexed Hitler was its existence as a separate state within Germany. Despite the division, he might not have found the mere existence of the GDR particularly troublesome or revolutionary. After all, Germany was indeed divided, and it was the outcome of the war he had lost, which he often attributed to factors beyond his control.
The Thoughts of a Dying Nazi
Hitler’s writings and speeches in the final days of the war reveal a profound sense of victimization. He believed that the Slavic peoples had proven themselves stronger and that the German people consequently deserved their fate. This mindset would have likely led him to view the communist state and the division of Germany with a more rational, albeit equally tragic, perspective.
The Irony of Admiration
Even with the divide, and especially not considering the liberal democratic West, East Germany’s strict authoritarianism might have garnered his respect. However, its smaller size relative to the pre-war German state would have certainly not been overlooked. Hitler might have admired the ruthlessly effective authoritarian regime but noted its lack of size and influence compared to the greatness of the Third Reich.
Overall, while the exact thoughts of Adolf Hitler on East Germany remain conjecture, it is clear that any hypothetical opinion would likely have been a complex combination of shock, disappointment, and a certain sort of admiration for the totalitarian governance that aligned with his own ideals.