Written By Rishab Ramanan (Grade 11)
From being a simple soldier in World War One, to becoming a historical and controversial leader, Hitler’s rise and rule was highly unprecedented yet very impactful on the country of Germany. Hitler’s vison at the time couldn’t have been more patriotic, and yet very understandable, considering the ruins of World War One on Germany. His methods to help the country however, are most certainly debatable. So, here is what I would do differently if I were in the shoes of Adolf Hitler.
Hitler’s goal had 3 motives: reunite the German population, create space for all Germans to live together and to abolish the Treaty of Versailles. In my opinion, this caused him to act the way he did – heartlessly achieving his goals. I would go about this differently and bring up Germany through a more peaceable method, gaining trust and support rather than causing tension and war. What I would do first is prevent the massacre of not just the Jews, but the Romanian gypsies and homosexuals as well. I would allow and create an environment in which they were safe and could live by their beliefs. Given the larger context at that time, I would have to also ensure they did not make the rest of society uncomfortable. This act would allow me to reach out to new followers and spread a good message through a society which was facing struggle, thereby helping my position, and lifting my image in a positive way.
Secondly, to ensure he united the population and acquire more space for all of them to live in, Hitler annexed and invaded neighbouring territories. I would avoid this. Rather, I would sign treaties with neighbouring countries to share land with our population along with enforcing laws that ensure the protection of the German inhabitants and their beliefs. In those countries, rather than exploiting the policy of appeasement and disrupting borders, which caused panic, I would take advantage of the fact that no one wanted anymore war at that point; considering World WarOne had just ended. I would endeavour to show that Germany was also turning a new leaf and could be trusted.
Lastly, the Treaty of Versailles. Rather than destroying it and blatantly opposing communism, I would garner the support of the League of Nations – mainly USA, France, and Russia. Furthermore, signing truces with Russia and France, promising no violence or harm to both countries. Securing Germany’s borders and proving that as a country we can be trusted, I would then proceed to negotiate with the League to allow a redo of the Treaty of Versailles that would offer Germany growth options as a country, so that we could fund ourselves and help ourselves. With the support of my people and the diplomatic methods that I had showcased through my past actions, I could hopefully convince them that I’m not seeking war. Instead, I would exemplify peace and harmonious relations with countries, and justice for the unjust deeds done to my country.
If I consider it objectively, what Hitler did was most certainly fair on his part. I fully support his ideas and vision to help the country he was born in. While his methods seem unruly, irrational, violent and bizarre, the position Germany was in after the war to the position he brought it to deserves full credit and appreciation. So, even though we all have our opinions about his rule and actions we must consider what kind of an environment he had to deal with before coming to our conclusions. Peace is always a better option but sometimes, war is inevitable.
Featured Image Courtesy – About Holocaust
