A couple weeks ago, I was in one of the largest cities in Germany, Munich. There I took in some of the beautiful sights and enjoyed all of the buildings and monuments that I have studied throughout my time as a historian. Munich was especially perfect for me to visit because it was the city in which Adolf Hitler began to accumulate followers in the 1920's.
Now, if you don't know me, I have spent almost my entire life studying Nazi Germany, as well as the Soviet Union. They are my biggest passions and puzzles as a historian and a lover of politics. Finally being in the city in which Hitler made some of his greatest political allies was powerful. To make a long story short for the sake of my readers, Nazism was born in Munich.
This got me thinking about a possible article I could write about my time spent there. Whilst I was thinking about it, I read an angry social media post about none other than the probable Republican nominee for the presidency, Donald Trump.
This got me to thinking I could say how Donald Trump and Hitler were alike, because of Donald Trump’s ideological similarities to Adolf Hitler. But that would turn into a really complicated article that most people wouldn’t be able to fully read and appreciate unless I cited all of my sources and then put a huge glossary at the end for words like Schutzstaffel and Sturmabteilung.
So, today, instead of talking about how both men were pushing to make their countries great again, I’m going to discuss why Hitler was a better leader, politician, and overall guy to have a beer with.
Disclaimer: Yes, I understand that Hitler rose a movement which resulted in a catastrophic loss of human life. I do not condone those actions which were perpetrated by Hitler himself, or any other leaders in the SS, SD, or SA, which resulted in the murder of innocent people(s).
1. Hitler was a better speaker.
Hitler is still known as one of the greatest speakers of the twentieth century. His ability to move people with his fervor and his poetic verse is easily seen in any video of his speeches.
Donald Trump however, is very repetitive and often sloppy in his speaking or answering of questions. He also comes off as very sarcastic and not very inspirational, if you ask me.
2. Hitler was well versed in politics.
Hitler was a well-read man, very versed in politics, and absolutely well thought out in every political move he ever made. He was never sloppy or too spontaneous. He was always prepared and completely informed.
Donald Trump has often had to apologize and retract statements in which he forgot to filter his words or let his pride get the best of him. He also has demonstrated a very small understanding of politics through his incomplete and often unrelated answers to questions on the debate stage. If you don't believe me, watch the video of his answer to the question about America's nuclear triad.
3. Hitler was an artist.
Hitler was an accomplished artist, poet, and lover of the arts. He was extremely well versed in Opera, stemming back from his youth at which time he discovered Richard Wager's works. And because of that, he was able to better encapsulate the image of Nazi Germany, and create the Gesamtkunstwerk (ascetic ideal and all encompassing work of art) that would become the Third Reich. That's how Hitler got his power.
Donald Trump has shown very little artistic prowess, but a lot about his own art. That being "The Art of the Deal," his 1987 book, which he brings up more than a few times throughout the debates. Trump's lack of ascetic ideology and artistic design make his movement a lot less appealing to everyone. If he took a page out of "Mein Kampf" instead of his "Art of the Deal," maybe he would be able to make his campaign have a much better image for the American people.
4. Hitler actually served in the military.
Hitler served in the First World War after being rejected from art school. He was awarded quite a few medals, including some of the highest medals for bravery. He was wounded in combat and actually saw the end of the war from a hospital bed.
Donald Trump has never served in the military, and has faced criticism for his dodging of the draft during the Vietnam War.
5. Hitler was popular.
Hitler had more than enough popularity with politicians, as well as the people of Germany. So much, in fact, that they ignored the fact that he went to prison in 1923. Hitler had a lot of political allies and a lot of support from the public to help his rise to power.
According to Huffington Post’s poll chart, Donald Trump is sitting at only a 34% favorable popularity. That, along with his abrasiveness toward the Republican Party and many of its key figures, could spell out an unsuccessful political career.
All in all, there are lots of ways that Hitler was a more intelligent, more prepared, and more successful man. His rise from humble beginnings to being leader of the most powerful military on the planet is astonishing. Trump’s rise from his “modest loan” of $1,000,000 is less than impressive.
At the end of the day, however, both men wanted the same thing. They both wanted to blame the problems of the world on a couple races and religions, and pretend that the country they once knew would come back into fruition if you just removed a few million people from it. Because of Heydrich,
Hitler removed those people with bullets, gas, and mass graves. Trump wants to do it through harsh deportations and the turning away of Islamic peoples. In reality, the differences between these two men shouldn’t be the issue. It is the similarities between them which you should be scared of.
