A Little Known Historical Manifesto

Hey everyone,

For my last blog post, I had to go out with a bang. I decided to read what many would consider the most controversial book ever published. This book was written by a certain political leader that eventually became an influential figure in world history. This leader was known for seizing power in their country with the support of many of their citizens. Eventually, they began to perform certain acts that have been near-universally condemned. But why would people support this person, and by extension, their evil ideas? The book that I will review may give us an insight into how this historical event occurred, and the dangers of propaganda when people are desperate.

But how does this author argue their ideas, and what are their ideas? I'll give some historical context first. During this historical period, many people in this country were very concerned about their future, and many felt that their country and nationality were humiliated after their recent defeat in a big war. The author blames the nation's issues on various groups of people, and especially a certain ethnoreligious group. For example, these groups are blamed for economic problems like hyperinflation and unemployment. He also blamed these people for ruining their nation's culture, and the author used their personal experience as well as certain pseudoscientific ideas to justify these claims. But what is the author's solution? Remove them from society, which according to the author would be the "work of God." 

I mainly notice that this author preys on fear. They know that people are scared, and thus people are looking for any sort of explanation and solution. This book then gives people a clear "villain" to hate on, allowing for them to be dehumanized, and from then on the slippery slope continues. The author also exaggerates the extent to which their nation has declined. The blame is not placed on bad leadership or bad luck, but rather an intentional effort made by a certain racial group, which stirs up hate further.

So what did I learn from reading some of these chapters and researching the history behind this book? Hate, and the desire for revenge, is easily stirred up when people are afraid. It's much easier to imagine that complex societal issues are caused by one "enemy" than it is to understand all of the dynamics that can cause economic/societal decline. I also learned that in effective propaganda, emotions are much more important than facts. Even when ideas make no sense logically, people will believe them if they are emotionally riled up.

You may have noticed that I have left out two major details. The book's title, and the author. Let's just say that the author was an angry Austrian who was the leader of a nation from 1933-1945, and the book's originally German title translates to 'My Struggle.' I hope my post makes more sense now.

Thank you everyone for reading my blog posts this year. Enjoy your summer break!

-Jayden