Hitler's Compromises

Coercion and Consensus in Nazi Germany

By: Nathan Stoltzfus

Narrated by: Shaun Grindell

History has focused on Hitler's use of charisma and terror, asserting that the dictator made few concessions to maintain power. Nathan Stoltzfus, the award-winning author of Resistance of Heart: Intermarriage and the Rosenstrasse Protest in Germany, challenges this notion, assessing the surprisingly frequent tactical compromises Hitler made in order to preempt hostility and win the German people's complete fealty. As part of his strategy to secure a "1,000-year Reich", Hitler sought to convince the German people to believe in Nazism so they would perpetuate it permanently and actively shun those who were out of step with society. When widespread public dissent occurred at home - which most often happened when policies conflicted with popular traditions or encroached on private life - Hitler made careful calculations and acted strategically to maintain his popular image. Extending from the 1920s to the regime's collapse, this revealing history makes a powerful and original argument that will inspire a major rethinking of Hitler's rule.

©2016 Nathan Stoltzfus (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An in-depth examination of the tactical compromises Hitler made in order to consolidate power.... A lucid work of historical argumentation that succeeds in establishing compromise as a crucial instrument in Hitler's political arsenal." ( Kirkus)

Good history

Great historical review of internal German politics during WW2! Raises interesting questions about civilian influence during the war.

Hitler’s Compromises

This is a most surprising study of how Hitler and his Nazi colleagues exercised their rule over the German people. Unlike the ruthless tyranny they practiced in conquered countries, with their own people they were aware of situations where the people were very upset over the Nazi rules and expected behavior and voiced their protests. Many of these protests led to compromises and sometimes complete reversals by the Nazi authorities, even by Hitler himself as he was the ultimate decision maker who had to pass judgment on the most difficult issues. This is a truly fascinating story that sheds a different light on how Hitler and the Nazis really exercised power over the people of Germany.

History's nooks and crannies

Any additional comments?

It is far better to understand history than only to know enough to use it as a bludgeon. This is not a good first read of Hitler, but perhaps a good 4th or 5th read on the subject. It may have been better if a little shorter in length, IMO.

Reviewers who equated this material as some sort of excuse making for Hitler's indiscretions are missing the point entirely. History should never fit neatly into a little box!

Apparent attempt to "prove" Hitler wasn't so bad

Would you try another book from Nathan Stoltzfus and/or Shaun Grindell?

No

Any additional comments?

The author appears to have the thesis that if you weren't Jewish life under Hitler wasn't so bad. Of course he went after some Protestant leaders and didn't like Catholics but it was OK to oppose the Nazis -- you wouldn't have much trouble if you did. CRAP!