298: The Nazis: Total Power (Part 4)

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Tom and Dominic delve into the rise of Adolf Hitler to the chancellorship in 1933 and the subsequent establishment of a totalitarian regime in Germany. They analyze the political landscape, the roles of key figures like Hindenburg and Goebbels, and the critical decisions made by various parties that paved the way for Nazi control. The discussion covers the exploitation of the Reichstag fire, the manipulation of legal processes, and the terror campaign against communists and social democrats. They also explore the seduction of young people by Nazi propaganda and the broader lessons for democracy, including the importance of drawing firm lines against extremism. The hosts debate whether the events were inevitable, the role of the First World War, and the unique nature of Nazi motives compared to other totalitarian regimes. They conclude by pondering whether such a scenario could recur, albeit in a different form, and emphasize the importance of understanding history to safeguard against future threats.