295: The Rise of the Nazis (Part 1)

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Tom and Dominic delve into the rise of the Nazis, marking the 90th anniversary of Hitler's ascent to power in 1933. They explore the unsettling reality of the Nazis' constitutional rise, contrasting it with the Bolsheviks' revolution, and examine how a cultured, advanced nation like Germany fell under Hitler's spell. The discussion covers various historical interpretations, including the Sonderweg thesis, the influence of Bismarck, Marxist perspectives, and the role of Christian anti-Semitism. They also touch on the impact of Darwinism, racial theories, and the cultural anxieties of the late 19th century, setting the stage for understanding the extremist ideologies that took root. The hosts trace the origins of Nazism back to Bismarck's Second Reich, highlighting the militaristic character of the state and the distrust of the Social Democrats. They analyze Hitler's personal transformation, from a failed artist in Vienna to a charismatic speaker in Munich, and the formation of the Nazi Party, emphasizing the role of World War I and the chaotic aftermath in shaping his worldview and the party's ideology.