The myth and cult of the "Führer"

Since the earliest days of National Socialism, Adolf Hitler has risen from the party's "drummer boy" to its unconditional "Führer," or "leader," respected and even adored by millions.

A carefully orchestrated myth, behind which Hitler the man increasingly vanishes, elevates him from a failure in everyday life into a figure chosen by providence to save the people and the nation. Hitler is considered the greatest German, the greatest statesman, the nation’s foremost artist and builder – and once war begins, the greatest general of all time. The myth portrays Hitler as a unique genius, yet also as a simple man of the folk, a man without personal needs, who "wears himself out" serving the people.

Thus arises the fantasy of an infallible superman, able to master any task. From Messiah-like vessel of salvation to good neighbor – that gives an idea of the breadth of attributes that the myth deployed to recruit people for Hitler.

Back to the overview page "The beginnings of the Nazi dictatorship"