Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis

Hitler's Germany celebrates its German history and culture, symbolizing its regained sense of significance in the world. Even for a ten year old like Alfons, the Nuremburg Party Congress is a week-long feverish celebration of Germany. The Hitler Youth is the most fanatical Nazi organization and Hitler praises them to the skies because he knows he needs them. The Nuremburg Congress also contains many strictly organized marches.

When Hitler appears, the Hitler Youth are ecstatic. Hitler then begins one of his famous speeches, starting slowly and building to a fever pitch. The emotional impact of the speech is enormous; Hitler connects emotionally with the crowd and encourages the children to believe that one day they will rule the world. For minutes the children yell at the top of their lungs, crying, "Sieg Heil!" At the end of the 1938 Congress, Hitler gives...