Chapter 13- Leading Personalities of the Third Reich Summary and Analysis

Hitler- Hitler used to be able to talk to everyone according to Guderian but later turns against experts and establishment advisers. He has great speaking abilities and willpower. The Germans fall under Hitler's spell, just like the French did under Napoleon. Hitler promises to free the Germans from the difficult conditions of the Versailles Treaty. Hitler is not stopped from absolute power after murdering his follower Roehm and General von Schleicher. In the beginning, Hitler successfully rearms Germany, unites it with Austria and obtains the Sudetenland without war. The military cannot oppose him because he seems to be successful. This includes the success of the Hitler-Stalin pact before the invasion of Poland. Hitler is very brave in the planning of attacks, but he is ready to panic...