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Longerich also seeks to debunk the theory that Hitler had an irresistible charisma that captivated Germans, arguing it was largely artificially constructed by the Nazi propaganda machine which pumped out pictures of entranced fans at rallies.

Sure, the Nazis were good at propaganda displays. But many, many Germans were captivated and followed him blindly. One doesn't exclude the other.

He may also be setting the bar too high. Most Germans weren't in a state of constant ecstasy about Hitler, but they were inspired enough to believe in him and to follow him to their doom. Wasn't that bad enough?

[sparklite2]

If I were living in Weimar Germany, I might
be tempted to give a “strong horse” a whole
lot of leeway in getting my country out of
the mess Versailles forced it into.