protomattr reviewed They Thought They Were Free by Milton Mayer
Review of 'They Thought They Were Free' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
In this fascinating book, ten ordinary Germans from the same small town are interviewed shortly after WWII about their experiences as Nazis. What made them join? What drew them to Hitler? Why did some of them participate in burning down the town's synagogue? The answers are complex, revealing complexities in German culture and humanity itself. Hitler's appeal to the little man is a major theme, and it is striking how little blame the ten Germans assign to him, instead wishing to blame those around him. Hitler fought for the little men, in their minds, and for a time, their lives were better. Consequently, there was little resistance to the piecemeal construction of an evil empire, and denial that Hitler could have committed genocide, or indeed, that such genocide existed. One can't help but feel for these people who were betrayed, and take it as a lesson against populism.
Mayer also …
In this fascinating book, ten ordinary Germans from the same small town are interviewed shortly after WWII about their experiences as Nazis. What made them join? What drew them to Hitler? Why did some of them participate in burning down the town's synagogue? The answers are complex, revealing complexities in German culture and humanity itself. Hitler's appeal to the little man is a major theme, and it is striking how little blame the ten Germans assign to him, instead wishing to blame those around him. Hitler fought for the little men, in their minds, and for a time, their lives were better. Consequently, there was little resistance to the piecemeal construction of an evil empire, and denial that Hitler could have committed genocide, or indeed, that such genocide existed. One can't help but feel for these people who were betrayed, and take it as a lesson against populism.
Mayer also argues that the German culture is uniquely primed for authoritarian rule, describes its encircled geographic location as a "pressure cooker" periodically requiring release. One of the most striking points for me was the comparison between the German and the Jew. The Germans also had a dislike for the Gypsies, but since they were poor they made for a poor scapegoat. The Jews, on the other hand, were different but also successful in their niche professions. Mayer says this Jewish "superman," in his own "pressure cooker" as he was encircled by hostile gentiles, was essentially German. Indeed, he says, "Germany is the Jew among nations." Chosen people, master race. It's an intriguing comparison.
I primarily enjoyed the first part of this book, mostly containing the conversations with the ten ex-Nazis, and a centuries-deep foundation for its setting, Kronenburg. The remainder of the book was interesting as well, containing Mayer's analysis of the German people, and his take on the occupation. This last part was fascinating in a historical sense, since at the time he wrote this reunification was far in the future and the Cold War was heating up. Observing Germany today with this historical perspective in mind possibly gives one optimism for the "pressure cooker" nations of today. If only we can relate to their people.
