AP Success - AP European History: Totalitarianism in the Third Reich
The Oath to Adolf Hitler, Rudolf Hess, February 1934"Loyalty not only in deed, but in character is demanded of you. Loyalty of character often demands no less heroic virtue than does loyalty in deed. Loyalty in character is unbreakable loyalty, a loyalty that knows no ifs or buts, that knows no weakening, Loyalty in character means absolute obedience that does not question the results of the order nor its reasons, but rather obeys for the sake of obedience itself. Such obedience is an expression of heroic character when following the order leads to personal disadvantage or seems even to contradict one’s personal convictions. Adolf Hitler’s strength as a leader is that he almost always works through the power of his persuasion; rarely does he command. He must know, however, that when he commands, or allows a command to be given, that it will be obeyed absolutely, down to the last block warden."
Question 1
According to Rudolf Hess, what is the nature of the loyalty demanded of followers of Adolf Hitler?
Loyalty based on personal advantage
Loyalty that encourages personal convictions over obedience
Unconditional and unquestioning obedience
Loyalty that is flexible and adaptable to circumstances
Question 2
The source reflects which of the following characteristics of totalitarian regimes?
The support for a multiparty political system
The encouragement of open debate and criticism of leadership
The promotion of individual freedoms and dissent
The expectation of absolute obedience to the leader
Question 3
Rudolf Hess's description of loyalty and obedience primarily serves to reinforce which aspect of Hitler's leadership?
His reliance on legal-rational authority to govern
His willingness to consider the opinions of his subordinates
His preference for democratic decision-making processes
His authority and the expectation of compliance with his commands
Question 4
The concept of 'loyalty in character' as described by Hess is most indicative of which type of obedience?
Obedience that is conditional on the outcomes of the orders
Obedience as a result of consensus and agreement
Obedience based on critical evaluation of orders
Obedience for the sake of obedience itself
Question 5
The emphasis on 'loyalty of character' and 'absolute obedience' in Hess's oath is most closely associated with which political ideology?
Socialism
Liberalism
Conservatism
Fascism
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