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AP Success - AP European History: Rise of Hitler

This excerpt is taken from the Oath of Loyalty to Adolf Hitler, which was administered to members of the German armed forces in February 1934. This was a crucial moment in the history of Nazi Germany, as it marked the consolidation of Hitler's power and his efforts to establish total control over all aspects of German society, including the military.

Source 1

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.

The Oath to Adolf Hitler, Rudolf Hess, February 1934

Question 1

Short answer

Identify one trait of a totalitarian leader described in the excerpt.

Question 2

Short answer

Identify one role of a citizen in a totalitarian society described in the excerpt.

Question 3

Short answer

Explain one way in which the excerpt's message was appealing to many Germans in the 1930s.

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