Hitler Could Have Been Stopped
Timothy W. Ryback explains the contemporary lessons of Hitler’s rise.
TL;DR
- Timothy W. Ryback's new book, *53 Days: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy*, covers the 53-day period in 1933 when Hitler transitioned from chancellor to effectively dissolving the democratic Weimar Republic.
- Ryback notes that while not overtly referencing contemporary politics, the book's historical narrative contains striking parallels to modern times.
- Examples of these parallels include Hitler's focus on tariffs, attempts to dismiss his central banker, and his skill in inflaming populist grievances.
- Hitler's success was attributed to his understanding of democratic processes and his strategy of never admitting defeat, always doubling down.
- Ryback highlights Hitler's use of election results (37% of the vote) to justify his claim to control the country, employing a complex logic to consolidate power.