In Adolf Hitler’s manifesto, “Mein Kampf” (My Struggle), Hitler detailed the fundamental components of Nazism and defined propaganda as a mode to influence public opinion and mobilize mass sentiment. Hitler cited propaganda as, “the way to attention and thence to the heart of the broad masses” (Hitler, 1925, p. 180). Mein Kampf offers a glimpse into the manipulative methods employed by autocratic regimes to shape collective memory and foster widespread solidarity through emotional appeal. While the use of propaganda is not unique to Authoritarian governments, the goals—such as consolidating power, promoting fascist ideologies, and mobilizing broad support allow dictatorial regimes to differentiate their propaganda from its more innocent uses.
Autocratic rule, characterized by suppression of dissent, centralized control, and cultivating a cult of personality, relies heavily on rewriting history to legitimize its present. Historical memory is not merely an objective recollection of events; it is a social construct, molded by societal understanding and identity.
Following World War I, Germany, completely decimated by the harsh punishments of the Treaty of Versailles imposed ‘war guilts’ and the failures of the Weimar Republic grew resentment. Exploiting the widespread discontent among Germany the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazis) led by Adolf Hitler quickly ascended to power.
Between January 20, 1941, and November 8, 1942, Hitler’s prophecy speeches articulated three important deceptive lies: 1) the false notion of an international Jewish conspiracy to destroy Germany during World War I; 2) the claim that Jews were responsible for their demise; and 3) Hitler was a prophet who foresaw this downfall. Addressing the fearful German society, he declared, “If international finance Jewry inside and outside Europe should succeed in plunging the nations once more into a world war, the result will be not the Bolshevization of the earth and thereby the victory of Jewry, but the annihilation [Vernichtung] of the Jewish race in Europe!” (Hartman, 2023). By creating a shared enemy named the ‘international finance Jewry,’ Hitler characterized Jews as being fundamentally different from Germans, framing their extermination as a means to restore Utopian Germany—a utopia that could only be achieved through his leadership.
The humiliation Germany endured following WWI created a false image; to reclaim the nation’s former glory Jews must be humiliated for their alleged wrongdoings. In positioning himself as the prophetic guide, Hitler obscured his regime’s brutality, instead presenting himself as a nationalist leader.
Jews and “greed”: Peter Beekman, “Rare, maar ware commentaren” (Odd, but true comments), Volk en Vaderland, 30 January 1942.
Peter Beekman’s comic, “Rare, maar ware commentary” (Odd, but true comments) published in Volk en Vaderland, seemingly acted as a commentary of current events. However, it largely focused on the “undesirables,” using racial stereotypes to single out Jews and portray them as “the other” compared to the unidentifiable German, Dutch, and American portrayals (Ribbens, 2018). This blatant use of propaganda further established the us-versus-them dichotomy that excluded Jews from the national community, hindering any shared sense of nostalgia or belonging among citizens. The additional exclusion of Jewish children in favor of Jewish men, who are typically associated with innocence further alienates the community, reinforcing beliefs that Germans equated to goodness and Jews to malice.
Living in a time of deep uncertainty and fear brought on by domestic and foreign conflicts it is crucial to be skeptical. Just as Hitler’s regime exploited post-WWI anxieties and scapegoated a vulnerable population, contemporary actors who aim to abuse anxieties over staggering partisan divisions can leverage systemic divisions regarding race, gender, socioeconomic conditions, and sexuality to promote divisive narratives. Groups like the Proud Boys, an extremist group embracing white supremacist, anti-semitic, nativist, islamophobic, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ ideologies have grown to prominence in part due to false fears of social unrest and economic failures garnered by generally marginalized minority groups (ADL, 2025). Similar to Nazi Germany, extremist groups like the Proud Boys misplace their anger and confusion due to the failures of flawed government systems onto historically victimized minorities. Therefore, fostering broad media literacy and a commitment to diverse and reliable information is crucial in safeguarding against nefarious influences. It is only by confronting the uncomfortable truths of broken governments can modern societies can build a better and free future
