The tragically powerful story behind the lone German who refused to give Hitler the Nazi salute. (general, 1930s)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Adopted by the Nazi Party in the 1930s, Hitler's infamous "sieg heil" (meaning "hail victory") salute was mandatory for all German citizens as a demonstration of loyalty to the Führer, his party, and his nation.
August Landmesser, the lone German refusing to raise a stiff right arm amid Hitler's presence at a 1936 rally, had been a loyal Nazi.
What about Admiral Lutjens rather conspicuously giving Hitler himself the old naval salute during Hitler's inspection of the Bismarck while everyone else on board heils?
There were plenty of Germans within the Wehrmacht (regular army) and the Abwehr (military intelligence) who had doubts about the Nazis -- Admiral Canaris is probably the best-known.
But I think the real point here is that the growth of Nazism -- its roots among the most embittered of the lower ranks of German society, its gradual, but constantly-intensifying stifling of dissent, and its search for scapegoats, bears a disturbing resemblance to the concept of Political Correctness so popular among the "progressives" in present day America.
There were plenty of Germans within the Wehrmacht (regular army) and the Abwehr (military intelligence) who had doubts about the Nazis -- Admiral Canaris is probably the best-known.
But I think the real point here is that the growth of Nazism -- its roots among the most embittered of the lower ranks of German society, its gradual, but constantly-intensifying stifling of dissent, and its search for scapegoats, bears a disturbing resemblance to the concept of Political Correctness so popular among the "progressives" in present day America.
Just some food for thought.
Seriously? You can make rational arguments against progressives but to compare them to the Nazis and their beliefs and deeds is pure fantasy.
Seriously? You can make rational arguments against progressives but to compare them to the Nazis and their beliefs and deeds is pure fantasy.
If so, then why is their agenda geared toward forcing their overview of things upon everybody else? And why do they appeal directly to the base instincts of radical egalitarianism, "income redistribution", and class--consciousness, rather than rational discussion?
"Progressives" are becoming increasingly obsessed with their pursuit of power -- using tragedies like the recent one in South Carolina to vilify and demonize everyone with whom they disagree at the lowest common denominator; anyone who disagrees with them on that is automatically (in their eyes) a racist and a Klansman. And all of this is spoon-fed to the young and impressionable; (Goebbels would have understood the strategy perfectly).
Last edited by 2nd trick op; 07-07-2015 at 12:14 PM..
Seriously? You can make rational arguments against progressives but to compare them to the Nazis and their beliefs and deeds is pure fantasy.
I thought 2nd trick was accurate in his assessment. Considering the quantity of his useful inputs in the History forum I think you need to substantially buttress your critque rather than act as if his comment was pure fantasy. I am reminded of one model of historical development I was taught were there are no revolutions only evolutions in which societal change works in degrees of change. The tendency to compact history in short eras by later generations to facilitate reading overlooks how gradual opinion shifts among the populace. And who initiated and sustained the movement.
What about Admiral Lutjens rather conspicuously giving Hitler himself the old naval salute during Hitler's inspection of the Bismarck while everyone else on board heils?
True. But Lutjens did send off that last signal from the Bismarck...."Fight to the last shell, Heil Hitler."
True. But Lutjens did send off that last signal from the Bismarck...."Fight to the last shell, Heil Hitler."
Lutjens was actually the opposite of his foaming-at-the-mouth Nazi portrayal in Sink The Bismarck!
Lutjen's was remembered for disagreeing with Nazi policy and like most of the Kriegsmarine was a traditionalist who had a bit of an icy relationship with the Nazi party in general. His wife was consider "half Jewish" per the Nuremberg laws so he had plenty of reason to be leery of Nazism too.
Lutjens was actually the opposite of his foaming-at-the-mouth Nazi portrayal in Sink The Bismarck!
Lutjen's was remembered for disagreeing with Nazi policy and like most of the Kriegsmarine was a traditionalist who had a bit of an icy relationship with the Nazi party in general. His wife was consider "half Jewish" per the Nuremberg laws so he had plenty of reason to be leery of Nazism too.
Never said anything about the film. We are in the History forum not Movies section. I work with non-fiction here.
Last edited by Felix C; 07-07-2015 at 12:39 PM..
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
