The February 6, 1934 Insurrection in France (4/4)
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French conservatives tried to thwart an official investigation into the incident. In the absence of accountability for the events of Feb 6, French democracy was badly weakened. Within six years, it would be dead.
#RecurringHistory
The February 6, 1934 Insurrection in France (3/4)
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Mainstream conservatives’ sympathy for the antidemocratic extremists was a major factor in the Feb 6 attack. In the aftermath of the assault, prominent conservatives downplayed it or even tried to justify it.
#RecurringHistory
The February 6, 1934 Insurrection in France (2/4)
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By the time police repelled the insurrectionists mob, several people were dead. While most mainstream political parties condemned the assault, the leading Conservative Party, the Republican Federation, took a tolerant stance.
#RecurringHistory
The February 6, 1934 Insurrection in France (1/4)
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On Feb 6, 1934, tens of thousands of angry right-wing militias and fascist sympathizers attacked the French Parliament building in the hope of installing a right-wing government.
#RecurringHistory
To some Germans and to most foreigners, it appeared that a charlatan, Hitler, had come to power in Berlin in 1933. To many Germans, Hitler had the aura of a truly charismatic leader. They were to follow him blindly, as if he possessed a divine judgment, for the next twelve years.
#RecurringHistory
ANTICIPATORY OBEDIENCE
4/4
In 1941, when Germany invaded the Soviet Union, the SS took the initiative to devise the methods of mass killing without orders to do so. They guessed what their leaders wanted and demonstrated what was possible—anticipatory obedience.
#RecurringHistory
#SnyderOnTyranny
ANTICIPATORY OBEDIENCE
3/4
In early 1938, Hitler threatened to annex neighboring Austria and the Austrian chancellor conceded, an anticipatory obedience. The anticipatory obedience of Austrians taught Hitler and the Nazi leadership what was possible.
#RecurringHistory
#SnyderOnTyranny
ANTICIPATORY OBEDIENCE
1/4
Anticipatory obedience is a political tragedy. Perhaps rulers don’t initially know what citizens are willing to compromise. The first heedless acts of conformity can’t be reversed.
—Timothy Snyder
#RecurringHistory
#SnyderOnTyranny
Demagogues and fascist dictators often have an exalted view of themselves. In Hitler’s utterances (in Mein Kampf) there runs the theme that the Supreme leader is above the morals of ordinary man. He saw himself as a “genius” with a mission and he was above the law.
#RecurringHistory
MEIN KAMPF
2/2
The book was the blueprint of the barbaric New Order which Hitler inflicted on conquered Europe between 1939 and 1945. The plan was written down at great length and in appalling detail between the covers of his book “Mein Kampf”.
#RecurringHistory
MEIN KAMPF
1/2
“Mein Kampf” (vol.1, 1925) was the blueprint of the Third Reich. No one can accuse Hitter of not putting down in writing exactly the kind of Germany he intended to make if he ever came to power and the kind of world he meant to create by armed German conquest.
#RecurringHistory
Timothy Snyder,
“ON TYRANNY”
#RecurringHistory
#OnFascism
#SnyderOnTyranny
Emboldened by public rhetoric and the prospect of Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor, storm troopers adapted the lyrics to a popular song:
“When the hour for revenge finally arrives, we will be ready to commit mass murder.”
👉🏼 Be wary of politically aligned paramilitaries!
#RecurringHistory
I am starting a new # on the recurring patterns of history focusing on the history of the Third Reich, Italy under Mussolini, and other totalitarian and fascist regimes. It’s my new reading project!
Let’s start with reposting a thread on the Beer Hall Putsch (1923)
#RecurringHistory
