this void Hitler substituted politics and became a “nothing-but-politician.” Up to 1938 Hitler achieved many things previously thought unachievable that soon after the war. He was regarded by many at that time as one of the great men of Germany. This opinion is later abandoned by most following World War II. Haffner poses the question of Hitler’s hypothetical death in 1938. How would Hitler be remembered? It would definitely not have been as the 1938 hero of Germany. Haffner argues that Germany’s political life would die along with Hitler. It would soon be apparent that Hitler left no functioning government behind. There was no constitution and no pre-appointed successor to Hitler. This is exactly what Hitler wanted. He set his political timetable to his own life expectation. Germany would have fallen into disarray and all the fingers would be pointing at the late Fuhrer. This is where Hitler really failed. He left nothing behind but horror and regret. Hitler’s successes, resulting in the failures of other, were made to appear difficult and miraculous. This is not the case. Hitler’s successes were always against already failing opponents. The Weimar Republic had practically given up when Hitler stepped in. The European structure of 1919, which he dismantled, had already proven to be untenable. His victory against France in 1939 was against a power that was a mere shadow of its former World War I self. He wanted a war that no one else did and this helped reduce resistance. Haffner’s message to the younger generations of readers becomes apparent in the chapter labeled “Misconceptions.” Here he addresses “Hitlerism” and its many logical and humane flaws. These include the issue of race and what it is, along with his emphasis on nations instead of states. Here again Haffner shows Hitler’s inability as a statesman. Haffner’s messa...
