Hitler – Speeches and Proclamations 1932–1945

Abstract

This four-volume work carries the collected statements of Adolf Hitler - for the first time available in English. Accompanied by a detailed commentary of the events and the background, we obtain a unique day-to-day chronicle of the Third Reich.

»This publication of the speeches and proclamations of Adolf Hitler is the final product of records I compiled during the years 1932 to 1945 and supplemented by sources and publications made available after World War II. […] When, in 1932, Adolf Hitler became the most important political figure in Germany, I became interested in his public words for, in terms of foreign policy, they reminded me of these [Napoleon I and William II] two historical predecessors. There could be no doubt that this man - once in power - would perforce come into marked conflict with the western world, above all with Great Britain. Hence I began to collect all of Hitler’s speeches, interviews, proclamations, letters, and other statements available, convinced that they would one day be of documentary value, should this demagogue be allowed to pursue his course. […]
The present study is confined to the years 1932 to 1945—but not only for reasons of length. Inarguably, many of Hitler’s speeches in the years preceding 1932 also present interesting and valuable sources of information, but his activities as a minor party leader and failed putschist are of lesser importance for German and European history. He did not become a major factor until he began gaining influence and exercising power, first as leader of the largest party in Germany, then as head of government, head of state, and supreme commander of the German armed forces. This decisive epoch commenced with Hitler’s dramatic struggle for control of the government in 1932 and ended with the total collapse of his foreign and military policies in 1945.« (Max Domarus, from the Preface, Volume 1)

The year 1932
Hitler’s domestic political struggles reach their peak. His attempt to come to power via plebiscite fails, in spite of tremendous oratorical campaigns. He receives only 37 % of the vote. In contrast with this, the influence he wields on leading political personalities grows decisively. Famous speech before the Industry Club, advocating the principle of »Justice According to Nature«.

The year 1933
Acting under the influence of aides, Hindenburg appoints Hitler to the post of chief of a presidential cabinet and conveys upon him crucial, powerful positions. Within months, Hitler does away with all other parties besides his own and crushes the unions. Germany withdraws from the League of Nations and simultaneously launches an unlimited arms build-up.

The year 1934
Faced with imminent demise of the »Reichspräsident«, Hitler attempts to secure the sympathies of the Reichswehr generals for himself. To this end he has the most prominent of the SA-leaders murdered (Röhm affair). Without waiting for Hindenburg’s actual death, Hitler has the cabinet proclaim Hindenburg’s successor (in breach of the constitution). An oath of unconditional allegiance to Hitler is required of all soldiers.