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 1939
In breach of contractual agreements, Hitler occupies all of Czechoslovakia and establishes the protectorate Bohemia and Moravia. Lithuania cedes the Memel district. England and France repeatedly state that they will declare war on Germany in the case of a German attack on Poland or Danzig. Nevertheless, Hitler, feeling confident because of a non-aggression pact with Russia, does start war with Poland. The declaration of war by the Western powers is tantamount to the complete breakdown of his foreign policy, which has been based on a friendly relationship with England. The quick conquest of Poland does nothing to change the constellation in Western Europe.

The year 1940
Without declaring war, Hitler invades Denmark and Norway, then, one month later, Belgium, Holland and Luxemburg. As a result of the campaign in the West, France capitulates; England, however, does not, contrary to Hitler’s expectations. Hitler is forced to engage in air combat over Britain, a battle he loses within only a few weeks. His terrorist air raids on London and other English cities provoke retaliation attacks by the RAF, resulting in the destruction of major German cities from 1942 to 1945. Hitler dispatches troops to Romania. His attempts to involve Spain, France and Russia in the battle against England fail. Italy´s entry into the war proves to be a burden to Germany, with respect to Africa as well as Greece.


Includes new and previously unpublished material, such as:

September 4, 1938
The Reich Defense Law cancels the Military Service Act of May 21. It is kept secret on Hitler’s order issued the same day. Until July 17, 1939, citing of or reference to the Reich Defense Law in public is forbidden.

May 3, 1940
With the launch of the offensive in the West imminent, Hitler addresses 6,000 officer cadets at the Berlin Sportpalast emphasizing the adaptation of the Lebensraum to increasing population, the claim that Germany is the most populous nation on earth besides China, and struggles as the essence of life.

December 18, 1940
Addressing the annual rally of young officers at the Berlin Sportpalast, Hitler again focuses on the inevitability of struggle and the relationship between population and Lebensraum.