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 1935
Following the return of the Saar territory to Germany, Hitler initiates general conscription. The swastika flag becomes the official »Reich« flag. Jews are now subject to a special legal code (Nuremberg laws).

The year 1936
Occupation of the Rhineland. German military intervention in Spain. As a consequence of Mussolini’s escapades in Abyssinia, Italy falls under German influence. To an extent, Austria is also forced to comply with Hitler´s wishes.

The year 1937
Calm before the storm! No plebiscites, no »surprise« military strikes, except for retaliatory shots fired by German war ships on the Spanish harbor of Algeria. In November, Hitler reveals to the generals his intentions of taking Austria and Czechoslovakia by force.

The year 1938
Hitler removes General Blomberg and General Fritsch and appoints himself Minister of War and Commander of the Wehrmacht. He succeeds in annexing Austria to the Reich without any bloodshed. His intentions of declaring war on Czechoslovakia are quelled by the Western powers (Munich Conference). The cession of only the Sudeten district is a humiliation to Hitler, and he gives orders to prepare for the occupation of the remainder of Czechoslovakia.

Appendix
Hitler’s rise to Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht.