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 1941
Hitler invades Yugoslavia and Greece without a declaration of war. On June 22 (like Napoleon!), he attacks Russia in grave violation of the non-aggression pact with his former ally. Despite considerable territorial gains, neither Murmansk nor Leningrad nor Moscow can be taken. Instead, the German army suffers a heavy defeat near Moscow. Now Hitler takes over the supreme command of the army, too.

The year 1942
Despite initial successes, Hitler is unable to take the Suez Canal and the oil fields in the Caucasus. The attempt to conquer Stalingrad results in the German 6th Army being surrounded. The German African Corps is forced to retreat at El Alamein. Efforts to exterminate the Jews reach a peak.

The year 1943
Collapse of Germany’s battle in Stalingrad and Northern Africa. Italy is forced to plead for a ceasefire after Allied forces reach the mainland. Hitler occupies Northern and Central Italy.

The year 1944
The invasion of Allies in France is tantamount to the end of Hitler’s rule in Western Europe. Russia smashes the German army division »Mitte«. An assassination attempt at Hitler’s headquarters makes the internal military opposition to Hitlerapparent. Romania, Bulgaria and Finland capitulate. Hitler’s Christmas offensive in the Ardennes region falls apart after modest initial successes.

The year 1945
Germany is overrun by the Allied and Russian armies. Hitler takes his own life in the bunker of the Reich Chancellary.

Appendix and Indices
Epilogue - Hitler and history - Responsibility for World War II -Hitler’s victories and defeats in World War II - Synopsis of Hitler’s travels abroad - Führer Headquarters in World War II - Ships mentioned in the text - Afterword - Endnotes - Bibliography -Index of subjects, persons, and places