Hitler's Deception: The 1939 Reichstag Speech

Name: Hitler's Deception: The 1939 Reichstag Speech
Start: 1889-10-06
Location: Unspecified

The Historical Context of Hitler's 1939 Speech

Adolf Hitler's Role and the Invasion of Poland

Adolf Hitler, the Chancellor of Germany, played a pivotal role in the onset of World War II. His aggressive foreign policy and expansionist ambitions culminated in the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. This act marked the beginning of a brutal conflict that would engulf Europe and beyond. On September 26, 1939, less than a month after the invasion, Hitler delivered a speech at the Reichstag, the German parliament, to celebrate this military victory.

The Content of Hitler's Address

During his speech, Hitler proclaimed the defeat of Poland as a significant triumph for the German military. However, he also extended an overture for peace to France and England, suggesting a desire for diplomatic resolution while asserting German strength. This duality in his address was a calculated move to portray Germany as both a victor and a peacemaker, despite the ongoing aggression.

The Unveiling of His True Agenda

Peace Offerings and the Irony Behind Them

Hitler’s offer of peace to Western powers was laced with irony. Although he publicly sought peace, he had no intentions of halting his expansionist plans. The speech served as a strategic deception to mislead other nations while he consolidated Germany's power in Europe. This tactic of manipulation would become a hallmark of his leadership throughout the war.

The "Solution" to the Jewish Problem

In a chilling part of his address, Hitler referred to the "settlement of the Jewish problem," which foreshadowed the horrific policies and genocidal actions that would follow. This statement highlighted his anti-Semitic agenda, framing the Jews as the enemies of the state and marking them for persecution. The implications of this rhetoric would lead to the unimaginable atrocities of the Holocaust.

Fun Fact

Hitler's Deceptive Rhetoric

Despite presenting himself as a man of peace in this speech, Hitler's actions proved otherwise as he aggressively pursued military conquest in Europe. This speech is often cited as a classic example of political deception.