The Slow Creep of Totalitarianism: How Germany Fell Silent

2025-09-21

This excerpt from Milton Mayer's *They Thought They Were Free* details the gradual descent of the German people into silence and complicity under the Nazi regime. A philologist recounts how the widening gap between government and people allowed the Nazis to implement their horrific policies incrementally. Each seemingly small step, disguised as an emergency measure or patriotic duty, eroded individual resistance. The author highlights the difficulty of predicting the consequences of inaction and the pervasive uncertainty that stifled dissent. Ultimately, the horrifying reality of the Nazi regime is revealed, but only after it was too late for many to act.

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The Gradual Seduction of Silence: How Germany Fell Under Nazi Rule

2025-02-05

This excerpt from 'They Thought They Were Free' details the insidious creep of Nazi rule in Germany. A philologist recounts how the widening gap between government and people was created through a series of seemingly small, justifiable steps. Citizens, overwhelmed by constant 'crises,' reforms, and paperwork, lacked the time or impetus to question the regime's actions. Even intellectuals, preoccupied with immediate concerns and fascinated by the machinations of 'enemies,' failed to see the larger picture until it was too late. The narrative underscores the importance of resisting the beginnings of tyranny, highlighting the danger of incremental erosion of freedom.

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