I got absolutely engrossed in a documentary yesterday afternoon called Rise of the Third Reich. All this time, I just thought it was mostly the charismatic Hitler who rose to prominence at the right time and the people fell for his rhetoric. I knew it wasn't that simple but I had no idea how deep and systematic a plan over the course of 5-6 years that was carried out. The ethnic cleansing, the mindless followers who pledged their very being, their souls to Hitler.
The world saw what had become probably the greatest country on earth, industry thriving, beautiful landscape/architecture, happy vibrant people. The reality was that slowly but surely, they were being brainwashed and suckered into his plan of world dominance. Yes, the guy was crazy and I hope he continues to burn in hell. But the brilliance of it all to get so many millions, including Austria, to buy into it, is just mind boggling. I guess I just never realized the full extent to which this plan was carried out.