The Dark Charisma of Adolf Hitler: Leading Millions into the Abyss

How did Adolf Hitler form such a connection with millions of Germans? British historian Laurence Rees looks at the seemingly unlikely figure who generated such fervent support and devotion from his country. This first episode looks at how his alleged ‘charisma’ played a key role in his success as a leader, and dispels the myth that he somehow hypnotized a nation.

At the peak of his popularity, Hitler led his people to war in 1939 and invaded France in 1940. Huge numbers gathered in Nuremberg to celebrate their leader. Yet he had not hypnotized his people into following him – they did so willingly. In this second episode, British historian Laurence Rees finds that Hitler’s ultimate aim was to take Germany into a war of racial conquest to gain a new empire.

In the 1930s, Hitler made ambitious boasts about what lay ahead for Germany and, at first, the war went well for the nation. But as it progressed, the successes stopped coming. In the last episode of the series, British historian Laurence Rees reveals how Hitler struggled to maintain his appeal in his final years – yet still managed to cling to power as the Red Army arrived at his bunker.