"The greatest monster of the 20th century" - this was Adolph Hitler's dubious distinction as, from the brink of the 21st century, the world looked back on the previous one hundred years. Hitler, however, was so accomplished as a politician - not only presenting but living the image he endeavored to create - that even after his defeat in 1945, there were those who attempted to defend the man, ferreting out his supposed good qualities from the quagmire of evil he had created. The simplistic, dedicated life he led at his retreat in Obersalzberg only served to confirm Hitler's reputation as the quintessential politician and ideal leader, ultimately - and disastrously - capturing the imagination of the German people. Concentrating on a previously under-explored facet of World War II history, this work examines the political events which took place in Obersalzberg from the 1920s until the U.S. Army returned control of the area to the German government in 1995.
Concentrating primarily on the years during which Hitler himself was in residence, it discusses the geography, history and climate of Berchtesgaden (a town located in the Bavarian Alps and home to Obersalzberg) as well as Hitler's original acquaintance with the area. In a wider scope, however, the work focuses on the symbolism of self-identity and public perception as it relates to the place, setting and lifestyle of political figures. This was especially important in the case of Hitler as he deliberately and ruthlessly perfected his public image in his quest for control of the German government. The closing chapter follows Berchtesgaden through its military occupation after the Nazi defeat in 1945.
- ISBN10 0786424583
- ISBN13 9780786424580
- Publish Date 29 December 2006
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 10 February 2010
- Publish Country US
- Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 223
- Language English