The Role of Catholics in German Governments from Bismarck’s Downfall to the Rise of Hitler
The influence of Roman Catholics in German politics from the downfall of Otto von Bismarck until the rise of Adolf Hitler was significant, but not as prominent in governmental roles as one might initially assume. Notable figures such as Heinrich Brüning and the influential members of the Nazi leadership, including Adolph Hitler, Hermann G?ring, Heinrich Himmler, and Joseph Goebbels, all had Catholic upbringings, albeit with varying degrees of religious adherence later in life.
Catholic Influence from Unification to World War II and Beyond
The period from unification in 1871 until the Nazi regime's ascent to power in 1933 saw a considerable Catholic presence within German political circles. Figures like Konrad Adenauer, who later became the Chancellor of West Germany, played crucial roles in maintaining democratic forces. Adenauer's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is the direct descendant of the Centre Party (Zentrum), which was instrumental in opposing Bismarck's authoritarian policies.
The Centre Party (Zentrum)
The Centre Party was the backbone of the democratic forces in Germany, routinely standing against Bismarck's authoritarianism. The party's impact was further strengthened during the Weimar Republic, a period marked by political fragmentation and extremist parties. The Centre Party and the Bavarian People's Party (BVP), which was almost entirely Catholic, worked in tandem to maintain democratic values. The Christian Social Union (CSU), BVP's successor, remains as the CDU's sister party in the state of Bavaria today.
Notable Figures and Their Contributions
Some members of the Centre Party showed remarkable courage in the face of Nazi oppression. In 1933, when the Nazis took power, the Reichstag assembly was filled with SA and SS thugs intent on intimidating non-Nazi members. A Centre Party member courageously rose to speak, only to be mocked by Goebbels with the statement, "What are you doing here? You speak for no one!" The Centre Party member replied, "I speak for myself." While these acts of courage cannot be overlooked, not all Catholics were as resolute.
The Insignificant Role of Franz von Papen
One notable figure who displayed less resolve was Franz von Papen, who facilitated Hitler's rise to power. Von Papen entered into a coalition with the Nazis, believing he could control Hitler. However, Hitler soon overturned this relationship, leveraging it to seize power. Afterward, von Papen became Hitler's nominal vice chancellor and later Germany's ambassador to Turkey. Hitler's ill-fated invitation to von Papen reads, "By making me Chancellor, Herr von Papen, you made the National Socialist revolution possible. I shall never forget it." Von Papen's response, "Certainly, my Führer," underscores the futility of his actions in fostering Hitler's rise.
While the Centre Party and BVP were crucial in opposing authoritarianism and maintaining democratic ideals, their contributions came at the cost of allowing a prominent fool (von Papen) to open the door for Hitler's rise. This historical context highlights the importance of vigilance and strategic action in the face of political shift.