Circumstances Make Men? Comment Based on Hitler's Rise

Hitler' s rise was mainly due to the favorable historical background. However, Hitler' s qualities of being a great leader is also a factor to his success.

After the First World War, Germany was extremely resentful due to the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles. She had to give up all her colonial lands and to pay for the costs of the war. Besides, the economy of Germany was negatively influenced by the Great Depression. There were serious inflation and unemployment in post-war Germany. The republic government was being discredited for being unable to solve all these post-war problems. Moreover, the Germans felt humiliated and was determined to gain back their lands. This gave rise to Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party, which promised to restore the national glory of Germany and to solve domestic problems through expansion during the Second World War.

However, on the other hand, Hitler' s success was not only due to the favorable circumstances, but also because of his other great qualities. Hitler was a gifted orator. His speeches impressed many Germans and made them believed that Hitler was their savior. They also thought that only Hitler could bring them hope of a strong Germany. Besides, Hitler was also a capable leader. He was able to lead the strong army and to fulfil his promises to the Germans. Most importanly, Hitler was an opportunist. He was able to seize the opportunity and make himself popular among the Germans, which was the key to his success.

To sum up, although the historical background of Germany after the First World War is the major reason for the rise of Hitler, his own qualities was also the key to his success. Therefore "circumstances make men" is not totally true.