Exploring the Faces of Fascism: Richard J. Evans' "Hitler's People"

In his latest work, "Hitler’s People: The Faces of the Third Reich," historian Richard J. Evans delves into the complex identities of those who supported the Nazi regime. The book opens with a provocative question reminiscent of a 1941 suggestion by writer Thompson, who proposed a thought experiment to identify potential fascist sympathizers. This inquiry gains renewed relevance in today's context, as far-right extremism resurfaces in various forms, prompting a deeper examination of the individuals behind such ideologies. Evans, known for his comprehensive trilogy on the Third Reich, shifts his focus to the personal narratives of key figures within the Nazi hierarchy. He challenges the long-held notion that individual character analysis is inappropriate, arguing that understanding the motivations and backgrounds of these individuals is crucial to grasping the broader societal complicity in the regime's atrocities. His approach seeks to illuminate the spectrum of personalities that contributed to the rise of fascism, from the notorious Adolf Hitler to the lesser-known enablers and perpetrators. The book is structured into four distinct sections, beginning with an in-depth exploration of Hitler himself. It then examines his close associates, termed the "Paladins," followed by the "Enforcers," who executed the regime's policies, and finally the "Instruments," the lower-level perpetrators who carried out the day-to-day operations of the Nazi state. Through this framework, Evans aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how ordinary individuals became entangled in extraordinary evil.