Good job Quote by William L. Shirer
““The disillusion among the rank-and-file Nazis, especially among the S.A. storm troopers, who formed the large core of Hitler’s mass movement, was great. Most of them had belonged to the ragged army of the dispossessed and the unsatisfied. They were anticapitalist through experience and they believed that the revolution which they had fought by brawling in the streets would bring them loot and good jobs, either in business or in the government. Now their hopes, after the heady excesses of the spring, were dashed. The old gang, whether they were party members or not, were to keep the jobs and to keep control of jobs. But this development was not the only reason for unrest in the S.A.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, 1960
Disillusioned Nazi stormtroopers felt betrayed when promised jobs and loot failed to materialize, leading to unrest.
In simple terms: Nazi troops grew angry when promises broke.
Key Takeaway
Recognize broken promises can spark rebellion.
Themes
betrayal
political unrest
economic expectations
military morale
authoritarianism
Mood
cynical
tense
reflective
Type
historical
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- political rallies
- military units
- post-war analysis
- labor disputes
- propaganda campaigns
Key Concepts
class struggle
false promises
revolutionary disappointment
Questions to Reflect On
- What expectations drive loyalty to extremist groups?
- How can leaders prevent disillusionment after promises?
A Different Perspective
Discontent may also stem from personal grievances beyond job loss.
