Ben Wilson

I was conscious that I was talking to a man whose power lies not, as many still think, in his eloquence and his ability to hold the attention of the mob, but in his conviction.

He is not a robust looking man.

He is slight in figure.

But the moment he spoke, I realized that there was in him a burning spirit that could triumph over bodily weariness.

He speaks very rapidly.

And in his voice, there is a nervous energy that makes one feel the intense conviction behind his words.

Conviction.

That word keeps coming up.

And I think that is the next takeaway.

And one of the most important things about Hitler is that belief.

Even the people who disliked Hitler, even his opponents, conceded this.

The man believed.

And belief delivered with sufficient intensity is extremely contagious.

And I think that's what made Hitler such a compelling speaker and such a compelling leader.

All right.

So, again, he is a compelling leader.

He's doing well.

But the party's not growing.

The New Year comes in 1928.

It's because the economy is good and things are functioning pretty well in the Weimar Republic.