Pastor Tracy Reads | Hitler’s People: The Faces of the Third Reich by Richard J. Evans

May 12, 2025 | Pastor Tracy Troxel

Over the past decades, I have heard politicians compare their opponents to other despots, authoritarian figures, fascists, and dictators. This is a bi-partisan activity.

The Rest is History podcast pointed me to Richard J. Evan’s books on the Third Reich. In this book, Evans gives a short biographical sketch to the key people that supported and worked for Hitler in the run-up to the Nazi’s holding power over Germany and into World War II. You will recognize the names of people highlighted in the book, but others are far less known.

What is startling about the book and this part of European history is how so many people supported Hitler as the Nazi Party began to gain support through democratic processes. Although it is also clear that the Nazi Party gained power through violence and intimidation as well.

The whole book is worth reading. Chapter 22, however, makes the book personally challenging. Evans details the life of Luise Solmitz, who initially supports Hitler, but then becomes disillusioned with what Germany has become. Her diaries provide a fascinating window into the life of an ordinary German citizen. I think an honest reader will consider their own allegiances and values. You will also ask challenging questions: Would I have reacted the same as Luise Solmitz? Is my allegiance to my country more important than my allegiance to God? Or morality? Could I be as blind as Luise? These questions have helped me take a long look at my own heart and its values.

Pastor Tracy Troxel