Pastor Tracy Reads | The Coming of the Third Reich by Richard J. Evans

July 7, 2025 | Pastor Tracy Troxel

One significant question concerning the rise of Adolph Hitler is how did the Nazi’s rise to power through initial democratic processes? In the early 1900s, Germany modeled significant economic innovation as well as political stability. Germany was less authoritarian than other European countries. Yet, in 1933, through democratic processes, Germany became a cauldron of political extremism that brought a catastrophic war to the world. 

This is the story of how democracy devolves into despotism. Historians see this as a cautionary tale for all democracies. Winston Churchill said this about democracy in 1947, “Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time…[emphasis added]”

We would all do well to understand this story. Political and governmental stability is indeed fragile. Unintended consequences can cause devastating results. No country is immune from despotic conditions. Active participation of citizens with moral clarity is crucial for political stability. As a follower of Jesus, I have a duty to pray for all government leaders. This book is a clarion call for prayer, humility, and sobriety.

Pastor Tracy Troxel