“If today I stand here as a revolutionary, it is as a revolutionary against the Revolution.”
- April 20, 1889 – April 30, 1945
- Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire
- Political leader of Nazi Germany
- As the leader of the Nazi Party, he caused World War II and led the Holocaust (the persecution and genocide of European Jews)
Quote
“If today I stand here as a revolutionary, it is as a revolutionary against the Revolution.”
Explanation
In this quote, Adolf Hitler describes himself as a counter-revolutionary, positioning his actions not as a continuation of revolutionary ideals but as a response to what he viewed as the destructive nature of past revolutions. Hitler’s reference to being a revolutionary against the Revolution indicates his opposition to the changes brought by the French Revolution and other revolutionary movements, which he believed led to chaos, the undermining of traditional authority, and the disintegration of established hierarchies. For Hitler, the revolution was a force that dismantled the existing social and political order, and his aim was to restore what he saw as a stable, authoritarian and nationalistic state, often through repression and militarism.
Historically, this quote reflects the Nazi ideology’s rejection of the liberal and democratic movements of the 18th and 19th centuries, which had challenged monarchies and feudal systems. Hitler and the Nazis believed that these revolutions had led to the rise of weakness, decay, and the spread of Marxism and democracy, which they saw as threats to the unity and strength of the nation. By positioning himself against these past revolutions, Hitler justified his own radical ideas and his efforts to create a new order that would restore strength to Germany and its people.
In the modern context, this quote serves as a reminder of how political movements can manipulate the concept of revolution to justify authoritarian agendas. By framing oneself as a revolutionary fighting against perceived social, cultural, or political decay, leaders can rally support for drastic and undemocratic measures, even if their ultimate goal is to entrench their own power rather than bringing about true reform. Understanding this use of counter-revolutionary rhetoric is important for recognizing when such movements are not seeking genuine progress but rather the consolidation of authoritarian control. It underscores the need to evaluate the values behind revolutionary rhetoric and ensure that movements are focused on justice, equality, and the preservation of democracy.
