It didn’t happen over night. The Holocaust did not begin with gas chambers; it began with ideas — dehumanizing ideologies rooted in fear, hatred, and pseudo-science. It escalated through economic despair, political opportunism, and the systematic erosion of human rights.
The world watched, often with indifference, until it was too late.
It is almost impossible not to see the similarities between those in power then, and those in power now here in America. While it may be easier to deny the truth, willful ignorance doesn’t make it any less real.
The similarities between the current U.S. Political climate and that of Nazi Germany are both clear and evident.
1. Polarization and Scapegoating
Then (Germany): Nazis capitalized on deep societal divisions, blaming Jews, communists, and other minorities for Germany’s problems.
Now (U.S.): Extreme political polarization has led to scapegoating immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and political opponents. Rhetoric often frames these groups as existential threats to the "true" nation.
📌 Similarity: Use of "us vs. them" narratives to unify a political base and justify exclusion.
2. Undermining of Democratic Norms
Then: Hitler used legal means (e.g., the Enabling Act) to consolidate power and bypass democratic checks.
Now: There have been attempts in the U.S. to challenge election results without evidence, delegitimize independent institutions (like the DOJ or media), and expand executive power.
📌 Similarity: Erosion of institutional trust and attempts to normalize authoritarian tendencies under the guise of legality.
3. Propaganda and Media Manipulation
Then: The Nazi regime controlled media output and used it to indoctrinate the public, suppress dissent, and dehumanize opponents.
Now: While the U.S. has a free press, some media ecosystems function in ideological silos, spreading misinformation or demonizing the "other side." Politicians often frame the press as "the enemy of the people."
📌 Similarity: Use of media to create alternate realities and control public perception.
4. Cult of Personality
Then: Hitler was portrayed as a national savior, with loyalty to him superseding loyalty to laws or institutions.
Now: Some American political figures command intense personal loyalty that overrides policy, party, or democratic norms. Dissent within their ranks is often punished as betrayal.
📌 Similarity: Charismatic leadership framed as the sole solution to national decline.
5. Exploitation of Economic Anxiety and Cultural Fear
Then: Nazis rose during economic despair, promising prosperity and national renewal by identifying internal enemies.
Now: Economic uncertainty and rapid cultural shifts (technology, demographics, globalization) have fueled populist rhetoric blaming "elites," immigrants, or marginalized groups.
📌 Similarity: Channeling legitimate grievances into support for exclusionary or authoritarian policies.
It didn’t happen overnight.
Forty-one new anti-protest bills across 22 states have been introduced since the start of the year. This includes 32 bills across 16 states since, with five federal bills targeting college students, anti-war protesters and climate activists with harsh prison sentences and hefty fines. This is just one of many “salami tactics”.
Imagine someone slicing a salami — one thin piece at a time. Each slice is small, barely noticeable, and doesn’t seem like a big deal. But after a while… the whole salami is gone.
That’s salami tactics: a strategy of slowly taking power or control — bit by bit — so people don’t realize what’s happening until it’s too late. Remember, it didn’t happen overnight.