Hitler’s Use of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
(The Fuhrer to the German People: June 22, 1941)
Hitler attempts to use this speech as a casus belli against the Soviet Union to present the invasion as a just and necessary act. Hitler was an exceptionally adept speaker, capable of taking a small political party and turning it into a fierce and efficient government, using his speeches and propaganda to persuade millions to his side and unite the shattered German people.
As Führer, Hitler could appeal to ethos with relative ease. As the ruler and uniter of Germany he was well-liked among his people. He painted himself in the light of being under constant strain and threat of the tyrannous major European powers, resorting to armed conflict when it was inevitable. The line “After long months when I was forced to keep silent, despite heavy concerns, the time has come when I can finally speak openly” leads the listener to think that he deeply cares for his country and was forced into silence against his wishes. Further
…show more content…
Throughout his speech he stakes claims on his fantastical version of recent history. In the statement “When the German Reich received England’s declaration of war on 3 September 1939, the British attempted once again to frustrate any attempt to begin a consolidation, and thus a strengthening, of Europe by fighting the then strongest power on the Continent,” he rewrites history by disregarding the German provocation of England and France by omitting France and the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939. Hitler shifts the blame for the war to England, despite Germany’s failure to adhere to the conditions set by both England and France for a troop withdrawal from Poland. With the blame shifted to England, Hitler was able to logically justify his fabricated claims against other countries to the German people. Further strengthening the German morale and unity against the Allied