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A Coup, A Conviction, and a Comeback
In 1923, Adolf Hitler attempted to overthrow the German government in what became known as the Beer Hall Putsch. His insurrection failed, and he was arrested and tried for treason. Despite leading an outright rebellion, Hitler received a lenient sentence, serving only nine months in a comfortable prison, where he penned Mein Kampf. He masterfully manipulated public perception, portraying himself as a victim of political persecution by a corrupt and ineffective government. This strategy turned him into a hero among his supporters and laid the foundation for his eventual rise to power.
Hitler's tactics were clear: claim victimhood, rally the "common man" against the "elites," and stir resentment against cultural and ethnic minorities. He railed against what he called "Marxist" influences, accused the education system of brainwashing youth, and promised to restore Germany’s former glory. As history unfolded, his ability to control narratives and shift blame proved devastatingly effective. By 1933, he was Chancellor of Germany, and soon after, he held absolute power.
Divide, Conquer, and Control
Once in power, Hitler courted the economic elite, appointing oligarchs as his economic advisors and privatizing state-run utilities. While the wealthy thrived, workers' unions were crushed, strikes were outlawed, and dissent was met with brutal repression. Labor movements and progressive voices were silenced, with many activists imprisoned or sent to concentration camps.
To maintain control, Hitler needed a perpetual enemy to blame for societal struggles. Jews, one of Germany’s smallest minorities, were stripped of their citizenship and increasingly persecuted under the guise of national security and cultural purity. The Nazi-controlled media ran propaganda campaigns that highlighted Jewish crimes—whether real or fabricated—to convince the public that Jewish people were a threat to "real Germans."
Meanwhile, democracy itself was dismantled. Loyalty was not merely encouraged but demanded. Opposition voices were silenced, and independent media that dared to challenge Hitler’s narrative were labeled as enemies of the state. Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Propaganda Minister, boasted that the media was so intimidated that favorable coverage required no direct orders—it simply became the norm.
The Nazis also launched cultural purges, burning books that promoted progressive ideals, free thought, or LGBTQ+ rights. Berlin, once home to a thriving queer community and the world’s first transgender clinic, saw these spaces systematically destroyed. LGBTQ+ people were forced into concentration camps, forced to wear identifying badges, and many were ultimately murdered in the Holocaust. Women's rights were also rolled back as Hitler proclaimed in 1934 that a woman's role was to serve her husband, raise children, and maintain the home. Reproductive rights were heavily restricted, and abortion became punishable by death.
Despite these sweeping changes, most Germans did not immediately recognize the depth of the crisis. They continued with their daily lives, unaware—or unwilling to acknowledge—that they were sleepwalking into catastrophe. By the time Hitler’s reign ended in 1945, 11 million people had been murdered in the Holocaust, and the world was left reeling from the devastation of World War II, which claimed between 70 and 85 million lives.
Parallels in the Present
Today, echoes of these strategies reverberate across the political landscape. Powerful figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk have drawn increasing scrutiny for their efforts to reshape media narratives, dismantle democratic institutions, and consolidate power in unprecedented ways.
Musk, the world's wealthiest individual, has leveraged his massive influence to become a central political figure. Now serving as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump's administration, Musk has aggressively pursued cost-cutting measures that critics argue weaken vital government institutions. Simultaneously, he has taken control of major communication platforms—most notably X (formerly Twitter)—using them to push political agendas and amplify right-wing narratives.
Observers have noted the striking similarities between Hitler’s tactics and the modern-day weaponization of media. The consolidation of press ownership by billionaires has raised concerns about the suppression of dissent and the manipulation of public opinion. Figures like Trump have repeatedly attacked journalists and media organizations that criticize him, labeling them "fake news" and "enemies of the people." The pattern mirrors Hitler's systematic discrediting of the free press before transitioning to full-blown state propaganda.
Musk’s growing control over media and political discourse has led to direct pushback. Recent protests have erupted across the U.S., with activists targeting Tesla showrooms in response to his political entanglements. Prominent public figures, such as musician Sheryl Crow, have severed ties with Musk’s enterprises, citing concerns over his role in eroding democratic institutions. Senator Ron Wyden has gone as far as to call Musk’s actions a "corporate coup," warning that his unchecked influence could have dangerous consequences for democratic governance.
Profiles of Key Figures Mentioned
Sheryl Crow – An American singer-songwriter known for hits like All I Wanna Do and If It Makes You Happy. She has been an outspoken advocate for social and political issues, recently severing ties with Tesla and donating the proceeds to National Public Radio in protest against Musk's influence on media.
Ron Wyden – A U.S. Senator from Oregon, known for his advocacy on privacy rights, internet freedom, and government transparency. He has been a vocal critic of corporate overreach, particularly regarding Elon Musk's influence on government and media.
Elon Musk – The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and the owner of X (formerly Twitter). Musk has become increasingly involved in politics, aligning with right-wing figures and drawing criticism for his role in reshaping media narratives.
Donald Trump – The 45th President of the United States and current political figure actively shaping Republican strategy. Trump has long attacked the media, judiciary, and other democratic institutions while positioning himself as a victim of political persecution.
Joseph Goebbels – Hitler's Propaganda Minister who played a key role in controlling Nazi media and spreading anti-Semitic and pro-regime narratives.
The Cautionary Tale
While history does not repeat itself exactly, its patterns are clear. The rise of authoritarianism often follows a predictable script: the vilification of the press, the scapegoating of minorities, the suppression of opposition, and the consolidation of power by a select elite. As democracy faces unprecedented challenges, the lessons of the past become more urgent than ever.
If there is one takeaway from history, it is this: complacency is dangerous. Most Germans did not believe their nation would spiral into dictatorship and genocide until it was too late. Today’s world is watching another cycle unfold, and the question remains—will we recognize the warning signs in time?
Sources:
Vanity Fair: Sheryl Crow Sells Tesla, Donates Proceeds to National Public Radio - https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/sheryl-crow-elon-musk-tesla-npr
Wall Street Journal: Has Elon Musk Become Too Big to Tame? - https://www.wsj.com/tech/elon-musk-doge-accountability-01df717d
The Guardian: Protesters Target Tesla Showrooms in US Over Elon Musk's Government Cost-Cutting - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/16/protesters-target-tesla-stores-in-us-over-elon-musks-cost-cutting
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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