Book Review: 1932 by David Pietrusza

Thought I knew much about these two giants of 20th century leadership till Pietruza's new history with one focus: their simultaneous rise to power in 1932; a truly momentous year. Pietrusza fills in the gap that most histories skim over, the minutia of how both schemed endlessly to grab the reins of power in two countries near collapse from Depression and failed leadership.

Neither had a clear path to power at the start of the year. Hitler used extreme violence, masterful propaganda and demonic energy and will to overcome both his inability to garner an electoral majority in repeated elections, and the hatred of him by virtually everyone else in power, including revered old President Paul on Hindenburg who vowed the 'Bavarian Corporal' would never become Chancellor...till he did just after 1932 mercifully ended. FDR was as cool and reserved in his quest for power as Hitler was hot and ego-maniacal. He deftly overcame incredulity of his ability to lead America out of Depression by party bosses who largely supported another run by Catholic Al Smith, who lost to Hoover in 1928. They and much of the electorate during the Democratic campaign viewed FDR as a wealthy, elite lightweight who offered no real program of economic salvation other than his cheery charisma.

A joy of this tome is the detail devoted to the incredible cast of characters drawn to the Hitler/FDR orbits. One who traversed both titans was Ernst Franz Sedwick "Putzi" Nanfstaegl, described by Pietrusza as "Der Fuhrer's clownish American descended intimate ("Hitler's Piano Player"). FDR's old friend from New York's posh Harvard Club, who said 'Roosevelt made himself by conquering an infirmity of the body; Hitler by conquering the infirmity of the German people'. "

The scary 2016 Republican presidential campaign featuring the neo-Fascist run by Donald Trump was never far from mind as I read this fascinating history of how the right man and the wrong man grabbed the top spot in America and Germany 84 years ago. If you think that's a stretch consider the wise words of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and activist Chris Hedges:

"Fascism is about an inspired and seemingly strong leader who promises moral renewal, new glory and revenge. It is about the replacement of rational debate with sensual experience. This is why the lies, half-truths and fabrications by Trump have no impact on his followers."

Neither Trump nor his followers would ever read "1932". The rest of us all should to understand how it can happen here.