Current Political Landscape
In the tumultuous years leading up to World War II, German author Thomas Mann emerged as a vocal critic of the rising Nazi regime. His unwavering commitment to democracy and humanism set him apart from many of his contemporaries, including Ernst Jรผnger, a prominent writer known for his ambivalent stance towards Nazism.
In January 1933, Mann reaffirmed his pledge to the social republic and his faith in democracy. This commitment was evident in his literary work, where the fight against irrationalism and nationalism became a recurring theme. Mann's battle against the ideology of National Socialism was so vehement that he referred to it as a "turbid amalgam."
Mann's literary crusade was evident in his works, such as his "German Address," a broad description of political and economic conditions, an appeal to resist Nazi propaganda. This speech was delivered in response to the success of the NSDAP in the Reichstag elections.
Mann's courage was not without consequence. He received threats and insults from the Nazis, including accusations of "boundless ignorance" and "malice," and being a traitor to his country. The Great Commentated Frankfurt Edition, Vol. 16, contains documentation of these insults and threats.
Mann's stand against the Nazi regime was not limited to his writings. In July 1932, he protested against the violence and terror sweeping the country with his essay "What We Must Demand." This was not the first time Mann expressed his feelings of being surrounded by politics. As early as 1922, he had voiced his concerns.
Mann's bravery was also demonstrated in his actions. In October 1930, he spoke in the Beethoven Hall of the Philharmonic, an event that ended in turmoil due to disruptions, physical altercations, and jeering by 20 SA men in rented tuxedos.
Despite these dangers, Mann went into exile in February 1933 and did not return to Germany after warnings from friends, despite a lecture tour and subsequent winter vacation in Switzerland.
Thomas Mann's legacy as a literary giant and a champion of democracy is undeniable. His works, collected in the Great Commentated Frankfurt Edition, which gathers all published works, speeches, and essays from the years 1926 to 1933, serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to freedom and human rights.
Ernst Jรผnger, on the other hand, represented a very different intellectual and cultural stance. Though not a Nazi himself, Jรผngerโs writings and persona were more ambivalent and complex. His heroic vision of war and order contrasted sharply with Mannโs humanist criticism of the totalitarian and brutal nature of Nazism. This divergence highlighted the broader cultural and ideological struggles in Germany during the Nazi era.
Thomas Mann passed away in Zurich on August 12, 1955, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge readers today.
