Book spotlights 300 letters sent to Hitler

Letters congratulated Hitler
Between 1933, when the Nazis were elected, and 1939, the year Germany invaded Poland, the number of letters increased dramatically — and most expressed support for Hitler.

“From 1933 to 1939 it was jubilation — particularly after the (1938) annexation of Austria,” Eberle said. “There were so many letters after that you couldn’t read all of them — at least 10,000 from England, America, Austria — from around the world congratulating him.”

Some letters, albeit a minority, expressed shock at the annexation of Austria.

“After the first days of jubilation were over, we were aghast to learn that while I am eligible to vote, my wife, being stigmatized and inferior because of her Jewish heritage, must stand aside,” wrote Franz Ippich of Salzburg.

“So I decided ... to ask you: Please erase the dishonorable, Jewish heritage of my wife, which is not her own fault ... (by doing so) my wife’s and my offspring will become your loyal and enthusiastic followers who will bless you for all your life.”

The letter went unanswered, and Ippich fled with his wife for South America.

Protest letters got no response
There were protests early on from abroad about Nazi policies; they got no response.

“Hitler was uninterested,” Eberle said. “The high point of the protests was 1934, but then I think most people realized it made no sense to protest.”

Letters sent near the war’s end showed the desperation of the German people.

“In 1945 there was a lot of advice, a lot about ‘wonder weapons’ — the people wanted to do what they could against the Allies and would make suggestions,” Eberle said.

“For example, one proposed ... cannons that would shoot steel nets into the air to take down low-flying aircraft.”

By 1945, the number of letters had dwindled. Hitler got about 10,000 birthday cards in 1938, Eberle said; in 1945 he got fewer than 100.

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