Interview: Historikerin sieht Parallelen zu 1933: „Es gibt ein Gefühl, dass demokratische Parteien es nicht mehr hinkriegen“

Frau Schneider-Braunberger, as a historian, do you perceive parallels between today's era and the one a century ago? Yes, comparisons can be drawn, patterns and lessons can be identified. The common thread today is the overwhelming uncertainty faced by each worker and employer. Although we are better off now than during the 1929 economic crisis, the loss of prosperity is palpable.

The widespread uncertainty is causing society to heat up and divide. Are you suggesting that political extremes are profiting from this? Indeed, the left seeks to confiscate wealth from the rich, while the right calls for the expulsion of foreigners. Companies can help by explaining the value they bring to society and the collective effort required to maintain prosperity.

The AfD, while not a successor to the NSDAP, does reference the latter – "the pleasant face of Nazism." This historical amnesia is deeply troubling. What lessons can we learn from history for today? Firstly, the perceived benefits of aligning with a party do not always translate into real advantages. Secondly, one must understand a party in its entirety, not just its specific interests.

This includes scrutinizing the party's entire program. In the case of the NSDAP, did entrepreneurs accept its radicalism, or only when it benefited their businesses? Initially, some did, as long as the economy thrived. However, by 1936/37, shortages of raw materials, labor, and foreign currency became apparent. This was when many companies felt compelled to join the NSDAP to signal their support, fearing the loss of their businesses.

What message do you have for entrepreneurs regarding their interaction with the AfD? Some entrepreneurs and politicians in the 1930s underestimated the radicalism of Hitler, thinking they could control him. History teaches us that a party, even if not democratically elected, that comes to power can quickly undermine democracy. The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt has already announced its intent to do so.

While entrepreneurs must be committed to their business success, they also have a societal responsibility. As long as they believe in a liberal democracy as the place for their enterprise, they have the duty to support it. How much do entrepreneurs actually support the AfD financially? Only two high-spending entrepreneurs were reported for 2026.

There is no clear indication of the extent of entrepreneur support for the AfD. Historically, before 1933, entrepreneurs did donate to the NSDAP. Fritz Thyssen and Friedrich Flick were notable contributors. Once the party became part of the state, large donations from business magnates became less crucial. How closely aligned was the German economy with the NSDAP before Hitler's appointment as Chancellor on January 30, 1933?

During the pre-1933 period, the economy was not entirely aligned with the NSDAP. Individual representatives joined for various reasons – some sought to influence the party's stance on economic policy, while others genuinely believed in National Socialism. However, not everyone stood behind the democratic parties. Therefore, not all private individuals and journalists who search NSDAP records to determine who joined when can conclude that the entire economy was closely aligned with the party.