The Spirit of the Age: Identity and Crisis

This chapter explores the concept of zeitgeist during the German-Soviet conflict, examining how cultural identity and mass psychology influenced political views and unity among Europeans. It highlights the historical evolution of European identity through figures like Napoleon and Hitler, analyzing the tensions between traditional military hierarchies and new merit-based ideologies. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the existential crisis faced by Europeans during World War II, framing National Socialism and Bolshevism as opposing forces that challenge traditional narratives of liberation.