Behind the Bastards Part Two: Alfred Hugenberg: The Elon Musk of Weimar Germany
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Apr 10, 2025 
Amanda Montell, author of "Coltish," sheds light on the enigmatic Alfred Hugenberg, a media mogul who shaped propaganda during WWI and aligned with the Nazis. They discuss how Hugenberg manipulated public sentiment to prolong the war and enabled Hitler's rise amid political chaos. Montell dives into the dark sides of nationalism and colonialism, exploring Hugenberg's aspirations for African expansion and his morally ambiguous decisions. The conversation intriguingly parallels Hugenberg's ambition with contemporary figures, sparking reflections on power and ethics in today's landscape.
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Herero Genocide
- Hugenberg's vision for German expansion in Africa mirrored the 1904 Herero genocide in Namibia.
- German forces massacred Herero civilians and poisoned wells, demonstrating colonial brutality.
German Nationalism and Colonialism
- German nationalism fueled colonial ambitions, driven by envy of Britain's vast empire.
- This, paired with the widespread brutality of colonialism, led to atrocities like the Herero genocide.
The Psychology of Greed
- War profiteers, driven by greed and self-justification, prioritize profit over human life.
- The desire for wealth, once ignited, becomes an addiction, blinding individuals to moral consequences.
