The Fuhrer-Follower Ideal and the Partnership with German Big Business

The concept of the fuhrer-follower ideal, characterized by a charismatic and messianic rule, served as a significant bridge among various groups of the emergent new right, contrasting with democratic and egalitarian social models. It was rooted in irrational, religious, and emotional forces, symbolizing a charismatic personal rule distinct from democracies. The Nazis' partnership with German big business, rather than with labor unions or workers, contributed to their rise to power. German industrial firms supported Hitler's dictatorial regime not out of ideological alignment with National Socialism but due to the promise of ending parliamentary democracy and eliminating the German left, making substantial financial contributions to solidify the Nazis' position.