By Osian Lynn
A step-by-step guide on how to become a dictator, inspired by Hitler’s own journey to power.
The Ideal Climate
A country must be experiencing crises for a dictator to emerge. A failing economy, rising inflation, a struggling working class, and global tensions are ideal conditions for the aspiring dictator. People suffering from crises like these will be more receptive to the radical rhetoric and violent actions that will be required to rise to power.
Take note: These conditions were present in post-war Germany when Hitler aspired to dictatorship.
Step 1: Appeal to the Angry
Once the conditions are right–workers struggle to afford the cost of living, inflation is soaring, tension with other nations is high, etc–the first step an aspiring dictator should take is to liken themselves with the distraught. Thousands of people disillusioned by the state of their country need a strong leader to rally behind. The aspiring dictator should appeal to their anger and place blame on certain social groups.
Take note: Hitler did this by villainizing Jews and capitalists.
Step 2: Remember the Good Ol’ Days
At this step, the aspiring dictator should have established good rapport with the struggling members of a country. These people are looking for a sense of hope, so a good dictator will use the Nostalgia Effect to remind supporters of the Good Ol’ Days. In doing so, the aspiring dictator should promise to bring greatness back to their country.
Take note: Hitler rallied his supporters by vowing to bring greatness back to Germany.
Step 3: Fan the Flames
A dictator needs undying support from followers, and there is no better way to do this than by using fear and anger. This step goes back to Step 1: Appeal to the Angry. By targeting certain groups, angry supporters now have a common enemy which must be “defeated.” It is important to include any and all opponents of the aspiring dictator in these targeted groups; civility can and should go out the window. This is crucial for the final step in becoming a dictator.
Take note: Hitler demonized his opponents, accusing them of being traitors. Nazi paramilitary organizations violently attacked Hitler’s opponents.
Propaganda should be endless. There exist countless ways to spread propaganda: repeated rhetoric, distributing newsletters, sharing media that reflects established ideals, etc.
Take note: Hitler traveled the country giving powerful rallying speeches that reinforced hateful rhetoric and his promise to bring Germany back to greatness; his allies published Nazi magazines that promoted Nazi ideals and media.
Step 4: Secure Political Power
This step is more difficult than the others. While conditions are still ideal–that is, a country is still suffering and the aspiring dictator still has support–the aspiring dictator should attain power through a high government position. Once a high position is obtained, never let go.
This is a key part of dictatorship: a dictator must ensure they remain in power, regardless of established democratic rules. Many dictators have done this through coups (i.e. forcefully seizing power by unlawful means). Of course, it is difficult to successfully execute a coup.
Take note: Hitler learned this the hard way after a failed coup on Nov. 8, 1923. Following his failed attempt, Hitler spent nine months in jail. This is where he famously wrote his memoir, “Mein Kampf.”
If a coup fails, power may still be secured through political process. Within a decade of Hitler being released from prison, he rose to the highest position in Germany’s government: chancellor.
The final part of this step is to consolidate power. A dictator should have far-reaching government control. This can be arranged through policies that redistribute power and by using militia against opponents.
Take note: Hitler was quick to consolidate power once he became chancellor; he took this further by exerting control over educational institutions. And, as we all know, he readily used militia against civilians to protect his regime.
If these steps are followed properly, any person with enough charisma can become a dictator!
We can learn a lot from history, like what to look out for to preserve the democracy we have.
