Parallel Journeys

During World War I, many German citizens felt helpless. The harsh Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany for the war. It prevented Germany from rebuilding its army, and it made them give lots of money to the countries it damaged. Germany lost its luster. Due to the treaty and the Great Depression, its economy was in shambles. As Eleanor Ayer says, “Money had become so worthless that people carried it around in wheelbarrows just to do their daily shopping” (16). Hitler offered an antidote to the shame. He crafted a strong image and vowed to restore Germany to its glory. He projected power, and, as Ayer writes, “In growing numbers, people were now listening” (17).

Alfons listens and becomes a passionate supporter. He “will never forget the magic” of watching a Nazi parade in Wittlich, and he believes that Hitler will build an empire—the Third Reich—that will “last a thousand years” (27). Power intoxicates Alfons, and neither he nor the other Hitler Youth members can fathom anything as mighty as Hitler. In Ayer’s words, the boys think of him as “invincible” and “more powerful than God” (52).