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Kershaw points out in “The ‘Hitler’ Myth” that people turned to Hitler because they needed a leader. People wanted to find a strong leader to follow after the unsuccessfulness of Democracy. As shown in class, people elevated Hitler to almost a religious level. The image of Hitler descending from the “heavens” portrays him as a savior to these people. Kershaw shows that people had this belief in Hitler. Someone claimed that he was “searching for him…the realization of my ideal could happen through one man, Adolf Hitler ” (30). They see him an embodiment of this new Germany. This is shown in the introduction of the book where Kershaw mentions that the people where not drawn to the Nazi party but to Hitler. Hitler’s popularity allowed his power position unassailable. People almost worshiped Hitler. Kershaw have the example that when someone’s hand briefly touched Hitler’s hand, everyone else would want to shake that hand. Also, when a comrade received a few carnations from the Führer, people would grab bits of the flowers and the person who received the flowers would keep it at home as a memento.

Since Hitler became the embodiment of the idea of a national Germany, he has to watch his own actions. Kershaw mentions that Hitler had to watch his style and posture during public engagements. He made sure that he did show any human failings, like wearing glasses. Furthermore, he never participated in any activities that he was not good in so he can continue to portray the image that he is a great man with no weakness. Goebbels even turns his celibacy into propaganda by saying that Hitler cares more about the welfare of the nation than his own personal happiness. This shows that this myth around Hitler’s greatness is merely image building through propaganda. Hitler would be no one without this depiction of greatness and without Hitler the Nazi movement would be just another radical right wing party. The way Goebbels presents Hitler and receptiveness of the people turns Hitler into the Führer of Germany.