Hitler's Reaction to the Death of FDR: A Turning Point in the Nazis' Vision for Victory

When news of Franklin D. Roosevelt's death reached Adolf Hitler in the final days of World War II, it sparked a mix of emotions deep within the Nazi leadership, most notably Goebbels. This article delves into the reactions of these key figures and explores how their perceptions shaped the waning days of the Third Reich.

The Shockwaves of Roosevelt's Death

Upon hearing the news, Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's propaganda minister, reacted with a mix of euphoria and astrological certainty. In his stunned response, he invoked the power of astrology, claiming to have foreseen this moment as a turning point in the war.

According to Joachim Fest's book, "Inside Hitler's Bunker," Goebbels told Hitler, 'My Fuhrer, I have seen it in the stars. I have predicted this! This will be the change of fates we've all been waiting for.' Hitler, however, dismissed the news with near fatalistic indifference, replying, 'Everything is lost anyway. We have no more access to the oilfields, so we're lost anyway.'

Goebbels' Optimism and Historical Allusions

Despite Hitler's gloom, Joseph Goebbels saw an opportunity in FDR's demise. He compared the current situation to Frederick the Great's entrapment during the Seven Years' War, believing that similar circumstances to Frederick's might hand the Nazis a historic victory.

Goebbels proclaimed, 'Here we have the great miracle that I have always foretold. The war is not lost!' He went on to assert that the death of FDR signified a turning point for the Nazi war effort. The comparison was stark, as Goebbels believed that just as the death of Russian Empress Elizabeth had saved Frederick from defeat, the death of FDR might save the Nazis.

Hitler's Indifference and Final Actions

Hitler, however, remained unconvinced and lapsed into a state of resignation. In the days following Roosevelt's death, reports indicate that Hitler became more agitated, ultimately feeling that Germany was outliving its greatest adversary.

It is interesting to note that Hitler reportedly expressed pleasure at outliving Roosevelt, stating, 'From this point on, FDR's death will be a good omen for Germany's victory.' However, his joy was short-lived. As Goebbels continued to interpret the news in increasingly optimistic terms, Hitler's mood fluctuated, and it was not until the fateful decision to remain in the Reich Chancellery where he took his own life, that the full extent of the Nazis' despair became clear.

The Unrealized Peace Hopes

Goebbels and Hitler initially believed that FDR's death might lead to a negotiated peace with the West, allowing Germany to face the Soviet Union alone. However, as time passed, and the Allied powers remained united, this hope gradually faded. The realization that the Allies had not yet broken apart left Goebbels and Hitler disillusioned.

The news was met with joy across the Nazi hierarchy, with Goebbels interpreting it as a sign that Germany would prevail, even in the dark days of April 1945. This belief is further highlighted in the article 'FDR and Hitler: A Study in Contrasts.'

Conclusion

The death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in April 1945 sent ripples through the Nazi leadership, with Goebbels spurring on a flicker of hope amidst the inevitable end of the war. While Hitler's reactions were marked by fatalism and ultimately despair, the events of those final days offer a critical snapshot into the ideological and psychological underpinnings of the Third Reich.

The conditions surrounding FDR's death in 1945 reflect the broader circumstances and strategic implications of the war for both the United States and Nazi Germany. These events highlight the contrasting fates of two influential world leaders and the profound impact their lives had on the outcome of World War II.