Travellers in the Third Reich: The Rise of Fascism Through the Eyes of Everyday People

by Julia Boyd

Later Tétaz had supper with friends who, although profoundly anti-Hitler, were also happy and excited because peace now seemed certain. Their disgust with the regime did not extend to wanting a war in order to destroy it. Then came the extraordinary news that Germany’s demands regarding Czechoslovakia had been met in full. In Munich there was indescribable joy. Huge crowds gathered outside Chamberlain’s and Daladier’s hotels calling again and again for the statesmen to appear on their balconies. Tétaz went with his friends to the Oktoberfest celebrations. He had been often before but to none like this. Beer flowed endlessly, while in vast marquees happy, carefree people linked arms to form long lines that swayed all night to the music of brass bands. Hitler had achieved a Reich for his people without fighting, triumphed over the hated peace treaty, eliminated unemployment and turned yesterday’s enemies into friends.