Similarities Between Hitler And Napoleon example essay topic

643 words
There were differences between Hitler and Napoleon, however I feel there were more similarities. They were both immigrants in the country they ended up ruling, both conquered most of Europe, both had radical views about fighting, and both were very quick in their fighting. However, the most significant similarities between the two leaders is how they were accepted as monarchs in a previously democratic society, and what they did for the countries after becoming monarchs. Hitler and Napoleon were accepted as monarchs for three major reasons. Both countries were hoping for the returning strength of the monarchy. The people of Germany and France were tired of inflation, and threats of invasion, and both militaries preferred aggressive patriots at their head instead of a politician.

Both countries needed someone because they were both in economic chaos. Both men were intent in building a new type of state with a new social order. Both enjoyed the advantage of more or less unlimited power, yet they assumed this power very carefully and legally. When they assumed power they did much for their countries. They both pursued vigorous economic plans that balanced each countries' budgets, which had not been done in years. Napoleon balanced the budget in 1802, the first time it had been balanced in over seventy years, and Hitler managed to balance Germany's budget by 1938.

Both men ended unemployment in their countries with nationwide projects, however, neither Hitler nor Napoleon came up with the idea. The programs of Hitler were proposed by Georg-Hans Reinhardt and Hjalmar Sch act, and the programs of Napoleon came from many different people. By eliminating the economic crisis in their countries and establishing a feeling of national security, they raised national pride and patriotism to amazing levels. Both men also had similar radical views about fighting. Both called for a fight to the death when enemy armies were approaching, and when their countries had exhausted all of their manpower, they both used children and teens in their fighting. Hitler used the Hitler youth, and Napoleon used the Marie Louise's, who were only fifteen years old.

However, the speed of their fighting may be the most amazing. Hitler, under his personal command and planning conquered all of Poland in only 24 days, and Napoleon conquered most of Austria and all of Sardinia in 9 days. They both followed these victories with even larger, faster victories. Hitler took over the Netherlands, Holland, Belgium and France in just 25 days, and Napoleon conquered Italy and more of Austria; in less than one year. This may not sound so big, but Napoleon had only 30,000 soldiers to start with against over 100,000.

Both men took much from the countries they conquered. They sent back bullion, art and other valuables. Both captured many soldiers and a large amount of supplies and weapons as well. Their tactics were described as 'lightening wars' by their oppositions.

Another, more interesting, similarity between Hitler and Napoleon was that they were immigrants in the country they ended up ruling. Hitler was born in a small Austrian village of Braun an Am Inn just across the border from German Bavaria, and Napoleon was born in Corsica. In conclusion, there are many similarities between Hitler and Napoleon, however there is one striking difference. We all know how Hitler felt about Jews, but Napoleon believed that their religions should be removed, placing them on the same level as Protestants and Catholics. He hoped to persuade Jews from all over the world to settle in France and take a full part in the nation's life. Perhaps that is the reason Napoleon is not considered as bad of a person as Hitler.