Charismatic leadership

• Examples of charismatic leadership

  • The perceptions of Hitler
  • The Hitler myth
  • Arguments against the myth
• Perceptions of Hitler


  • He was a wounded veteran who fought for Germany
  • He followed through on promises and promoted positivity and improvements in society
  • He was seen as above the infighting in the government
• The Hitler myth


  Historian Ian Kershaw's argument that Hitler's charisma created a narrative that the people of Germany had to follow him, despite his flaws
• Arguments against the Hitler myth

  Historian R.J. Evans argues that Germans participated in Nazi activities out of fear of violence and threats, not because of Hitler's charisma
• Positive charisma


  Hitler seen as a godlike, single war hero who was the future of Germany
• Negative charisma


  Hitler used a "carrot and stick" approach - if you didn't believe his charismatic persuasion, you would face violence and threats