Fighting The Fourth Reich

[Bob Butler 54]

The ‘Third Reich’ was a propaganda term attempting to historically legitimize Nazi rule by referring back to their newly labeled first and second reichs. These were the Holy Roman Empire (962 - 1806) and the German Empire (1871 - 1918). It implies a deep established German heritage.

Now, I’m no fan of authoritarian government, but throwing around a ‘Fourth Reich’ label seems like cheap strawman. Yes, authoritarian government should be watched and resisted. One should be very dubious about ruling elite classes pushing authoritarian forms. Still, cheap comparisons with Hitler are absurd enough to leave articles in the trash bin.

Meanwhile, ‘Holy Roman Empire’ was itself a propaganda term trying to legitimize things by referring back to the Roman Empire. It was sort of legit, pertinent at least, in 962 AD. It’s a mild curiosity today.