OK heres an interesting thought, and I'd love to hear some ideas about it.
Manfred von Richthofen, aka the Red Baron was without a doubt the most popular German hero from the First World War. During his war years, his picture was in almost every German home and his name was praised by all Germans. His popularity today is largely due to his incredible popularity, both in German and all across Europe.
My question is this.... Before his death, many had wanted to take him out of combat and use him as a moral booster. If Richthofen had surivied, either by being pulled out of combat, or simple not being shot down, could he have been popular enought to have assumed a leadership role in German politics after the end of the war?
Could he have been the man, who was beloved and respected by all Germans, that could have brought Germany together as Hitler did, only without the goal of European domination? His demanor suggests that he could have had wide spread support from the other European leaders and peoples, thus making it easier for him to have risen and taken the Chancelorship.... as opposted to Hitler, whos rise was built on violence and racial blame for his nation's troubles.
Manfred von Richthofen, aka the Red Baron was without a doubt the most popular German hero from the First World War. During his war years, his picture was in almost every German home and his name was praised by all Germans. His popularity today is largely due to his incredible popularity, both in German and all across Europe.
My question is this.... Before his death, many had wanted to take him out of combat and use him as a moral booster. If Richthofen had surivied, either by being pulled out of combat, or simple not being shot down, could he have been popular enought to have assumed a leadership role in German politics after the end of the war?
Could he have been the man, who was beloved and respected by all Germans, that could have brought Germany together as Hitler did, only without the goal of European domination? His demanor suggests that he could have had wide spread support from the other European leaders and peoples, thus making it easier for him to have risen and taken the Chancelorship.... as opposted to Hitler, whos rise was built on violence and racial blame for his nation's troubles.