Progressive Blindness

Hitler's a Good Chap

We have been re-reading in recent days the diplomatic interactions between Herr Hitler and the British, just prior to the commencement of World War II.  Of course, hindsight is always 20-20 vision.  Things seem so obvious, clear, and plain now.

The numerous interactions with Hitler amongst the British leadership were grounded in a grand presumption: Hitler, it was assumed,  shared  the same basic mindset as all European leaders.  Much of the interaction at top diplomatic levels reinforced the British conclusion that Hitler was "one of us".  He was a man who could be reasoned with on universal common ground.  Progressivist, pacifist ideology spurred them all on in a willing suspension of disbelief.