Meaning: The quote "Germany stays and falls with the success of the policy of Hitler" by Hjalmar Schacht, a prominent economist and banker in Nazi Germany, encapsulates the intertwining of Germany's fate with the policies and actions of Adolf Hitler during the period of the Third Reich. Hjalmar Schacht, who served as the Minister of Economics and President of the Reichsbank, was a key figure in shaping and implementing economic policies under Hitler's regime. His statement reflects the pervasive belief at the time that the success or failure of Germany was inextricably linked to the leadership and policies of Hitler.

During Hitler's rise to power in the 1930s, Germany faced significant economic challenges stemming from the aftermath of World War I and the Great Depression. Hitler and his Nazi Party capitalized on the country's economic woes, promising to restore Germany's former glory and prosperity. Under Hitler's rule, a series of economic policies were implemented, including massive infrastructure projects, rearmament efforts, and the pursuit of autarky, or economic self-sufficiency. These policies were aimed at revitalizing the German economy, reducing unemployment, and bolstering the country's military capabilities.

Hjalmar Schacht, as a leading economist and financial expert, played a pivotal role in shaping and executing these policies. He was instrumental in instituting various financial and monetary measures to support Hitler's economic agenda, including the introduction of the "MEFO bills" to finance rearmament and the stabilization of the German currency. Schacht's close association with Hitler and his active involvement in the economic decision-making process underscored the significance of his statement regarding Germany's fate being tied to Hitler's policies.

The quote also underscores the deeply intertwined nature of politics and economics during the Nazi era. Hitler's aggressive foreign policy and expansionist ambitions, culminating in the outbreak of World War II, had profound implications for Germany's economic well-being. The war effort placed immense strain on the German economy, leading to resource shortages, increased production demands, and ultimately, devastating consequences for the country's infrastructure and workforce.

Furthermore, Hitler's policies, particularly those targeting minority groups and implementing forced labor, had far-reaching humanitarian and economic implications. The systematic persecution and extermination of millions of Jews, along with other targeted groups, not only represented a moral catastrophe but also resulted in the loss of valuable human capital and expertise within the German economy.

As the war turned against Germany and Allied forces advanced on multiple fronts, the economic and industrial capacity of the country became increasingly strained. The success or failure of Hitler's military campaigns directly impacted the economic sustainability of the regime. The eventual defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 brought about a complete collapse of the country's political, economic, and social order, validating Schacht's assertion that Germany's fate was intricately linked to the policies and actions of Hitler.

In retrospect, Hjalmar Schacht's quote serves as a stark reminder of the immense influence wielded by political leaders and policymakers over the economic fortunes of nations. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing undue faith in the judgment and decision-making of authoritarian leaders, especially when their policies lead to catastrophic consequences. The quote encapsulates a pivotal moment in history and continues to prompt reflection on the complex interplay between political leadership, economic policy, and the destiny of nations.