There is another side of Berlin, a side of the city you don't often like to think about. The worldwide Depression has left tens of thousands of people without work — homeless and hungry. These people live in alleys or in shacks of scrap lumber; they never have enough to eat; they are cold in winter and hot in summer; and they are always angry, especially when they see people like you, people who are able to study at the university and walk along the spacious avenues in handsome clothing.
In their bitterness, these people have begun to follow a new political leader, Adolph Hitler. Hitler has promised that he will improve their lives and restore their sense of dignity. He has told them that they are not to blame for their sad situation, that they have been the victims of an international Jewish conspiracy. Jews have caused their misfortunes, he says, and they believe him, even though the Jews in Germany are suffering from the Depression just as much as their neighbors. His solution is to get rid of the Jews. Once that happens, he claims, things will get better.
The voters of Germany agree, for they cast their ballots for Herr Hitler in the election of 1933, and he is named Chancellor, the German equivalent of Prime Minister. Germany is wild with expectations for better days, but you are afraid. Is it really possible that he will carry out his plans or were those just promises he made to win votes?