This theory had several key elements:
* The army was invincible: It argued that Germany was winning the war until the home front, weakened by economic hardship and propaganda, forced the government to surrender. The military blamed "November criminals" who conspired to undermine their efforts.
* The "Jewish" influence: This theory often blamed Jewish individuals for the "betrayal" of Germany. They were depicted as working with foreign powers to weaken the nation and achieve their own agenda. This aspect fed into existing anti-Semitism that had been growing in Germany before the war.
* The defeat was not a military one: The myth promoted the idea that Germany's defeat was the result of internal treachery and not a genuine defeat on the battlefield. This served to justify the anger and frustration of the German people, creating a climate of resentment and revenge.
Impact and Legacy:
The stab-in-the-back theory had a significant impact on German society and politics:
* Rise of the Nazi Party: The myth contributed to the growth of far-right political movements in Germany, particularly the Nazi party. Hitler used it to portray Germany as a victim of external forces and internal enemies, fostering nationalist sentiment and resentment towards the Weimar Republic.
* Resentment towards the Treaty of Versailles: The myth fueled resentment towards the harsh terms imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, seen as a humiliating betrayal by the victors.
* Anti-Semitism: The theory reinforced existing anti-Semitism, painting Jews as the ultimate enemy responsible for Germany's downfall.
Historical Assessment:
Historians have largely debunked the stab-in-the-back myth. They argue that Germany's defeat was indeed a military one, resulting from the exhaustion of resources and manpower after years of war. The theory was a convenient scapegoat for the German leadership to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and to deflect blame onto external forces.
The myth remains a potent example of how conspiracy theories can be used to justify extreme political ideologies, scapegoat minorities, and distort historical events. Its legacy continues to be relevant in understanding the rise of authoritarianism and the persistence of anti-Semitism.