Acceptance of defeat in Germany

The Nazis and generals are hopeless cases and will not be influenced by the nature of the peace. Many workers who gained rewards under Nazism may also identify their welfare with that of the Nazis, but a labor-socialist government could win the support of a majority and minimize post-war resentment of defeat. National pride is more important to the middle classes. They should not be offered aid with dishonor. Punishment and sacrifices should be immediate but not long-drawn-out. If decent Germans understand the moral debt contracted by the Nazis they will strive to atone, but the suggestion must come from neutral agencies (the churches) rather than from the victors. Through suffering, Germany may gravitate toward democracy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

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