I’m still working my way through Fateful Hours: The Collapse of the Weimar Republic by Volker Ullrich, in which he gives a riveting account of Germany‘s inter-war history, from World War I surrender through the trials and tribulations of their first democratically-elected government (the Weimar Republic) that led to Hitler’s ascendency. The English translation was released in November 2025, so the reviews are still coming out, but, as an amateur history, I’m finding the book fascinating.
For whatever reason, I often just scan book introductions and prefaces, if not completely skip, but this book’s introduction is significant and insightful:
… In the United States, Donald Trump’s first presidency provided a preview of what his second term in office might bring. This time, he is better prepared, less constrained by advisers, and more determined to push his agenda through. The future of American democracy has never been so uncertain since the declaration of independence almost 250 years ago. …
OMFG! The author foretold what is happing in the United States prior to the November 2024 presidential elections (the German version released in July 2024, just as Biden stepped aside). Trump declares national emergencies through which he dictates “laws” and policies using executive orders is identical to Hindenburg‘s using Weimar’s Section 48 to handpick a conservative cabinet against the electorate’s wishes. Not saying that executive orders are unique to Trump, but no president has issued more, 225 in 2025.
The quote Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it well-known; Ullrich not only remembered the past but was able to predict the future. Is the United States on its way to becoming fascist as Germany did? Believers in the strength of the US Constitution should reassess their opinions and identify the next weakness that Trump will use: this more perfect Union has never been more at risk.
