They Thought They Were Free

They Thought They Were Free presents interviews with ten ordinary German citizens who lived through and participated in the Nazi regime. Published in 1955, the book documents author Milton Mayer's conversations with these men in a small German town during 1951-52. The subjects were not high-ranking Nazi officials, but rather typical middle-class professionals - teachers, salesmen, and craftsmen. Through extensive discussions, they reveal their perspectives on how and why they supported or acquiesced to the Nazi movement, and how they viewed those choices after the war. Mayer structures the book as both journalism and sociological study, moving between direct quotes, personal observations, and broader analysis. The testimonies create a record of how everyday people experienced the gradual transformation of their society. The work continues to resonate as an examination of how ordinary citizens can become complicit in extraordinary evil, while believing they are making reasonable choices. It raises enduring questions about moral responsibility, self-deception, and the psychology of conformity under authoritarian rule.

Readers found the book's interviews with ordinary Germans illuminating for understanding how average citizens rationalized and adapted to the Nazi regime's gradual changes. Many noted the relevance to modern political movements and social psychology. Readers appreciated: - Direct quotes and candid conversations with German citizens - Clear parallels to how societies can drift toward authoritarianism - The focus on everyday people rather than political leaders - Detailed examination of how small changes accumulated over time Common criticisms: - Writing style can be dry and academic - Some felt the author inserted too much personal opinion - Structure is sometimes disorganized - Several readers wanted more historical context Ratings: Goodreads: 4.29/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Representative review: "Chilling in its relevance. Shows how normal people can accept the unacceptable through small, incremental steps." - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 Milton Mayer spent a year living in Germany in 1935-36, then returned in 1951-52 to interview ten ordinary German citizens who had been Nazi Party members, seeking to understand how they were drawn into the movement. 🔹 The book's title comes from a quote by one of the interviewed Germans: "We thought we were free...but this was the deception; we were not free." 🔹 Despite being Jewish himself, Mayer developed close friendships with his interview subjects and continued corresponding with several of them for years after the book's publication in 1955. 🔹 The author originally attempted to publish the work as fiction because he felt readers would be more receptive to the uncomfortable truths about human nature if presented as a novel rather than journalism. 🔹 The book experienced a significant revival in sales and attention after 2016, as readers drew parallels between its descriptions of creeping authoritarianism and contemporary political developments around the world.