MangyTiger:
In the specific case of the Jews I think they also suffered from being identified as 'the murderers of Christ' - which always seemed odd to me as if they hadn't got the Romans to crucify Jesus there wouldn't be any Christianity
Exactly!!! Christ being crucified was a fulfillment of prophesy. If he had not been crucified AND then rose from the dead, christianity most assuredly would not exist.
But getting back more on topic to this thread: Hitler was schrewd and used whatever means necessary to rise to power, including capitalizing on human beings' fallicies such as hate for "others" and selfishness.
There were so many variables that fell into place during his rise to power: poverty, low national esteem, week minds, etc. He played upon all of these as well as anti-semitism and survival of the fittest. The former being an incorrect interpretation and application of biblical teaching (similar to the curse of ham used for racist purposes against blacks) and the other, though said to be a misapplication of science in an unscientific area by some on this thread, I believe, a logical consequence and application of evolutionary findings and understanding.