How do you know you've been brainwashed, and how do you over-come that 'wrongful programming?'?

Take for instance, the Nazi's and Adolph Hitler. Or, David Koresh, and that "Waco" fiasco. What about Wesson charactor from Fresno, California? Can't remember his first name, but he fathered his daughters children through rius relationships with them, then convinced them to take part in an isted suicide. Do you think these things're mostly brainwash, or something else? How can a person control someones' mind so accuratelly, and precise? Also, what about Munchausen Bi Proxy? Thats' prolly a whole other question!! I'll have to ask that one separatelly. Thanks guys, and remember, we all have minds of our own!! God bless.