Early Years
Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889 in Braunau am Inn, a small town in Austria-Hungary. His father, Alois Hitler, Sr., was a customs official and his mother, Klara Pölzl, was a housemaid. From a young age, Hitler exhibited a strong interest in German nationalism. He was an intelligent but lazy student, and eventually left high school without finishing. He moved to Vienna, where he was twice rejected from the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, which was seen by Hitler as a personal failure.
After his mother’s death, Hitler became increasingly bitter and angry. He spent time with bohemian artists and intellectuals, as well as an anti-Semitic organization called the German Workers’ Party. This organization was eventually re-named the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, or “Nazis” for short.
Rise to Power
Hitler was appointed the leader of Nazis in 1921 and began to work to gain power. As the Führer (“leader”) of the Nazi Party, Hitler promised to revive the German economy and get rid of the Jews and other “undesirables” from the Nazi movement. In 1933, the Nazis won a plurality in the German Parliament, the Reichstag, and Hitler was appointed Chancellor. He quickly took control of Germany, eliminating opposition, incarcerating opponents and strengthening the Nazi message.
During his time in power, Hitler enacted numerous anti-Semitic laws and policies. The Nazis also began their campaign of persecution against Jewish people and other minorities, leading to the Holocaust. Hitler declared a policy of Aryan supremacy and pushed for the development of a Master Race. He also declared a total war on the Allies, leading to the deaths of millions of people and the destruction of much of the European continent.
World War II
Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, leading to the start of World War II. He then led a brutal campaign of conquest throughout Europe, conquering several countries. He also initiated the extermination of millions of Jews, gypsies and other minority groups. The Allies eventually set up a joint offensive against Germany, invading from the west and the east, and gradually pushing Hitler’s forces back. In 1945, Hitler committed suicide in his bunker as the Allies closed in.
Legacy
Adolf Hitler left a legacy of destruction and death behind him. His time in power resulted in the deaths of millions of people, and his policies of racial extermination and Aryan supremacy remain a dark stain on the history of Europe. His actions were condemned by the international community and his ideals remain reviled to this day.
At the same time, Hitler was responsible for Germany’s transformation into an industrial powerhouse. His aggressive foreign policies and military campaigns led to increased German influence in Europe and helped to create a strong sense of German unity. His fiery oratory inspired many, and his political and economic policies led to unprecedented success for the Nazi Party.
Personal Life
Adolf Hitler never married, and he was an intensely private man. He spent much of his time reading, studying philosophy and art, and pursuing his interests in politics. During most of his political career, Hitler was living in his bunker in Berlin, protected from the destruction of World War II. He avoided public appearances and kept close contact with his inner circle. He reportedly had a fear of public speaking, and would often practice in his bunker for hours before giving an address.
Hitler was an avid art collector and aesthete, often visiting museums and galleries for inspiration. Many of his favorite paintings now hang in the Adolf Hitler House in Vienna, and some of his personal possessions are also on display. His personal library, which was mostly sourced from his vast personal collection, is now on display in Munich.
Assassination Attempts
There have been numerous attempts to assassinate Hitler throughout his time in power. The most famous attempt was made by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg in 1944 when he attempted to use a bomb to kill Hitler in his bunker. The bomb exploded, but Hitler survived and Stauffenberg was executed. Other attempts included shooting and poisoning, but all were ultimately unsuccessful.
Hitler’s assassination attempts are a reminder of the strength of his message and of his hold on the German people. In spite of numerous attempts on his life from enemies both foreign and domestic, Hitler was able to remain in control until the end of the war.
Myths and Speculation
The life of Adolf Hitler has been the subject of much speculation and has spawned numerous myths. Many rumors have circulated over the years, from Hitler’s alleged use of genetic engineering to create a race of super soldiers to his use of occult rituals and the occult to gain knowledge and power. There has also been speculation of Hitler escaping to South America after the war, an interpretation reinforced by recent evidence that he may have had a passport in the name of Adolf Leonhardt.
Hitler’s own personal life has also come under suspicion, with rumors of an illegitimate love child, various mental illnesses and a sustained drug habit. In recent years, much of these speculation has been debunked, with most historians now believing that Hitler was a drug-free, mentally-stable individual.
Conclusion
Adolf Hitler was one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern history. His time in power led to the deaths of millions of people and the destruction of much of Europe, but his legacy is also one of great influence and power. His legacy, both positive and negative, continues to this day as a reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism and tyranny.
