Biography of Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler (April 20th 1889 – April 30th 1945) was the leader of the Nazi Party, becoming the chancellor of Germany in 1933 and finally führer in 1934 until his suicide in 1945.
Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria, and had a troubled childhood. After his father passed away he struggled with poverty and was forced to live in an orphanage in Linz. As a student, Hitler was a mediocre performer in high school.
Hitler had an interest in politics and joined a few of the right-wing groups in Vienna. There is not a lot known about this period of his life, but it is believed that it is when his anti-Semitism began to manifest.
At the beginning of World War I, Hitler enlisted in the Bavarian army, where he served as a dispatch runner. It was during this time that he was given the Iron Cross after rescuing wounded soldiers under fire. He was also wounded twice, earning him the Wound Badge.
After being discharged from the army, Hitler moved to Munich and joined the Nazi Party in 1923. He wrote his first book “Mein Kampf” (“My Struggle”) in 1924, when he was in prison. In this book he expounds his views on nationalism, militarism, anti-Semitism, and socialism.
After being appointed chancellor of Germany in 1933, Hitler quickly rose to power and began the process of Nazifying the country. He implemented oppressive anti-Semitic laws, established concentration camps, and started the German rearmament program. He also terrorized Europe and assassinated his political opponents. By 1938, Germany had become a totalitarian state with Hitler as its leader.
At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Hitler invaded Poland and then France. He planned an invasion of Britain but was unsuccessful. He then decided to attack the Soviet Union but was eventually defeated. Germany was pushed back on multiple fronts and eventually surrendered in 1945. Before the Allies could capture him, Hitler committed suicide.
Hitler’s Effect on German Economy
Hitler’s economic agenda during his rule of Germany was focused on restoring the country’s economy while also building a strong military. During the 1930s, Germany was suffering from the effects of the Great Depression and had a weak economy. Hitler implemented an aggressive program of public works, infrastructure improvements, and heavy industry investments. This included the construction of the autobahn, a system of highways that allowed for faster transportation of troops and resources.
Hitler also put in place price controls and rationing to help combat the food shortages which had occurred during the Great Depression. He also invested heavily in the military, building up the army and air force to prepare for war. This created millions of new jobs and increased the purchasing power of the German people.
Overall, Hitler’s policies helped to stabilize the German economy. The economic progress was dramatic and, by 1938, Germany had the strongest economy in Europe. Despite the success, the cost of the military buildup, coupled with the effects of World War II, would eventually lead to a devastating fall in the German economy.
Hitler’s Politics and Ideology
Hitler was an extreme nationalist who believed in the superiority of the German people and the racial purity of the “Aryan race.” He identified this race with the German nation and believed that Germany should be ruled by the Germans, not the Jews.
Hitler wanted to create a new world order under his rule and proposed a number of sweeping changes to achieve this. He wanted to expand the German empire, eliminate political opposition, and purify the nation with the help of intensive state propaganda.
Hitler’s views on race, particularly his support for white supremacy, racism, and anti-Semitism were well known and highly controversial. He argued for the superiority of the Aryan race and was fiercely opposed to any forms of racial integration. As part of his ideology, he proposed the expulsion, segregation, and genocide of Jews and other ethnic minorities.
Hitler believed in the power of the state to shape and control the lives of its citizens and to secure the interests of the nation. He wanted to create a unified, totalitarian state with absolute control over the German population. He argued that only a strong and powerful state could secure the German nation and protect it from any external threats.
Military and Foreign Policy of the Third Reich
Under the Nazi rule of Adolf Hitler, Germany was determined to expand its territory. This expansion was achieved through a combination of military conquest, territorial expansion, and diplomatic collaboration. By 1939, Hitler had annexed Austria, Czechoslovakia, and parts of Poland.
Hitler was determined to radicalize the foreign policy of Germany and establish the Third Reich as a major world power. He sought to build strong alliances with other powerful countries, such as Japan and Italy, and create an Axis of powers. This failed however, when Japan and Italy declared war on Germany.
Hitler also pursued a policy of non-aggression and appeasement towards the major powers of Europe. He offered concessions to Britain and France in an effort to avoid war, but was ultimately unsuccessful. This led to the outbreak of World War II in 1939.
The military of the Third Reich was one of the largest and most powerful in Europe. Under Hitler’s rule, Germany had a standing army of over seven million men and a large navy. The military was also well equipped with advanced weaponry and equipment, making it a formidable force.
During the war, Germany’s military forces fought on multiple fronts and engaged in a string of major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. Despite Hitler’s plans for German expansion, the Nazi forces were eventually pushed back by the Allies and were forced to surrender in 1945.
Legacy of Hitler’s Rule of Germany
Adolf Hitler’s rule of Nazi Germany had a devastating impact on the country and the world. Not only did it lead to the loss of millions of lives during World War II, but it also left a dark legacy of racism and persecution that still haunts Germany to this day.
Hitler’s policies of violent expansion, racism, and totalitarianism served as a stark reminder of what could happen when power is abused. His reign of terror also showed how dangerous it can be when hate and prejudice are allowed to thrive in a society.
Today, Hitler’s rule of Germany is remembered as one of the darkest periods in modern history. He is remembered as a tyrant and a mass murderer who was responsible for some of the worst atrocities in history.
In the wake of his rule, Germany has taken steps to move past the legacy of its dark past. It has enshrined human rights in its constitution and is a strong advocate for democracy, tolerance, and freedom.
Hitler’s Lasting Impact on the World
Adolf Hitler’s rule of Nazi Germany will have a lasting impact on the world. The atrocities he committed against humanity can never be forgotten and will continue to haunt us. However, he also left behind some positive lessons, such as the importance of tolerance, democracy, and respect for human rights.
Hitler’s legacy has also served as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and the importance of standing up to authoritarian regimes. He also reminded us of the danger of hatred and the need to challenge it wherever it appears.
As a result, Hitler’s legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come and will shape the way we view the world in the future. Through his actions, he left behind a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom, justice, and equality for all.
Conclusion
Adolf Hitler was a cruel dictator who caused immense suffering and tragedy throughout his rule of Nazi Germany. His totalitarian and racist policies left a permanent mark on the nation and the world. While his actions cannot be forgotten and his legacy remains, he has also left behind important lessons regarding the importance of democracy, human rights, and standing up to tyranny.
