Rise of Nazi Germany
Adolf Hitler is one of the most notorious leaders in history. He rose to power in 1933, bringing with him a new kind of nationalism and a plan for total world domination. The Nazi Party, led by Hitler and his inner circle, quickly conquered Europe and was responsible for some of the worst atrocities in human history. But what many people don’t know is that early in his career, Hitler almost died – by his own hand, or by being shot.
Hitler was born in Austria in 1889 and served in the German Army during World War I, during which he earned two Iron Crosses. After the war, he joined the Workers’ Party, later renamed the National Socialist German Workers’ Party or Nazi Party. He quickly rose in the ranks of the party, rising to the rank of Fuehrer, or leader, in 1933.
Near-Fatal Assassination Attempt
In 1923, Hitler and the Nazis staged an unsuccessful coup in Munich, known as the Beer Hall Putsch. He was sentenced to five years in jail, but was released after just nine months. After his release, Hitler continued to try to gain power, but his plans were disrupted when he was almost killed in a failed assassination attempt.
On the night of November 8, 1939, a group of German dissidents led by Ernst Roehm, an officer in the German Army, attempted to assassinate Hitler and his top aides. The dissidents fired several shots toward Hitler, but the bullets missed him. Roehm was killed in the struggle and Hitler was unscathed.
Hitler’s Escape
The story of Hitler’s escape has become something of a legend in modern history. According to accounts, the butt of Hitler’s side arm deflected one of the shots, while another bullet barely missed him. Hitler then ran into the shadows and escaped with several of his followers.
Hitler’s escape was attributed to luck or fate – but some have suggested that it was more than just luck. Writing in the journal Intelligence and Security in 2012, scholars suggest that there may have been an “inside man” who tipped off Hitler about the planned attack and helped him to escape.
Crisis Avoided
Had the assassination attempt succeeded, Germany and all of Europe may have been spared the horrors of Nazi Germany. Hitler’s death would have likely caused chaos and could have led to the collapse of the Nazi Party. Instead, Hitler lived to preside over 12 more years of death and destruction before eventually committing suicide in April 1945.
Aftermath
The attempted assassination of Hitler did not go unnoticed. Hitler blamed Roehm and other conspirators for the attack, using it as an excuse to order the execution of Roehm and other political opponents. He also increased security on himself, forbidding anyone to come within 10 feet of him without permission.
Hitler’s Charisma
Hitler’s attempted assassination underscores his influence on the German people. He was an adept politician, able to sway people to his way of thinking, and his message of national pride resonated with the working class of Germany. He was also a master storyteller and often used his personal narrative to motivate others to follow his cause.
The World Without Hitler
It is impossible to know what would have happened had Hitler been assassinated in 1939. Without Hitler, the Nazi Party may never have gained power and the Holocaust may never have occurred. The Second World War may have been avoided, and millions of lives could have been saved. However, it is impossible to know what other tragedies may have occurred in a world without Hitler.
Hitler’s Death Wish
One of the enduring mysteries of Hitler’s life is why he did not attempt suicide more often. Despite his enormous ambition and desire for power, he is known to have attempted suicide several times during the war and his personal doctor, Theodor Morell, administered a sleeping draft before he allegedly shot himself in 1945. This suggests that Hitler may have harbored a strong death wish, which could explain why he escaped the assassination attempt in 1939.
Hitler’s Lasting Legacy
Despite his death more than 70 years ago, Hitler’s legacy still lingers today. He is often remembered as one of the most evil dictators in history, responsible for the slaughter of millions and the brutal repression of entire populations. His actions cannot be forgotten, and his legacy is a dark reminder of the power of hate and authoritarianism.
Alternate Futures of Nazi Germany
What would have happened if Hitler had been assassinated in 1939 instead of escaping? Would the course of history have been changed, or would the Nazis still have gained power? These questions have been debated for decades, with scholars arguing that without Hitler, the Nazi Party may have found another leader or remained a marginalized fringe party in Germany.
The Final Outcome
Ultimately, we will never know what might have happened if Hitler had been assassinated in 1939. What we do know is that by the time he died in 1945, more than 50 million people had died in World War II and the Holocaust. The world would have been a much different place had Hitler been stopped in his tracks.
