Adolf Hitler: Rise to Power

Can one man really start an entire world war? It is fair to argue that Adolf Hitler’s pursuit of land for his ethnically clean Aryan race caused World War II.  There are many more factors to consider besides the ambitions of Hitler. Would Hitler have been able to rise to power if Germany was not suffering under the crushing weight of WWI reparations and the Depression? Hitler may not have been the sole cause of WWII. And Hitler may have been as successful if conditions in Germany had not been so dismal. What is certain is that Hitler was a major player in WWII and will be remembered forever.

Early Life

On April 20, 1889, Klara Polzl bore Alois Hitler his fourth of sixth children, Adolf; in Branau am Inn, Austria.  When Adolf was three, his family moved from Austria to Germany. Hitler experienced tragedy early in life when his younger brother Edmund died in 1900.  Three years later, his father died suddenly. While his father, a customs official, maintained a cold and strict relationship with Hitler, his death undoubtedly affected the thirteen year old. Hitler found formal education boring. He only enjoyed his history studies, which focused on instilling a strong sense of German nationalism in students. Hitler’s caring and loving mother allowed the sixteen-year-old Hitler to drop out of school to pursue an art career in Vienna.  Like his education, Hitler’s art career was unsuccessful. In 1907, Hitler failed the entrance exam for the Vienna Academy of Art. Tragedy struck the young man’s life once again, as breast cancer overcame his dear mother. A few months later, Hitler attempted to reapply for the Vienna art school but was rejected again. While earning a pittance from selling postcards and architectural drawings, Hitler lived in homeless shelters and men’s hostels. While in Vienna, Hitler actively participated in the local political environment. His struggle in Vienna shaped many of his now memorable political ideas.

                                              

Hitler as a child: top middle

Military Career

Hitler’s military career experienced far greater success than his educational or art career. In 1913, Hitler left Vienna to avoid military service under the Hapsburg Empire. While living in Munich, Europe erupted into World War. Hitler quickly volunteered to serve in a Bavarian regiment. By December of 1914, Hitler became a decorated soldier, earning the Iron Cross for bravery. In October 1916, a grenade splinter temporarily wounded him. In August of 1918, Hitler won the Iron Cross again, but this time with the first class designation. While recovering from a gas attack that caused him temporary blindness, Hitler heard the devastating news that Germany had been defeated.

                                                    

Rise to Power

Hitler believed that Marxist leaders had betrayed Germany. The treaty of Versailles called for the demilitarization of Germany and the reparations assigning blame to Germany. These stipulations enraged Hitler. In 1919, he joined the German’s Workers’ Party (DAP). While with this organization Hitler became known for his vitriolic speeches, in which he spread his anti Socialist and anti- Semitic views. Hitler used his leadership position to lead a failed coup against the German government in November 1923. While serving time in prison for his crime, Hitler wrote the now famous Mein Kampf. The Great Depression gave Hitler the advantage he needed to further his political career. In 1932, he lost the race for German presidency to Paul von Hindenburg. Hindenburg, however, appointed Hitler to chancellor. Following the death of Hindenburg, Hitler assumed the role of both president and chancellor. He used his political status to spread his ideas and build up an army. In August of 1939, Hitler and the German forces invaded Poland and began World War II.

For More Information:

"Adolf Hitler." The Biography Channel website. http://www.biography.com/people/adolf-hitler-9340144 (accessed February 24, 2014).

“Adolf Hitler.” The History Channel website. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/adolf-hitler (accessed on February 22, 2014).

“More Information about Adolf Hitler.” History: BBC.com. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/people/adolf_hitler#p00bhf0v (accessed on February 23, 2014).

Noakes, Jeremy. “The Rise of Adolf Hitler. “ History: BBC.com. Updated on March 30, 2012. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/hitler_01.shtml (accessed on February 23, 2014). 

Rosenburg, Jennifer. “Adolf Hitler.” 20^th Century History: About.com. http://history1900s.about.com/cs/hitleradolf/p/hitler.htm (accessed February 22, 2014).