Adolf Hitler (Downfall)

The Führer **Adolf Hitler** was the leader of Germany. He spent his last days in the Führerbunker before taking his own life.

In November 1942, at the Wolf's Lair in East Prussia, Führer of Nazi Germany Adolf Hitler invited a number of young women to interview for the position of his personal secretary. Traudl Junge was overjoyed when he chose her. Three years later, the Red Army had pushed Germany's forces back and surrounded Berlin. On Hitler's 56th birthday, the Red Army began shelling Berlin's city centre. Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler tried to persuade Hitler to leave Berlin, but Hitler refused.

Fegelein also attempted to persuade Hitler to flee, but Hitler insisted that he would win or die in Berlin. At a meeting in the Führerbunker, Hitler forbade the overwhelmed 9th Army from retreating, instead ordering SS commander Felix Steiner's units to mount a counter-attack. The generals found the orders impossible and irrational. Above ground, Hitler awarded Peter Kranz his medal, hailing Peter as braver than his generals. In his office, Hitler talked to Minister of Armaments Albert Speer about his scorched earth policy. Speer was concerned about the destruction of Germany's infrastructure, but Hitler believed the German people left behind were weak and thus deserved death.

On April 22nd, 1945; Hitler learned Steiner did not attack because his unit lacked sufficient force. Hitler became enraged at what he saw as an act of betrayal and launched into a furious tirade, shouting that everyone has failed him (including the SS) and denounced his generals as cowards and traitors. He finally acknowledged that the war was lost, but that he would rather commit suicide than leave Berlin.

Hitler received a message from Luftwaffe chief Hermann Göring, requesting state leadership. Hitler declared Göring a traitor, ordering his dismissal from all posts and his arrest. Speer made a final visit to the Führerbunker, and admited to Hitler that he had defied his orders to destroy Germany's infrastructure. Hitler, however, did not punish Speer, who decided to leave Berlin.

Hitler continued to imagine fantastic ways for Germany to turn the tide. At dinner, Hitler learned of Himmler's secret negotiations. Hearing that one of his most loyal followers had abandoned him sent him into another rage, and he quickly ordered Himmler's execution. He also found out that Fegelein had deserted his post, ad order him to be executed despite Eva's pleas. SS physician Ernst-Robert Grawitz asked Hitler's permission to evacuate for fear of Allied reprisal. Hitler refused, leading Grawitz to kill himself and his family.

The Soviets continued their advance, Berlin's supplies ran low, and German morale plummeted. Hitler hoped that the 12th Army, led by Walther Wenck, would save Berlin. After midnight, Hitler dictated his last will and testament to Junge, before officially marrying Eva. The following morning, Hitler learned that the 12th Army was unable to relieve Berlin. Refusing surrender, Hitler planned his death. He administerd poison to his dog Blondi, bid farewell to the bunker staff, and committed suicide with Eva. The two were then crudely cremated with petrol in a ditch in the Chancellery garden.

## Awards

* Golden Party Badge
* Iron Cross 1st Class (WW1)
* Wound Badge (Black) (WW1)

## Notes

* He is a fictional portrayal of the real Adolf Hitler.[1]