Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria-Hungary. His father, Alois Hitler, was a strict and short-tempered man, while his mother, Klara Hitler, was a caring and nurturing presence in his life.

## Adolf Hitler

### Relatives

* Alois Hitler
* Klara Hitler
* Edmund Hitler

## Links

### Fandom

* Precced by Germany After WWI
* Succeded by World War II

# Early Years

Hitler's childhood took a tragic turn when his younger brother, Edmund, died of measles in 1900, which deeply affected him.

At the age of six, Hitler's family moved to Linz, Austria. Here, he attended a Catholic monastery school, where he exhibited average academic performance. However, Hitler developed a passion for art, particularly drawing and painting. His dreams of becoming an artist led him to clash with his father, who wanted him to pursue a more stable career.

In 1903, after his father's death, Hitler's mother allowed him to leave school and pursue his artistic ambitions. He moved to Vienna, Austria, where he applied to the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. However, his application was rejected twice, and he faced financial difficulties, forcing him to live a life of poverty.

During his time in Vienna, Hitler immersed himself in the city's political and cultural climate. He developed a strong sense of German nationalism, coupled with anti-Semitic beliefs, which were prevalent in some circles of Viennese society at the time. Hitler became influenced by the writings of politicians, philosophers, and racial theorists who propagated theories of Aryan superiority and anti-Semitism.

Struggling to make ends meet, Hitler moved between shelters and cheap boarding houses, spending his time sketching, reading, and attending political meetings. His exposure to anti-Semitic literature and speakers further fueled his growing hatred towards Jews, whom he blamed for Germany's perceived decline.

In 1913, Hitler moved to Munich, Germany, hoping to evade military service in the Austro-Hungarian Army. However, when World War I broke out in 1914, he enlisted voluntarily and served as a soldier for the duration of the war. Hitler's experience in the military, particularly as a dispatch runner on the Western Front, had a profound impact on him, reinforcing his nationalist sentiments and fueling his desire for German unity and greatness.

# NSDAP

After Germany's defeat in World War I, Hitler returned to Munich, feeling disillusioned and resentful of the Treaty of Versailles, which he believed unfairly burdened Germany with the responsibility for the war. It was during this tumultuous period of political and economic instability that Hitler's charismatic oratory skills began to emerge, attracting attention and drawing him towards far-right political circles.

In 1919, Hitler joined the German Workers' Party (DAP), a small nationalist organization that later transformed into the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP). Hitler's fervent speeches and ability to captivate audiences quickly elevated his position within the party, and he emerged as its leading figure.

During this time, Germany was reeling from the effects of the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh conditions on the country, including massive reparations, territorial losses, and economic hardships. Hitler skillfully exploited the discontent and frustration felt by many Germans, particularly war veterans and workers, who yearned for stability and a restoration of national pride.

Hitler's oratory skills and captivating speeches drew attention to the party and its nationalist agenda. His charismatic personality and ability to connect with the masses attracted new followers, including disaffected soldiers, unemployed workers, and those disillusioned with the political establishment.

# Birth of Nazism

In the early 1920s, Hitler's imprisonment following the failed Beer Hall Putsch provided a crucial turning point in his life. It was during this period that he reflected on his political strategies and solidified his ideological foundations. In his cell, Hitler began writing his autobiographical manifesto and political treatise, "Mein Kampf" (My Struggle). This work outlined his views on nationalism, racism, anti-Semitism, and anti-communism, encapsulating the core principles of Nazi ideology.

While in prison, Hitler also became exposed to a variety of ideological influences circulating in Munich. he encountered the writings of the Golden Dawn, who inspired Hitler and created the idea of superiority of the Aryan race as the chosen race of God.

Following his release from prison, Hitler dedicated himself to rebuilding the Nazi Party and expanding its influence. He leveraged propaganda, mass rallies, and his powerful oratory to galvanize supporters and gain popular appeal. The economic instability and political chaos of the early 1930s, coupled with widespread discontent, provided fertile ground for Hitler's message of national revival and the promise of a strong Germany.

# Nazi Germany

In 1933, amid a climate of political maneuvering and backroom deals, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg. Leveraging his newfound power, Hitler swiftly consolidated his authority and implemented a series of measures that dismantled democratic institutions and centralized control under his leadership. Within a short span, he transformed Germany into a totalitarian state, with the Nazi Party at the helm.

As Hitler rose to power, he propagated the notion of a racially pure Aryan master race and intensified the persecution of minority groups, particularly Jews, whom he blamed for Germany's perceived social, economic, and political problems.

Nazi ideology, also known as National Socialism, at its core, revolved around the concept of racial superiority, with an emphasis on the supremacy of the Aryan race. This racial hierarchy placed other ethnic and religious groups, particularly Jews, at the bottom, deeming them as threats to the purity and strength of the Aryan race.

The Nazi ideology also promoted the idea of totalitarian control over all aspects of society. Hitler and his party sought to create a unified, disciplined, and militarized state where the individual served the interests of the nation. This involved suppressing dissent, curbing personal freedoms, and establishing a surveillance state to maintain control over the populace.

Eugenics, a pseudo-scientific concept, played a significant role in Nazi ideology. The Nazis believed in purifying the Aryan race through selective breeding and the elimination of individuals they deemed undesirable or genetically inferior, including those with physical or mental disabilities.

Propaganda was another crucial component of Nazi ideology. Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda, utilized various media channels to shape public opinion, glorify Hitler, and propagate anti-Semitic and racist narratives. The Nazis employed visual symbols, such as the swastika, to instill a sense of unity and loyalty among the German population.

The swastika is a symbol that has been used by various civilizations and cultures throughout history, predating the Nazi era. The term "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit word "svastika," which means "well-being" or "good fortune." The symbol itself is characterized by an equilateral cross with its arms bent at right angles.

Before its association with Nazi Germany, the swastika had positive connotations in many cultures. It was commonly found in ancient India, Greece, Rome, and Russia. Often representing the sun or celestial cycles.

However, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party appropriated the swastika as their emblem, changing for ever its historical significance. The Nazis adopted the swastika in 1920 as the official emblem of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) and integrated it into their flag. They rotated the symbol 45 degrees, transforming it into a black swastika on a white circle against a red background.

Under Nazi rule, the swastika became a central element of the regime's propaganda and visual identity. It was prominently displayed in public spaces, on uniforms, buildings, and official documents. The swastika was meant to evoke a sense of national pride, unity, and Aryan superiority, as the Nazis falsely claimed a connection between the Aryan race and Christianity God.

While the symbol itself predates the Nazis by millennia, it is important to understand that symbols are nothing else than art that means something. And so the swastika was changed for ever and serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of hate, extremism, and the need to confront and reject ideologies that seek to promote discrimination and violence.

To consolidate their power, the Nazis dismantled democratic institutions, suppressed opposition parties, and established a totalitarian regime. Hitler, as the Führer, held absolute authority, and his word was considered law.

### Power

Once in power, Hitler wasted no time in implementing his agenda. He suppressed political opposition, suspended civil liberties, and established the Gestapo, the secret police force responsible for monitoring and suppressing dissent. Hitler's propaganda machine, led by Joseph Goebbels, launched a campaign to control public opinion and indoctrinate the masses with Nazi ideology.

The persecution of Jews and other targeted groups intensified during this period. The Nazis implemented a range of discriminatory policies, including the Nuremberg Laws of 1935, which stripped Jews of their citizenship and rights, and the Aryanization of businesses, where Jewish-owned enterprises were forcibly seized by the state.

### Olympic Games

Internationally, Hitler aimed to project an image of strength and superiority. The Olympic Games of 1936, held in Berlin, provided him with a platform to showcase Nazi Germany to the world. The games were carefully orchestrated to present an image of harmony, order, and efficiency, masking the regime's true nature. Hitler sought to exploit the event for propaganda purposes, promoting the Nazi ideology and racial superiority.

During the 1936 Olympic Games, the German Post Office organized a global radio broadcast. This broadcast aimed to showcase Nazi Germany's technological advancements and promote their ideology to an international audience. The Olympic Games presented an opportunity for Hitler and the Nazis to project an image of strength and superiority to the world. As part of their propaganda efforts, they arranged for the broadcast of radio signals carrying Olympic coverage, speeches by Hitler, and musical performances to be transmitted around the globe.

This global radio transmission was a significant achievement in terms of radio technology and the reach of communication. It allowed people from different parts of the world to tune in and listen to the events and messages being broadcast from the Olympics in Berlin.

In the context of early radio technology and long-distance communication, this broadcast demonstrated the ability to transmit radio signals over long distances and reach audiences worldwide.

This radio broadcast reached space outside the earth, it was an impressive achievement in terms of global radio communication, given the technology available at that time. It showcased the extent to which radio signals could be transmitted and received across international borders, influencing public perception and propaganda dissemination during the Olympic Games.

As the flames of nationalism burned brighter, Germany was rapidly transformed under Nazi rule. Hitler, buoyed by the success of the Olympics, capitalized on the momentum and intensified his efforts to consolidate power. The propaganda machine went into overdrive, glorifying the Aryan race and promoting the superiority of the German people. The Nazi Party, now firmly in control, implemented a series of laws and policies that targeted various groups, particularly Jews, as scapegoats for Germany's perceived woes.

### Mysticism

Meanwhile, behind closed doors, Hitler's influence expanded through clandestine channels. His association with secret societies and esoteric organizations, such as the Thule Society and the Golden Dawn, left a lasting impact on the ideological development of the Nazi regime. These groups, steeped in christianity and wicca, provided a framework for Hitler's twisted vision of racial purity and dominance.

One key figure who played a significant role during this period was Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS (Schutzstaffel). Himmler, an ardent believer in the occult and esoteric doctrines, sought to create an elite Aryan society within the SS. He incorporated elements of mysticism and ancient Germanic rituals into the organization, further intertwining Nazi ideology with esoteric beliefs.

# World War II

As tensions escalated across Europe, Hitler pursued a policy of territorial expansion, intent on reshaping the world order to fit his grand vision. With the annexation of Austria and the occupation of the Sudetenland, Hitler's territorial ambitions became increasingly clear. The international community, hoping to avoid conflict, engaged in appeasement policies, culminating in the Munich Agreement.

However, Hitler's insatiable hunger for power and conquest could not be appeased. With the invasion of Czechoslovakia, Germany's aggressive expansionist policies shattered the illusion of peace. The world watched in disbelief as Hitler's forces occupied sovereign nations, violating international agreements and pushing the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

Yet, it was the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact that sent shockwaves through the global stage. The non-attack agreement with the Soviet Union, allowed Hitler to divert attention from his eastern flank, granting him time to solidify his grip on Western Europe.

### Invasion in Poland

The fateful day arrived on September 1, 1939, when Hitler's forces stormed into Poland, unleashing a devastating display of military might. The invasion sparked an immediate response from Britain and France, who honored their alliance with Poland, plunging the world into the abyss of World War II.

As the world reeled from the outbreak of war, Hitler's twisted ideology and quest for dominance had taken root, causing immeasurable suffering and destruction. The stage was set for a conflict that would test the limits of human endurance and reshape the course of history.

With the invasion of Poland, Hitler's aggressive expansionism ignited a chain reaction that set the world ablaze. Britain and France, honoring their commitment to Poland, declared war on Germany, officially marking the beginning of World War II.

In the early stages of the war, Germany's Blitzkrieg tactics proved devastatingly effective. Hitler's forces swiftly overran Poland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, The Netherlands, and France, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The world watched in shock as the Nazi war machine demonstrated its formidable power.

### Allies

As the conflict escalated, other nations took notice and began to align themselves in opposition to the Axis powers. In the face of Hitler's aggression, the formation of alliances became crucial for collective defense and the preservation of freedom.

Britain, under the leadership of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, stood as a steadfast bulwark against Nazi Germany. Churchill's resolve and eloquence rallied the British people, inspiring them to withstand the onslaught and continue the fight for liberty.

Across the Atlantic, the United States, led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, initially adopted a policy of neutrality. However, as the war progressed and the true nature of Hitler's regime became apparent, public opinion shifted, and support for intervention grew. The United States began providing aid to Allied nations and took steps towards rearmament.

In the East, the Soviet Union, under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, shattered the non-aggression pact with Germany, after Hitler's betrayal. The Soviet Union joined the fight against the Axis powers, fiercely defending its territories and pushing back against Hitler's forces.

As the war raged on, the formation of the Allies took shape. The United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union emerged as the three major powers united against the common enemy. Their shared goal was to defeat Nazi Germany, dismantle its fascist regime, and restore peace and stability to the world.

Recognizing the need for coordination and collaboration, representatives from the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union met to discuss their common goals and strategies. These meetings included the Tehran Conference in 1943 and the Yalta Conference in 1945. Through these diplomatic efforts, the Allies solidified their commitment to defeating the Axis powers and shaping the post-war world.

At the Yalta Conference, held in February 1945, Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin reached agreements on a variety of issues, including the post-war occupation of Germany and the establishment of the United Nations. One significant outcome of the conference was the "percentages agreement" between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies.

# 1945

By early 1945, the Soviet Union launched a massive offensive on the Eastern Front, known as the Vistula-Oder Offensive, which aimed to capture Berlin and bring an end to Hitler's regime. The Soviet forces advanced rapidly, overcoming fierce resistance from the German army. In April 1945, Soviet troops reached the outskirts of Berlin, and intense street-to-street fighting ensued.

On April 30, 1945, Adolf Hitler, realizing the inevitable defeat, committed suicide in his bunker in Berlin. The Soviet Union played a crucial role in the capture of Berlin, with Soviet soldiers hoisting the Soviet flag over the Reichstag building on May 2, 1945, symbolizing the Soviet victory. The German surrender was formally signed on May 7, 1945, bringing an end to World War II in Europe.

See Also -

* World War II
* Nazism
* Operation Valkyrie
* The Holocaust
* NeoNazism