Adolf HitlerA Brief Introduction
Family History and Birth Adolf was the son of Alois and
Klara Hitler His Father’s original family
name was “Schicklgruber” but changed his name when he was 40
Adolf was born on April 20, 1889 in Braunau, Austria
He had a step-brother and step-sister from his father’s previous marriage. He also had 5 siblings, all except one died in childhood.
From an early age, Hitler though he was special, being the only surviving boy of the family.
Youth
High school dropout Father died when he was 14 Mother died when he was
18 Aspiring artist but rejected
from Vienna Art School Never held a job, inherited
money from the death of parents and wealthy aunt
Moved to Vienna and lived in flophouses and hostels
Spend his days daydreaming, going to the theatre and drawing at street corners for extra cash
Life in Vienna and WWI
Hitler became fascinated with the radical Nationalist and anti-Jewish philosophies that existed in Vienna
This is where the foundation of his beliefs in war and racial hatred were built
Made crazy plans and dreamed of greatness Constantly talking to anyone who would
listen to him When WWI started, Hitler was very excited He moved to Germany and sought special
permission to fight in the German Army
Hitler in WWI Spent 4 years as a
Communications runner Promoted to Corporal
and received 2 medals for bravery
However, he was a misfit and had trouble making friends with the men in his unit
Wounded twice – grenade shrapnel in the leg and a gas attack that left him temporarily blinded
After the War
Hitler remained in the German Army and became an “educational officer”
His main job was to spy on the political organizations popping up all over Germany
As part of his job, he came across a group of men who called themselves the “National Socialist German Workers Party” or NSDAP
Hitler was so impressed with these men, he left the army and decided to join them
Within months Hitler became the leader of the party
Hitler was a great speaker and had a clear vision for Germany
Hitler’s Philosophies
Revenge on France and Britain Breaking the Treaty of Versailles German’s were not responsible for losing the war, they were
stabbed in the back by traitors at home (Jews and Communists)
The meaning of life was the struggle between races Conflict is the natural state of man Germans were the greatest of all races: “Aryans” - tall,
blonde, blue-eyed and strong - supermen Racial Purity should be preserved Jews were the lowest of all – an anti race – put on earth in
infect pure races – they should be destroyed Christianity was invented by Jews to keep people weak Children should be raised to be like wild animals Women were little more than baby machines
Hitler goes to Jail
The Nazis try and fail to take over the government in 1923
Hitler was arrested and put on trial Hitler used the trail to attack the
government and promoted his philosophies His speeches were published in newspapers
and he soon became a national hero Hitler was convicted and sent to jail While in jail, Hitler wrote his book “Mein
Kampf” or My Struggle It became a national best seller
Hitler takes Power
Hitler was sent to jail for 5 years but gets out in 30 months
He re-gains popularity after to Germany economy collapses again in 1929
He forms the “S.A.” a street gang of over one million men and battles communist for control of the streets
The Nazis win the most seats in the elections in 1930 and again in 1933
Hitler is appointed chancellor in 1933 In 1935, the President dies and Hitler
combines the two positions and become the “Fuhrer” or Leader
He makes all other political parties illegal and stops further elections