Home - History Notes - Adolf Hitler


Adolf Hitler, 1889 - 1945
Adolf Hitler 1889 – 1945
Byname: Der Führer (German: “The Leader”)

Austrian born Adolf Hitler was a clever and manipulative politician. Charismatic and energetic, he became Germany's dictator and military leader. His bombastic speeches held audiences spellbound.


HITLER'S FAMILY

Alois Hitler, Adolf's father, had two children from his previous marriages: Alois and Angela. Adolf's mother was Klara Hitler, nee Poelzl. His siblings were Gustav, Ida, Otto, Edmund, and Paula.

Hitler's sweetheart was Eva Braun. He didn't have any children.


ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Adolf provoked World War II and was responsible for the Holocaust. It took the unusual alliance of capitalists and communists to end his reign. His name became proverbial for evil.


ADOLF HITLER


ADOLF'S LIFE
Hitler grew up in Austria. He enjoyed drawing but failed twice to pass the exam at the academy of arts. He moved to Munich and volunteered for the 16th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment in World War I. During the war, he was wounded and gassed. He was also awarded for bravery in action.

After the war, he joined the Nazi Party (National Socialist German Worker’s Party). He was soon in charge of the party’s propaganda and eventually became its chairman. For his unsuccessful Beer-Hall Putsch, in which National Socialists attempted to seize power, Hitler was arrested and imprisoned for nine months.

He wrote his autobiography Mein Kampf (My Struggle) while in prison. Later, Hitler unsuccessfully challenged Paul von Hindenburg in the chancellor election.

After Hindenburg's death, Hitler became Führer and Reichskanzler (chancellor). He immediately established an absolute dictatorship. While preparing for war, he effectively invaded and annexed as much European territory as possible until Britain and France declared war.

As World War II was running its course, desperation grew among the Germans. Several attempts on Hitler’s life were plotted by fellow high ranking Nazis. Meanwhile, Soviet forces closed in on Berlin, the location of Hitler’s headquarters.

Mussolini and Hitler in a car
Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler
in Munich, Germany - ca. June 1940

National Archives.gov
[+] CLICK TO ENLARGE


HITLER'S DEATH

In recognition of her loyalty, Hitler married his long-time mistress Eva Braun at midnight on April 28 - 29, 1945. On April 30 they jointly committed suicide. According to Hitler’s directions, their bodies were cremated.


CONTROVERSY
Hitler’s mental health is disputed. Some say he suffered from madness. Others say, besides being a hypochondriac, he was just plain evil.

In any event, he suffered from Parkinson disease. To what degree this illness influenced his decisions is debatable.

Hitler in Paris - June 23, 1940
Hitler in Paris - June 23, 1940


ADOLF HITLER FACTS
Hitler painted postcards for a living while he lived in Vienna. He went on painting during WWI. And guess what, they are selling some of his artwork. And here you can check for how much the stuff was sold.

Wee Adolf was a choirboy at the Benedictine monastery at Lambach in Upper Austria.

The swastika is an ancient religious symbol. The word is derived from the Sanskrit term “svasti,” meaning “object of well-being.”
What in the world is Sanskrit?

A citizen of Austria, Hitler obtained German citizenship through the state of Brunswick in order to run for Chancellor.

The Third Reich was the Nazi regime’s official name. The First Reich had been the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (962 to 1806). The Second Reich was the German Empire (1871 to 1918).

Hitler bragged that the Third Reich would last a thousand years, but it actually lasted only 12 years, falling short of Hitler's 1000 year prediction by 988 years. The Third Reich collapsed one week after Hitler's death.

They found Hitler's Bible. The guy actually re-did the 10 commandments. Have a look.


BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
1889 April 20 - Birth at Braunau am Inn, Austria
1919 Joins German Workers’ Party in Munich
1923 Munich Beer Hall Putsch and prison
1932 Opposed Hindenburg in Presidential election
1933 Chancellor
1934 Führer and Chancellor
1939 German invasion of Poland, September 1
1939 Britain and France declare war on Germany, September 3
1941 Attack against the U.S.S.R.
1944 D-Day, June 6
1945 April 30 - Death in Berlin, Germany

Adolf Hitler Timeline


ADOLF HITLER IN NUREMBERG


ADOLF HITLER LINKS AND TRIVIA

Here is the link to hitler.org, the Hitler Historical Museum. They say they are non-biased and non-profit. Check it out.

Also, the Telegraph features an article about how new computer software, which is able to read lips from silent films, give some more info about Hitler in the more relaxed setting of his home. See what you think.

And this is Adolf Hitler's space on the Mother of All Timelines. (takes a sec to open)

Ingenious Eddie Izzard points out that Adolf started out as a vegetarian painter and later switched to mass murderer. Watch Eddie's video here.

Unlike its owner, Hitler's globe survived.

 

 

 


© Copyright 2005 - 2008 Emerson Kent. All rights reserved.