Adolf Hitler(1889–1945)

Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler was the leader of Nazi Germany. His fascist agenda led to World War II and the deaths of at least 11 million people, including some 6 million Jews.

Who Was Adolf Hitler?

Adolf Hitler was chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, serving as dictator and leader of the Nazi Party, or National Socialist German Workers Party, for the bulk of his time in power. 

Hitler’s fascist policies precipitated World War 2 and led to the genocide known as the Holocaust, which resulted in the deaths of some six million Jews and another five million noncombatants.

Adolf Hitler wanted to be a painter in his youth, but his applications to obtain proper schooling were rejected.

Young Hitler

Hitler showed an early interest in German nationalism, rejecting the authority of Austria-Hungary. This nationalism would become the motivating force of Hitler's life.In 1903, Hitler’s father died suddenly. Two years later, Adolf's mother allowed her son to drop out of school. After her death in December 1907, Hitler moved to Vienna and worked as a casual laborer and watercolor painter. He applied to the Academy of fine art twice and was rejected both times. 

“Those who want to live, let them fight, and those who do not want to fight in this world of eternal struggle do not deserve to live.”

                                                                 —Adolf Hitler

How Did Hitler Die?

Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945, fearful of being captured by enemy troops. Hitler took a dose of cyanide and then shot himself in the head. Eva Braun is believed to have poisoned herself with cyanide at around the same time.

Their bodies were carried to a bomb crater near the Reich Chancellery, where their remains were doused with gasoline and burned. Hitler was 56 years old at the time of his death.

Berlin fell to Soviet troops on May 2, 1945. Five days later, on May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered unconditionally to the Allies.

“We can never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was 'legal.'” (Martin Luther King Jr.)”

                                                                —Adolf Hitler

“History shows that all conquerors who have allowed their subject races to carry arms have prepared their own downfall by so doing.”

                                                             —Adolf Hitler

“Any alliance whose purpose is not the intention to wage war is senseless and useless.”

                                                             —Adolf Hitler

“All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach.”

                                                              —Adolf Hitler

“And what nonsense it is to aspire to a Heaven to which, according to the Church's own teaching, only those have entry who have made a complete failure of life on earth!”

                                                              —Adolf Hitler