Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler (April 20th 1889 – April 30th 1945)
Adolf Hitler was born in Austria, on April 20th, 1889
Moved to Germany when he was 3 years old.
Clashed frequently with his father He became detached and introverted after the death of his younger brother in 1900
His father did not approve of his interest in fine art rather than business
Showed an early interest in German nationalism
This nationalism would become the motivating force of Hitler's life.
Moved to Vienna and worked as a casual labourer and a watercolour painter
Applied to the Academy of Fine Arts twice, was rejected both times
Moved into a homeless shelter, and was there for several years
Hitler later pointed to these years as the time when he first cultivated his anti-Semitism.
Applied to serve in the German army
Was accepted in August 1914, though he was still an Austrian citizen
Spent much of his time away from the front lines
Was present at a number of significant battles
Was wounded at the Somme
Was decorated for bravery, receiving the Iron Cross First Class and the Black Wound Badge.
Became embittered over the collapse of the war effort
Reinforced his passionate German patriotism
Was shocked by Germany's surrender in 1918.
Believed that the German army had been betrayed by civilian leaders and Marxists
Found the Treaty of Versailles degrading, particularly the demilitarization of the Rhineland
Returned to Munich and continued to work for the military as an intelligence officer
Monitored the activities of the German Workers’ Party (DAP)
Adopted many of the anti-Semitic, nationalist and anti-Marxist ideas
Adolf Hitler was born in Austria, on April 20th, 1889
Moved to Germany when he was 3 years old.
Clashed frequently with his father He became detached and introverted after the death of his younger brother in 1900
His father did not approve of his interest in fine art rather than business
Showed an early interest in German nationalism
This nationalism would become the motivating force of Hitler's life.
Moved to Vienna and worked as a casual labourer and a watercolour painter
Applied to the Academy of Fine Arts twice, was rejected both times
Moved into a homeless shelter, and was there for several years
Hitler later pointed to these years as the time when he first cultivated his anti-Semitism.
Applied to serve in the German army
Was accepted in August 1914, though he was still an Austrian citizen
Spent much of his time away from the front lines
Was present at a number of significant battles
Was wounded at the Somme
Was decorated for bravery, receiving the Iron Cross First Class and the Black Wound Badge.
Became embittered over the collapse of the war effort
Reinforced his passionate German patriotism
Was shocked by Germany's surrender in 1918.
Believed that the German army had been betrayed by civilian leaders and Marxists
Found the Treaty of Versailles degrading, particularly the demilitarization of the Rhineland
Returned to Munich and continued to work for the military as an intelligence officer
Monitored the activities of the German Workers’ Party (DAP)
Adopted many of the anti-Semitic, nationalist and anti-Marxist ideas