When Was Hitler Born?
Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889. This date marks the birth of one of history’s most controversial figures, who would eventually become the dictator of Nazi Germany. Hitler’s life was filled with complexity, ambition, and an unquenchable thirst for power. His early years, rise to power, and personal habits offer significant insight into the man who would play a key role in shaping the 20th century. In this article, we will explore the stages of Hitler’s rise to power and delve into his personal life and habits, shedding light on the man behind the public persona.
Table of Contents
| Name: | Adolf Hitler |
| Relationship Status: | Single |
| Nick Name: | Der Führer |
| Date of Birth: | April 20, 1889 |
| Age: | 56 |
| Height: | 5’9″ |
| Net Worth: | $150 million |
| Occupation: | Politician |
| Citizenship: | German |
| Death: | April 30, 1945 |
The Early Life of Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria, on April 20, 1889. He was the fourth child of Alois Hitler and Klara Pölzl. Alois was previously married and had two children before marrying Klara. Adolf had five siblings, but only one, Paula, survived adulthood.
Adolf clashed frequently with his disciplinarian father as a child but was close to his indulgent mother. He did well in elementary school but struggled in high school. After his father died in 1903, Hitler dropped out of school at age 16, dreaming of becoming an artist. He moved to Vienna in 1907 but was rejected from the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts.
Hitler’s Life and Habits
- Vegetarianism: Hitler was known to follow a vegetarian diet, driven partly by his love for animals and disdain for animal cruelty.
- Non-Smoker: He was a non-smoker and actively campaigned against tobacco use within his close circle.
- Art and Architecture Enthusiast: With a background in painting, he maintained a lifelong interest in art and architecture, influencing Nazi aesthetics.
- Daily Routine: Hitler’s daily routine was highly structured, with specific times for meals, work, and relaxation.
- Close Circle of Confidants: He kept a tight-knit group of loyal followers and confidants but was wary of outsiders.
- Strained Relationships: His relationships, especially with women, were complex and often wasted.
- Temperamental Behavior: Hitler was known for his mood swings and could be demanding and tyrannical with subordinates.
- Obsession with Image: He was obsessed with his public image, carefully controlling his appearance and how he was portrayed in the media.
- Fear of Disease: Hitler had a morbid fear of diseases and was known to be a hypochondriac, often relying on numerous medications and treatments.
- Personal Isolation: Despite his public persona, he often felt isolated and struggled with personal connections, painting a complex picture of the man behind the public figure.
Hitler’s Early Political Views
Hitler developed his political views in Vienna as he soaked in pan-Germanic nationalism. He was embittered after Germany’s loss in World War I and blamed Jews and Marxists for defeat and revolution. In 1919, Hitler joined the German Workers’ Party, which would later become the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi Party).
In 1920, he left the army and took control of the Nazi Party. He led the unsuccessful Beer Hall Putsch two years later, after which he was arrested and jailed. During his nine-month imprisonment, he dictated Mein Kampf, which laid out his views.
The Stages of Hitler’s Rise to Power
The stages of Hitler’s rise to power from 1924 to 1933 describe a calculated ascent from imprisoned political agitator to Chancellor of Germany. Through charismatic leadership, exploitation of economic turmoil, shrewd political alliances, and ruthless suppression of opponents, Hitler successfully maneuvered his way to the pinnacle of German politics. During this period, he laid the foundation for the totalitarian regime that would mark one of the darkest chapters in human history.
Imprisonment and “Mein Kampf” (1924-1925)
After the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, Hitler was sentenced to prison, where he wrote “Mein Kampf.” This book outlined his political ideology and plan for Germany’s future. Upon his release in 1924, Hitler was more determined than ever to pursue political power.
Rebuilding the Nazi Party (1925-1929)
The next stage involved rebuilding the Nazi Party, which had suffered after the failed Putsch. Hitler established the SS (Schutzstaffel) as a loyal paramilitary organization and expanded the party’s base through charismatic speeches and propaganda. The focus was on gaining local political power and increasing the party’s presence in the Reichstag.
Capitalizing on Economic Struggles (1929-1930)
The Great Depression hit Germany hard, creating mass unemployment and economic instability. Hitler capitalized on this discontent, promising jobs, stability, and the revival of national pride. The Nazi Party’s popularity grew as they blamed the Treaty of Versailles and Jewish conspiracies for Germany’s troubles.
Political Maneuvering and Growth (1930-1932)
In the 1930 and July 1932 elections, the Nazi Party won an increasing number of seats in the Reichstag, becoming a major political force. Hitler’s strategic alliances with conservative and nationalist parties helped him maneuver closer to power.
Appointment as Chancellor (1933)
Despite losing some seats in the November 1932 election, backroom deals and political maneuvering led to Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor on January 30, 1933. President Hindenburg’s advisors believed they could control Hitler by including him in a coalition government.
Consolidation of Power (1933)
Following his appointment, Hitler moved quickly to consolidate his power. The Reichstag Fire in February 1933 allowed him to push through the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties and suppressing political opposition. The Enabling Act in March gave Hitler’s government legislative powers, effectively dissolving the Reichstag’s authority.
Hitler’s Policies as Führer
Once in power, Hitler moved swiftly to cement his dictatorship. Political opponents were arrested, and opposition parties were banned. The Gestapo secret police and SS forces ruthlessly suppressed dissent.
Hitler remilitarized Germany in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. Massive government spending reduced unemployment. Hitler’s top priority was conquering Lebensraum, or living space for Aryans in Eastern Europe.
The Nuremberg Laws of 1935 stripped Jews of citizenship and prohibited intermarriage. It was followed by state-organized violence against Jews during Kristallnacht in 1938. As reported by When Was Born, the “Final Solution” began in 1941, leading to the extermination camps of the Holocaust.
The Impact of Hitler’s Policies on Germany and the World
Hitler’s reign as the leader of Nazi Germany brought sweeping changes to the country and the world. His aggressive foreign policy led to annexing territories and World War II. Domestically, he initiated radical reforms that reshaped Germany’s economy, society, and culture, often at a devastating human cost. His anti-Semitic policies culminated in the Holocaust, a grim and horrific chapter in human history.
FAQs Regarding Adolf Hitler’s Life
Conclusion:
Adolf Hitler transformed the Nazi Party into a mass movement in Germany between the World Wars. Hitler enacted discriminatory laws against Jews, dragging Europe into World War II with his expansionist policies. The Holocaust systematically murdered 6 million Jews under Hitler’s leadership. Hitler’s legacy as one of history’s most reviled villains endures decades after his suicide in 1945.
