Adolf Hitler

1. A Brief Introduction Adolf Hitler

2. 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.

3. 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

5. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

12. 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