Adolf Hitler: The Beginning of a Political Career
From humble beginnings as a struggling artist to becoming the infamous leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler ultimately changed the course of history. A few small decisions made early in his life set Hitler on a course that would lead him to become the catalyst for one of the darkest periods in modern history. This article will explore the formative years of Hitler’s life, from his roots in Austria to his first steps into the world of politics. It will explain his motivations and his rise to power, showing how Hitler’s personal ambition and hatred of certain political adversaries helped him to increase his influence in Austrian politics.
Early Life of Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria in April 1889. His father, Alois Hitler, was an abusive civil servant while his mother, Klara Hitler, was a devout Catholic. Although he was encouraged in his artistic pursuits during his early years, Hitler eventually chose a different route, quitting school at the age of 16 and focusing instead on politics.
Hitler’s Rise to Prominence in Austria
Throughout his early life, Adolf Hitler had been anti-Semitic and anti-communist. With these two defining platforms, Hitler set out to make a place for himself in Austro-Hungarian politics. He began by attending meetings of the German Workers’ Party, a small nationalist party with a platform of German nationalism and the formation of a Pan-German state. Here he began to expand his personal network and laid the foundation for what would become his primary political platform.
Hitler’s Growing Influence
By 1919, Hitler had become more involved in the German Workers’ Party, taking on the roles of chief propagandist and leader within the organization. He began to employ rhetoric designed to inspire an emotional response from his growing number of supporters, and was successful in helping the party to become better known and more respected amongst the Austrian population.
Hitler’s Anti-Semitic Sentiments
Hitler held anti-Semitic views and had vowed to fight against Jewish influence in Austria. His vision of a German-only state increased his popularity amongst some, while his open anti-Semitic rhetoric shocked and angered many. Nevertheless, Hitler’s anti-Semitic views were instrumental in gaining support from the lower classes who were struggling in the post-war economy and had become disillusioned by the current political system.
Hitler’s Move to Munich
In April 1923, Hitler and the German Workers’ Party moved to Munich in the newly formed German Republic. Here, Hitler changed the name of the party to the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP) and began to expand his political ambitions. In Munich, Hitler was able to draw larger crowds for his speeches and further emboldened his political movement.
Hitler’s Rise to Power
The NSDAP achieved a major breakthrough in Austria in 1933 when they won the General Election by a landslide. Under Hitler’s leadership, the NSDAP was able to introduce radical new policies, including the expansion of public works programs, the establishment of the Gestapo, and the formation of the armed forces.
Hitler’s Impact on Europe
With Hitler’s rise to power, the world was set on a path to destruction. Under his leadership, Germany launched an aggressive campaign of expansion, ultimately taking control of much of Europe and parts of the Soviet Union. His regime soon became responsible for some of the most atrocious acts against humanity, including the genocide of millions of Jews.
Adolf Hitler’s formative years are marked by ambition and hatred and set the stage for one of the darkest and most horrific periods in human history. Though his early life excluded much political involvement, and as a young struggling artist, he quickly grew to become a powerful and influential figure in the political landscape of Austria. By becoming the leader of the NSDAP and then being voted into power, Hitler changed the course of history forever.
