How Did Hitler Enter Politics?
Adolf Hitler is one of the most infamous dictators in history. His name alone is synonymous with terror and destruction. His reign of terror spanned the better part of a decade, from 1933 until his death in 1945. During the time, Hitler and his Nazi party expanded Germany’s borders and ruthlessly exterminated perceived enemies, including Jews, Polish, homosexuals, and those with mental or physical impairments.
Hitler’s rise to power was swift, as he quickly climbed the social and political ladders of turn-of-the-century Germany. But, how did he enter politics?
From Soldier to Politician
Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria. He initially pursued a career in art but ended up joining the German army, where he rose to the rank of corporal during World War I. After the war, Hitler moved to Munich, Germany, and became involved in politics.
Early Political Involvement
In 1919, Hitler moved further into politics by joining the right-wing political party, the German Workers’ Party (DAP). The DAP was founded several months prior to Hitler joining and the party’s original aim was to encourage the formation of a unified German state.
Hitler initially joined the German Workers’ Party as a public speaker and organizer, attending meetings and giving speeches in support of the party’s ideals. He quickly earned a reputation as an effective and passionate speaker and gradually rose up the ranks within the group.
Rise to Leadership
By 1921, Hitler was the party’s leader and had selected the infamous red, black, and white flag as the official swastika and party symbol. Under Hitler’s leadership, the German Workers’ Party become the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), popularly known as the Nazi Party.
Hitler’s Nazi party gained traction through his populist rhetoric and promises of bringing greater prosperity to a nation left in economic disrepair following World War I.
Hitler’s increasing popularity and political ambitions led to his eventual election as Germany’s Chancellor in 1933; this post enabled him to gain total control of the country, allowing his dictatorship and heinous forays into history to begin.
The Final Steps to Power
Despite Hitler’s rise to power, his methods of gaining control have been a matter of debate in the decades since World War II. While Hitler did legally gain power, the Nazis employed tactics such as violence, propaganda, and intimidation to win support for their cause.
The Nazis also used intimidation tactics to rally those against the party, particularly groups such as the Jews, homosexuals, disabled people, and political opponents, and created an atmosphere of terror across the nation.
In addition, the Nazis adopted strong anti-Semitic policies, creating laws that deprived Jews of civil rights and property. They also enacted policies of military aggression, launching invasions of other countries, including Poland and France.
Adolf Hitler’s political career began in 1919, when he became a member of the German Workers’ Party. Over the course of a decade, Hitler rose through the ranks of both the party and German politics, eventually becoming the leader of Nazi Germany. His rise to power was marked by violence, intimidation, propaganda, and military aggression. His reign of terror in Germany and other European countries was devastating and resulted in the mass murder of millions of innocent lives during World War II.
