Adolf Hitler: The Complete Story (1889–1945)

Introduction

Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Nazi Germany, was one of history’s most infamous figures. Responsible for World War II and the Holocaust, his actions led to the deaths of millions. This article covers his early life, rise to power, military conquests, major defeats, and ultimate downfall.

Early Life & Background

Ø  Born: April 20, 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria-Hungary.

Ø  Family: His father, Alois Hitler, was a strict customs official; his mother, Klara Hitler, was caring but died young.

Ø  Struggles in Youth: Failed to get into art school twice (1907–1908), lived as a struggling artist in Vienna.

Ø  World War I Service: Joined the German army (1914), fought bravely, was wounded twice, and was deeply upset by Germany’s surrender in 1918.

Rise to Power (1919–1933)

1. Joining the Nazi Party

Ø  After WWI, Germany was in chaos (economic crisis, humiliation from Treaty of Versailles).

Ø  Hitler joined a small nationalist group, the German Workers' Party (DAP), later renamed the Nazi Party (NSDAP).

Ø  1923: Beer Hall Putsch – Hitler tried to overthrow the government but failed and was jailed.

2. Writing "Mein Kampf" (My Struggle)

Ø  In prison (1924), he wrote his autobiography and political manifesto, Mein Kampf, outlining his racist ideology:

v  Anti-Semitism (hatred of Jews) – Blamed them for Germany’s problems.

v  Lebensraum ("Living Space") – Wanted to expand Germany eastward.

v  Fascism & Dictatorship – Believed democracy was weak.

3. Becoming Chancellor (1933)

Ø  The Great Depression (1929) made Germans desperate for strong leadership.

Ø  Hitler used propaganda (Joseph Goebbels) and fear (SS, SA troops) to gain support.

Ø  January 30, 1933 – Appointed Chancellor of Germany.

Ø  1934 – Declared himself "Führer" (Supreme Leader) after President Hindenburg’s death.

Hitler’s Dictatorship (1933–1939)

1. Brainwashing the Nation

Ø  Propaganda: Controlled media, films, and education to glorify Nazis.

Ø  Censorship: Burned books, banned opposing views.

Ø  Persecution of Jews:

v  1935: Nuremberg Laws – Stripped Jews of citizenship.

v  1938: Kristallnacht ("Night of Broken Glass") – Nazis attacked Jewish homes & synagogues.

2. Military Expansion Before WWII

Ø  1936: Remilitarized the Rhineland (violating Treaty of Versailles).

Ø  1938: Annexed Austria ("Anschluss") – Met with cheering crowds.

Ø  1938: Took Sudetenland (Czechoslovakia) – Britain & France allowed it (Munich Agreement).

Ø  1939: Invaded Czechoslovakia – Showed Hitler wouldn’t stop.

World War II: Hitler’s Conquests & Defeats (1939–1945)

1. Early Victories (1939–1941)

Ø  September 1, 1939: Invaded Poland – Started WWII.

Ø  1940: Blitzkrieg ("Lightning War")

v  April: Conquered Denmark & Norway.

v  May: Defeated France in 6 weeks.

v  Battle of Britain (1940–41): Failed to defeat UK (RAF resisted).

2. Invasion of the Soviet Union (1941–1945)

Ø  June 22, 1941: Operation Barbarossa – Hitler broke the Nazi-Soviet Pact, invaded USSR.

Ø  Early Success: Captured vast territories (Ukraine, Belarus).

Ø  Big Mistake: Underestimated Soviet resistance & harsh winter.

Ø  1943: Lost at Stalingrad – Turning point of WWII.

3. The Holocaust (1941–1945)

Ø  "Final Solution" – Systematic genocide of Jews in concentration camps (Auschwitz, Treblinka).

Ø  6 million Jews murdered, plus millions of others (Roma, disabled, political enemies).

4. Major Defeats (1943–1945)

Ø  1943: Allies invaded Italy – Mussolini fell from power.

Ø  June 6, 1944: D-Day – Allied forces landed in Normandy, France.

Ø  1945: Soviet Army advanced into Germany – Reached Berlin.

Hitler’s Downfall & Death (1945)

Ø  April 30, 1945: As Soviet troops closed in on Berlin, Hitler committed suicide in his bunker with his wife, Eva Braun.

Ø  May 7, 1945: Germany surrendered (V-E Day).

Why Did Hitler Lose?

1. Invaded USSR – Stretched German forces too thin.
2. Declared War on U.S. (1941) – Brought America’s full power against him.
3. Brutal Policies – Resistance grew in occupied nations.
4. Allied Unity – Britain, USA, USSR worked together.

Legacy of Adolf Hitler

Ø  World War II Deaths: 70–85 million (civilian & military).

Ø  Holocaust: One of history’s worst crimes.

Ø  Germany Divided: After WWII, split into East & West Germany until 1990.

Ø  Lesson: Showed the dangers of dictatorship, racism, and unchecked power.

Conclusion

Adolf Hitler rose from a failed artist to a dictator who caused unimaginable destruction. His early victories fooled many, but his greed, cruelty, and mistakes led to his downfall. His legacy remains a warning against hatred and tyranny.