A Brief Introduction. Adolf was the son of Alois and Klara Hitler His Father’s original family name was “Schicklgruber” but changed his name when.

Adolf HitlerA Brief Introduction

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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