Where was Adolf Hitler born?
Hitler was born in Austria-Hungary in 1889. His rise to political power was meteoric … a disheartening reminder of the dark side of humanity.
What did Hitler do as a young man during the First World War?
Hitler served in the Bavarian Army during WWI. He was in the infantry and served during multiple battles in the war.
How did Hitler perform as a soldier during World War I?
Hitler was on the front lines of WWI battles, as fanatical in combat as he was later at a podium. He was decorated for his courage in fire fights and when he was wounded at the Battle of the Somme, he pleaded with his commanders to let him remain where the bullets were flying.
From an early age, Hitler had very vocal view against which ethnic group?
Hitler was never shy about his anti-Semitism. His disdain for Jews carried over into his incredible political rise.
As a young soldier, how did Hitler feel about the way World War I ended?
The 1919 Treaty of Versailles levied huge reparations on Germany and forced the country to accept responsibility for starting the war. Hitler was left fuming … and set out to right what he saw as an unbearable wrong.
In 1919, when he was 30 years old, Hitler joined the Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, which was what?
In 1919, Hitler joined the Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, the German Workers' Party. But he wasn't there to support the group. He was there to spy on its members for the military.
As a young man in the military, Hitler demonstrated exceptional abilities with which skill?
Hitler was not shy when speaking about his political beliefs, and he was exceptionally silver-tongued. His ferocious public speaking abilities served him well in his career.
Hitler did everything he could to stay in the army. Why?
Hitler practically begged to remain in the army as long as possible. He had no useful skills for the civilian world -- the army gave him purpose, and a paycheck.
Hitler was supposed to spy on the German Workers' Party. In reality, what happened?
Hitler's mission was to infiltrate the German Workers' Party. Instead, he loved their nationalistic political leanings and anti-Semitic ideals, a perfect match for Hitler's own warped convictions.
The German Workers' Party eventually became known as what?
The German Workers' Party didn't last long. It was a predecessor to the Nazi Party, which left an indelible impression on all of humankind.
What was the Twenty-Five Point Program of the German Workers' Party?
As the fledgling German Workers' Party morphed into the Nazi Party, its members unveiled an infamous Twenty-Five Point Program. The 25 points highlight changes they felt were necessary to save Germany.
In 1923, Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Party. He decided to attempt which bold action?
In November 1923, Hitler and his comrades launched a coup attempt. It became known as the Beer Hall Putsch.
What was the result of Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch, an attempt to overthrow the government?
Hitler's timing was wrong. People died, the coup failed … and he was jailed.
True or false, did Hitler design the Nazi Party's iconic banner?
Hitler left a mark as a graphic designer. He devised the iconic swastika banner that became the Nazi Party's flag. As the Third Reich rose, so did its many flags bearing Hitler's symbolism
After the failed Beer Hal Putsch, what sort of punishment was Hitler given?
Hitler was given a five-year prison sentence for leading the Putsch. But he was pardoned after less than a year.
How did Hitler spend his time in prison?
Hitler got preferential treatment in prison after his high-profile trial. He even had a personal secretary. While behind bars, he wrote "Mein Kampf" ("My Struggle") in which he highlighted his proposals for changing Germany.
During his time in prison, what did Hitler realize about his dreams of seizing power?
His failed coup was a disaster. Hitler decided that his only option was to use the democratic system to his advantage, by altering it from within.
How did the Nazi Party fare in its early election campaigns?
The Nazi Party's attempts to win elections failed the first couple of years, capturing only a tiny percentage of votes. But in 1929 and 1930, the Nazis won seats in the government. And the true race to power was on.
Which major world event helped to popularize the Nazi Party?
The Great Depression wrecked the German economy. By the early '30s, Germans were desperate for an outspoken leader with the iron will to help them out of financial misery. And Hitler seemed like just the ticket.
During Hitler's rise to power, which party also competed for the same seats in government?
As the Nazis gained favor, so too did the communists. And the communists made it clear that they would rather see the Nazis in power than witness the continuation of the current government.
What happened during the 1932 elections?
In 1932, it became clear that the Nazis were a major political force. They won more seats than any other party in the government, and Hitler realized his opportunity was coming.
What was the Sturmabteilung, or SA?
The Sturmabteilung -- the SA -- was the paramiltiary group of the Nazi Party. It provided protection during meetings and rallies … and often clashed with supporters of other groups.
Once the Nazis gained numerical superiority in the government, what did Hitler demand?
Hot on the heels of Nazi election successes, Hitler demanded that he be named chancellor. A long and complicated political game unfolded, as various men vied for the chancellorship. But on January 30, 1933, Hitler finally got his wish, getting a his first taste of real power.
What was one of Hitler's first projects as Chancellor of Germany?
Just days into his stint as chancellor, Hitler met with other German bigwigs and began an illegal project: he wanted to rearm the German military. It was a clear breach of the Treaty of Versailles.
A communist extremist tried to set fire to the Reichstag building. How did this affect Hitler's rise to power?
When a communist tried to burn the Reichstag, Hitler saw an opportunity to seize more power. He ended civil liberties in the country and banned communists.
The Reichstag fire gave Hitler the opportunity to do what?
The Reichstag fire was a perfect storm for Hitler. He began banning other political parties, until there was essentially only one remaining -- the Nazi Party.
How did the Enabling Act of 1933 affect Hitler's power?
The 1933 Enabling Act cast the Reichstag under the wheels of the Nazi bus and give Hitler dictator-like powers. He was officially on his way to becoming an icon of the 20th century.
In 1934, who died, leaving Germany's fate entirely in Hitler's hands?
In 1934, President Hindenburg died, and all power shifted to Hitler. He continued to build Germany's military and in 1939, he invaded Poland, starting the incredible violence of the European Theater of WWII.
In 1941, Hitler made himself the head of which organization?
Excited with his military successes in 1940, Hitler officially made himself the German army's commander-in-chief in 1941. But he thought far too highly of his own military brilliance.
In June 1941, Hitler ordered an attack on which nation?
This turning point cost Hitler his empire. In June 1941, the Nazi leader ordered the start of Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the USSR. This ill-fated expedition began well … and ended in disaster.
