Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler was a German politician and leader of the Nazi Party. He rose to power as Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and later Führer in 1934. Hitler's aggressive foreign policies triggered the outbreak of World War II, and his government was responsible for the genocide of millions of people, including the Holocaust.

Early Life

Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria. He moved to Germany in 1913 and served in the German army during World War I. After the war, he joined the German Workers' Party, which later became the Nazi Party.

Rise to Power

Hitler's oratorical skills and ability to tap into the frustrations of the German people helped him rise to power. He used propaganda and intimidation to consolidate his control and eliminate opposition, eventually becoming the absolute ruler of Germany.

World War II and Holocaust

Hitler's aggressive expansionist policies led to the invasion of Poland in 1939, triggering the start of World War II. During the war, Hitler pursued the systematic murder of six million Jews and millions of others in the Holocaust, as part of his vision of creating a "pure" Aryan race.

Downfall

As the war turned against Germany, Hitler's leadership became increasingly erratic. In 1945, as Allied forces closed in on Berlin, Hitler committed suicide in his bunker, marking the end of Nazi rule in Germany.

Study Guide Questions

1. Where and when was Adolf Hitler born?
2. What party did Hitler join after World War I?
3. What were Hitler's aggressive foreign policies that triggered World War II?
4. What was the Holocaust, and how many people were killed?
5. How did Hitler's leadership come to an end?

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