Among the world leaders of the 20th century, Adolf Hitler is among the most notorious. The founder of the Nazi Party, Hitler is responsible for starting World War II and unleashing the genocide of the Holocaust. Although he killed himself in the waning days of the war, his historical legacy continues to reverberate in the 21st century. Learn more about Adolf Hitler’s life and times with these 10 facts.
Parents and Siblings
Despite being so readily identified with Germany, Adolf Hitler wasn’t a German national by birth. He was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria, on April 20, 1889, to Alois (1837–1903) and Klara (1860–1907) Hitler. The union was Alois Hitler’s third. During their marriage, Alois and Klara Hitler had five other children, but only their daughter Paula (1896–1960) survived to adulthood.
Dreams of Being an Artist
Throughout his youth, Adolf Hitler dreamed of becoming an artist. He applied in 1907 and again the following year to the Vienna Academy of Art but was denied admission both times. At the end of 1908, Klara Hitler died of breast cancer, and Adolf spent the next four years living on the streets of Vienna, selling postcards of his artwork to survive.
Soldier in World War I
As nationalism roiled Europe, Austria began conscripting young men into the military. To avoid being conscripted, Hitler moved to Munich, Germany, in May 1913. Ironically, he volunteered to serve in the German army once World War I began. During his four years of military service, Hitler never rose higher than the rank of corporal, though he was decorated twice for valor.
Political Roots
Like many on the losing side of World War I, Hitler was furious at Germany’s capitulation and the harsh penalties that the Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended the war, imposed. Returning to Munich, he joined the German Workers’ Party, a small right-wing political organization with anti-Semitic leanings.
Hitler, the Dictator
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On Feb. 27, 1933, the Reichstag burned under mysterious circumstances. Hitler used the fire to suspend many basic civil and political rights and to consolidate his political power. When German President Paul von Hindenburg died in office on Aug. 2, 1934, Hitler took the title of führer and Reichskanzler (leader and Reich chancellor), assuming dictatorial control over the government.
The Final Days
As Soviet troops neared the outskirts of Berlin in the waning days of April 1945, Hitler and his top commanders barricaded themselves in an underground bunker to await their fates. On April 29, 1945, Hitler married his long-time mistress, Eva Braun, and the following day, they committed suicide together as Russian troops approached the center of Berlin. Their bodies were burned on grounds near the bunker, and the surviving Nazi leaders either killed themselves or fled. Two days later, on May 2, Germany surrendered.