Hitler's Rise and Regime

Overview

This lecture traces Adolf Hitler’s rise from obscurity to absolute power in Germany, examines his role in launching World War II and the Holocaust, and dissects his leadership, decisions, and legacy.

Early Life and Background

• Adolf Hitler was born April 20, 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria, to Alois and Klara Hitler.
• He was a poor student, interested in art, but repeatedly rejected by Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. ( first in 1907 and again in 1908)
• Following his mother’s death in 1907, Hitler lived a bohemian and increasingly destitute life in Vienna.
• During this period, he developed virulent anti-Semitic views, blaming Jews for his failures and social issues.

World War I and Political Radicalization

• Hitler served as a soldier in WWI for Germany, was wounded, and decorated with the Iron Cross.
• The German defeat in 1918 devastated him; he blamed internal enemies, especially Jews, for the loss.
• In 1919, he joined the German Workers Party (DAP), which later became the Nazi Party (NSDAP).

Ascent to Power

• Hitler became the star orator and leader of the Nazi Party, using propaganda and oratory to gain followers.
• The failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 led to his imprisonment; in jail, he wrote "Mein Kampf," outlining anti-Semitic and expansionist ideology.
• Released after 13 months, he pursued power through legal means, capitalizing on economic crises and mass unemployment.

Dictatorship and Nazi Germany

• Hitler became chancellor on January 30, 1933, and quickly dismantled democracy, establishing a totalitarian regime.
• Used the Reichstag fire as a pretext to suspend civil liberties and eliminate political opponents.
• Oversaw aggressive rearmament of Germany in violation of the Treaty of Versailles.

Road to War and Expansion

• Hitler annexed Austria (Anschluss, 1938)(AHN-shlooss**) and the Sudetenland** (SOO-deh-ten-land**) from Czechoslovakia.**
• The Munich Agreement (1938) failed to stop further aggression; in 1939, he invaded Poland, starting WWII.
• Early victories over Poland and France made him believe in his own military genius.

The Holocaust and Final Solution

• Hitler’s anti-Semitic policies culminated in the systematic extermination of Jews, organized at the 1942 Wannsee Conference.
• 6 million Jews were murdered in concentration and extermination camps; millions of others perished.

World War II, Military Failures, and Decline

• Initial successes reversed with the failed invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa) and defeat at Stalingrad.
• Allied invasions, bombing campaigns, and loss of resources led to Germany’s collapse.
• Hitler became increasingly isolated, paranoid, and ill, ruling from secure bunkers.

Death and Legacy

• As Soviet troops encircled Berlin in April 1945, Hitler married Eva Braun and committed suicide on April 30.
• His body was burned and later identified by Soviet authorities.
• Hitler’s regime resulted in over 65 million deaths and remains a symbol of absolute evil.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Final Solution — Nazi plan for the systematic genocide of Jews during WWII.
• Anschluss — Annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938.
• Reichstag Fire — 1933 arson attack on German parliament, exploited by Nazis to seize power.
• SA (Sturmabteilung) — Nazi paramilitary "stormtroopers" used for intimidation and violence.
• Wannsee Conference — 1942 meeting where Nazi leaders coordinated the implementation of the Holocaust.
• Blitzkrieg — "Lightning war" strategy of rapid military conquest.
• Wolfsschanze (Wolf’s Lair) — Hitler’s military headquarters in Poland during WWII.