Nazi Germany is a familiar topic in the historical canon. Even those with little interest in history know something about German totalitarianism, the Second World War, and the horrors of the Holocaust.
Yet the details of Adolf Hitler’s rise to power aren’t common knowledge. Far from being primed for a political career, Hitler spent a significant part of his youth without direction or purpose, struggling to survive on the streets of a major European city.
The Failed Artist
Hoping to become a successful artist, Hitler spent the formative part of his adult life in Vienna. The Austrian capital was a hub for aspiring artists, and Hitler was determined to get into Vienna’s Academy of Fine Arts.
However, his application was rejected several times, putting him in a difficult financial position. For several months, Hitler was forced to sleep on park benches and survive on meals provided by soup kitchens. Eventually, he found steady work by creating and selling postcards with his business partner, Reinhold Hanisch.
Whilst Hitler did not belong to a political party, his political opinions started to form during his time in Vienna. Karl Lueger, the leader of the Christian Social Party, and Georg von Schöenerer, the leader of the Pan-German Nationalist Party, had the most influence on Hitler.
Lueger was an impressive speaker with a practical approach to politics and a populist appeal. Schöenerer, meanwhile, was deeply anti-Semitic, blaming the Jews for all the evils of the world and calling for anti-Jewish laws in Austria. Hitler also read many anti-Semitic pamphlets and newspapers, deepening his resentment of the Jewish population in Vienna.
Hitler Finds His Calling
In May 1913, the twenty-four-year-old Hitler travelled across the Austrian border into Germany and settled in Munich. He remained directionless for a year or so before the First World War gave him a renewed sense of purpose.
As a devout German patriot, he proved to be a great soldier, happy to follow orders and quick to criticise those who showed ambivalence towards the German war effort. During the conflict, Hitler received several awards for his achievements as a soldier.
After the war, Bavaria became a hub for right-wing politics in Germany. Still based in the city of Munich, Hitler was selected by Captain Mayr to become an Instruction Officer in the Information Department for the district command of the army. He was also tasked with spying on local political parties and debating societies.
Hitler came across the German Workers’ Party, which was the forerunner to the Nazi Party. Anti-Semitism, anti-Marxism, anti-capitalism, and nationalism were key aspects of the German Workers’ Party, and Hitler, after voicing his interest, was asked to join.
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