by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: August 02, 2011   Last Updated: August 08, 2011

Adolf Hitler rose to power in 1933 as Chancellor of Germany. His rise to power would prove to be one of the most notorious in world history. Hitler’s Chancellor position would ultimately be the cause of the extermination of millions of Jewish people. The Third Reich was born during Hitler’s rule and the devastating effects of Hitler’s campaign would cause the beginning of World War II. Why and how did Hitler rise to such great power? It took many years from start to finish, but his 12 year reign would prove how true evil works.

Hitler’s family background is questionable at best. His father was an illegitimate child and there is a possibility that he shares a bloodline with at least one Jewish person. Adolf was the oldest surviving child of the couple, though there was an older half-brother and half-sister from a prior marriage of his father. Adolf’s mother doted on him because she feared losing him as well. He was spoiled as his older half-brother would later relate.

Adolf’s father was quite abusive to the older half-brother. The boy left home as soon as he possibly could and Adolf bore the brunt of abuse after that. His father retired from civil service, leaving him plenty of time to be a strict disciplinarian at home. Adolf was not used to this, nor was he used to the strict rules of school life. He did well in school until his father forced him into technical school. Hitler preferred the idea of art school instead but his father wanted him in civil service. At that time, Hitler actually aspired to be a priest. He held great admiration for them, but at the early age of nine he was caught smoking. That was the beginning of his rebel ways.

He also had a fascination with novels written by Karl May and James Fenimore Cooper. The novels were about American cowboys and Indians. Hitler continued his fascination with these books throughout his life. He required that soldiers carry certain books with them on the battlefield. The main character in one set of the novels believed that he could fight and win through sheer willpower. It is safe to say that Hitler agreed with the fictional character.

As time marched on, Hitler fought in World War I. He eventually won the title of Lance Corporal, but that was as high as he would rise in the military. He won two iron crosses for bravery shown during battle, nearly losing his life on several occasions. He served four years on the battlefield until becoming temporarily blinded by mustard

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