What were Adolf Hitler's early life and background?

Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria-Hungary (now Austria). He was the fourth of six children born to Alois Hitler and Klara Pölzl. Hitler's father was a stern and short-tempered customs official, while his mother was a gentle and nurturing woman.

During his childhood, Hitler showed an early interest in art and wanted to pursue a career as a painter. However, his father had different plans for him and wanted him to join the civil service. After his father's death in 1903, Hitler's mother allowed him to pursue his passion for art, and he moved to Vienna in 1907 to study at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. However, he faced rejection and criticism from the academy, which deeply affected him.

In Vienna, Hitler struggled financially and lived a bohemian lifestyle. He became interested in politics and developed strong nationalist and anti-Semitic views. He was influenced by the mayor of Vienna, Karl Lueger, who was known for his anti-Semitic rhetoric. Hitler also immersed himself in the writings of anti-Semitic and nationalist thinkers, such as Houston Stewart Chamberlain and Heinrich von Treitschke.

In 1913, Hitler moved to Munich, Germany, to avoid military service in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When World War I broke out in 1914, he volunteered for the German army and served as a soldier on the Western Front. Hitler was wounded twice and received the Iron Cross for bravery. The war had a profound impact on him, and he felt a sense of betrayal when Germany surrendered in 1918.

After the war, Hitler joined the German Workers' Party (DAP), which later became the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) or the Nazi Party. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the party's leader in 1921. Hitler's charismatic speaking skills and ability to tap into the frustrations and grievances of the German people helped him gain support.

In summary, Adolf Hitler's early life and background were marked by his failed aspirations as an artist, his exposure to anti-Semitic and nationalist ideologies, his experiences in World War I, and his rise within the Nazi Party. These factors would shape his future actions and the course of history.