What events in hitler's childhood lead him to become a dictator?
Please help and thank you so much.
I would not blame Hitler on his childhood myself.
However I might look at his First World War experiences closely.
Who knows how to correlate early child events to later personality? Answer: NO ONE. Yes, I know, there are a lot of opinions on this.
Here is what one author guessed:
He was a very bright child and was very popular at school, but often clashed with his father over his interest in fine arts. This led to Hitler’s detachment from his family and he became a reclusive, discontented, resentful child, with an unstable temperament towards his father.
He was deeply attached to his lenient, hard-working mother, whose battle against cancer and consequent demise in December 1908 was a shattering blow to his already upset life.
I agree with Professor Damon, by the way. Personally, I think Hitler suffered from profound mental illness throughout his adult life, and that generally cannot be blamed on childhood.
To understand the events in Hitler's childhood that may have contributed to his later becoming a dictator, it is important to study his upbringing and experiences.
Here are a few significant events in Hitler's childhood that may have influenced him:
1. Family Background: Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria-Hungary, on April 20, 1889. His father, Alois Hitler, was an authoritarian and strict individual, which may have influenced Hitler's views on discipline and power.
2. Education and Artistic Aspirations: During his childhood, Hitler developed an interest in art and inspired to become a painter. However, he faced multiple rejections from Vienna's Academy of Fine Arts, which led to frustration and a sense of failure.
3. Loss of Family Members: Hitler's younger brother, Edmund, died at a young age, which had a significant impact on him. Some historians argue that this loss intensified Hitler's desire for power, control, and a desire for revenge.
4. Influences and Ideologies: Growing up, Hitler was exposed to anti-Semitic views prevalent in Austria-Hungary at that time. This exposure, combined with his own developing hatred and prejudices, later became significant factors in his rise to power.
5. World War I: Hitler volunteered to serve in the German army during World War I. His experiences on the battlefield, including being wounded and witnessing the harsh realities of war, shaped his perception of Germany's supposed enemies and deepened his nationalist convictions.
6. Political Awakening: Following the war, Hitler joined the German Workers' Party, which would later evolve into the Nazi Party. His charismatic speaking abilities, manipulation skills, and xenophobic ideology attracted a growing number of followers.
While these events provide some insight into Hitler's childhood and early influences, it is crucial to note that understanding the causes of Hitler's radicalization and his rise to power involves complex historical, psychological, and societal factors, far beyond just his childhood experiences. Further studies and research can provide a more comprehensive understanding of this subject matter.