Hitler's Rise to Power

The Real Hitler: How a Failed Artist Became the Most Hated Man in History On May 8, 1918, Adolf Hitler was temporarily blinded by a British gas attack in Ypres, Belgium. This incident marked a turning point in his life, as he was hospitalized and eventually discharged from the army. By 1920, Hitler had already joined the German Workers' Party, and his rise to power had begun. Historian Alan Bullock notes that Hitler's experiences during World War I had a profound impact on his worldview.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think they know the story of Adolf Hitler: a charismatic leader who rose to power in Germany, implementing a radical ideology that led to the devastation of World War II. The standard story goes that Hitler was a natural-born leader, with an innate ability to inspire loyalty and devotion in his followers. However, this narrative oversimplifies the complexities of Hitler's life and ignores the factors that contributed to his transformation from a failed artist to a ruthless dictator.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Ian Kershaw argues that Hitler's early life was marked by failure and rejection, including his inability to gain admission to the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna in 1907 and again in 1908. By 1913, Hitler had moved to Munich, where he struggled to make a living as an artist. Hitler's rejection by the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts was a pivotal moment in his life, as it forced him to re-evaluate his goals and aspirations. According to historian Joachim Fest, Hitler's experiences in Munich, including his involvement with the German Workers' Party, played a significant role in shaping his political ideology. On February 24, 1920, Hitler announced the party's 25-point program, which outlined his vision for a new Germany. By 1923, Hitler had become a prominent figure in German politics, and his rise to power was well underway. As historian Richard Evans notes, Hitler's ability to adapt and evolve as a politician was a key factor in his success, and by 1933, he had become the Chancellor of Germany, with devastating consequences for the world.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Ian Kershaw and Joachim Fest deliberately chose to focus on Hitler's political rise, rather than his early life as a struggling artist, which led to this aspect of his story being overlooked. The German government and institutions, such as the Bundesarchiv, actively worked to destroy or conceal documents related to Hitler's personal life, including his art, to avoid glorifying him in any way. Specifically, the 1945 Potsdam Agreement mandated the destruction of Nazi propaganda materials, which inadvertently included many of Hitler's personal artworks and related documents, making it difficult for researchers to reconstruct this period of his life. As a result, the story of Hitler's failed art career was not thoroughly investigated until many years after his death. The decision by prominent biographers to prioritize Hitler's political career over his personal struggles contributed to the suppression of this story.

The Ripple Effect

Hitler's failed art career had concrete consequences, including his increased resentment towards the Jewish community, whom he blamed for his lack of success. This sentiment would later manifest in the Nuremberg Laws, which systematically stripped Jews of their rights and livelihoods. The consequences of Hitler's failure as an artist can be seen in the modern-day reconstruction of the Aspernstraße apartment building in Vienna, where Hitler once lived and struggled to make a name for himself as an artist. This building now stands as a testament to the humble beginnings of one of history's most infamous figures.

The Line That Says It All

Hitler's application to the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna was rejected twice, with the admissions committee noting that his work showed "unfitness for painting" and suggesting he pursue a career in architecture instead.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the early life and career of Adolf Hitler.