Early Life and Education of Adolf Hitler's rise to power: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Adolf Hitler's rise to power. A timeline of key moments.

Adolf Hitler's ascent to power began in 1919 when he joined the German Workers' Party, which he transformed into the Nazi Party and became its leader in 1921. Exploiting the Weimar Republic's instability, Hitler gained popularity through propaganda and promises of national restoration. While initially espousing some anti-capitalist ideas, he later purged those elements to gain support from industrialists. Key to consolidating his authority were ruthless tactics, including the Night of the Long Knives, which eliminated internal opposition and solidified his control over the Nazi Party.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

August 1914: Hitler Enlists in Bavarian Regiment

In August 1914, Adolf Hitler, an Austrian-born 25-year-old, enlisted in a Bavarian regiment of the German Army after receiving permission from King Ludwig III of Bavaria, despite not yet being a German citizen.

November 1918: End of WWI and Hitler's Discharge

In November 1918, after the end of World War I, Hitler was discharged from the Pasewalk hospital on November 19 and returned to Munich, which was in a state of socialist upheaval.

January 1919: Hitler Serves as Guard at POW Camp

In January 1919, Adolf Hitler was reassigned to a prisoner-of-war camp in Traunstein as a guard, remaining there until the camp dissolved.

January 1919: Formation of the German Workers' Party

On January 5, 1919, the German Workers' Party (DAP) was formed by Anton Drexler, Karl Harrer, and others through the amalgamation of other groups.

February 1919: Assassination of Kurt Eisner

On February 21, 1919, socialist Kurt Eisner was assassinated by a German nationalist. His rival Erhard Auer was also wounded in an attack.

April 1919: Hitler Elected as Liaison

In April 1919, Hitler was elected as the liaison of his military battalion on April 3 and again on April 15, urging his unit to stay out of the fighting.

May 1919: Bavarian Soviet Republic Crushed

On May 6, 1919, the Bavarian Soviet Republic was officially crushed, and in the aftermath, Hitler denounced a fellow liaison as a Soviet "radical rabble-rouser."

September 1919: Hitler Disputes Secession Advocate

During the 12 September 1919 meeting, Hitler vehemently opposed an audience member advocating for Bavaria's secession from Germany and uniting with Austria.

October 1924: Public declaration of citizenship

In October 1924, as his citizenship became a topic of public debate, Hitler had a public declaration printed.

April 1925: Renunciation of Austrian citizenship

On April 7, 1925, under the threat of deportation to Austria, Hitler formally renounced his Austrian citizenship. He would not acquire German citizenship until almost seven years later, preventing him from running for public office.

1931: Rising SA Deaths

By the end of 1931, the SA had suffered 47 deaths and the Rotfront recorded losses of approximately 80 killed.

April 1932: Banning of Nazi Party Paramilitaries

On April 13, 1932, following the presidential elections, the German government banned the Nazi Party paramilitaries, the SA and the SS, on the basis of the Emergency Decree for the Preservation of State Authority. This ban was later lifted on June 16 by Franz von Papen.

April 1932: Presidential Election Loss and Street Fights

Throughout February and April 1932, street fights and beer hall battles resulted in deaths amidst Adolf Hitler's presidential election competition against Hindenburg. On April 10, 1932, Hitler lost the election to Paul von Hindenburg.

February 1933: Shifting Opinions on Hitler

On February 22, 1933, Sir Horace Rumbold, the British Ambassador in Berlin, recognized Hitler as a clever demagogue. Robert Vansittart, from the Foreign Office, then concluded that Hitler's gaining power would lead to another European war.

1933: Conviction and Release of SA Men

In 1933, five SA men were convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of a KPD member in Potempa. The sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, but they were freed after just over four months following a 1933 amnesty by Hitler.

1934: Papen's Role and Subsequent Departure

In 1934, Papen served as Vice-Chancellor, initially speaking out against Nazi excesses. However, after narrowly escaping death in the Night of the Long Knives, he ceased criticism and was sent to Vienna as German ambassador.