What did Hitler do before politics? This question often piques the curiosity of many, as the infamous leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, had a life that was quite different from the one he would later become infamous for. Before he rose to power and became the face of one of the darkest periods in human history, Hitler led a life that was both tumultuous and intriguing.
Hitler was born on April 20, 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria-Hungary. His early years were marked by a sense of alienation and a deep resentment towards the society around him. After completing his education, he struggled to find his place in the world. His first job was as a decorator, but he was fired for poor workmanship. Following this, he worked as a painter and an architect, but again, he faced numerous setbacks and failures.
During this time, Hitler became increasingly interested in art and architecture. He was particularly fascinated by the works of the Viennese Secession movement and the works of the architect, Adolf Loos. He even applied to the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, but was rejected due to his lack of formal training. This rejection was a turning point in his life, as it fueled his resentment towards the establishment and set the stage for his political awakening.
In 1913, Hitler moved to Munich, Germany, where he lived in poverty and worked as a painter. It was during this time that he first encountered the ideas of nationalism and anti-Semitism, which would later become central to his political beliefs. The outbreak of World War I in 1914 provided him with a new purpose. He joined the German Army and served as a corporal in the Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment.
Hitler’s military service was marked by bravery and a deep sense of loyalty to his country. He was wounded in battle and received the Iron Cross, First Class. However, after the war, Germany faced economic turmoil and political instability, which created a fertile ground for the rise of extremist ideologies. It was during this period that Hitler fully embraced his anti-Semitic and nationalistic beliefs and began to organize political activities.
In conclusion, before he entered politics, Adolf Hitler led a life of struggle and alienation. His experiences as a decorator, painter, and soldier laid the foundation for his later political beliefs and actions. While his early life may seem unremarkable to some, it was this period of hardship and disillusionment that ultimately shaped the man who would become the most destructive leader in human history.
