10 Defining Moments in the Life of Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was a German dictator of Austrian origin who led the Nazi Party. He rose to power in Germany becoming Chancellor in 1933 and Führer in 1934.
1907-09-01
1907-09-01
Move to Vienna
Hitler moves to Vienna to pursue art studies but is rejected by the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
18
Education
1914-08-01
1914-08-01
Enlistment in the Bavarian Army
Hitler enlists in the Bavarian Army at the outbreak of World War I.
25
Military
1919-09-12
1919-09-12
Joins the German Workers' Party
Hitler joins the German Workers' Party (DAP), later renamed the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party).
30
Political
1923-11-08
1923-11-08
Beer Hall Putsch
Hitler leads the Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup attempt in Munich.
34
Political
1925-07-18
1925-07-18
Publication of Mein Kampf
Hitler publishes the first volume of Mein Kampf, outlining his political ideology and future plans.
36
Publication
1933-01-30
1933-01-30
Appointed Chancellor of Germany
Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg.
43
Political
1934-06-30
1934-06-30
Night of the Long Knives
Hitler orders the purge of political and military leaders he perceived as a threat, consolidating his power.
45
Political
1935-09-15
1935-09-15
Nuremberg Laws Enacted
The Nuremberg Laws are enacted, institutionalizing racial discrimination against Jews.
46
Legal
1939-09-01
1939-09-01
Invasion of Poland
Germany invades Poland, initiating World War II in Europe.
50
Military
1945-04-30
1945-04-30
Suicide in Berlin
As Soviet forces approach Berlin, Hitler commits suicide in his Führerbunker.
56
Death