12 Lesser-Known Facts About Adolf Hitler

Summary: Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria, and later became a German citizen in the 1930s. After a failed coup in 1923, he was imprisoned on charges of treason and began writing ‘Mein Kampf.’ As one of history’s most infamous figures, Hitler rose to Germany’s highest office and instigated World War II, remembered as a cruel and dictatorial leader. Despite extensive information, many remain curious about who he truly was, how he acted, spoke, and how he amassed such power. This article presents 12 intriguing facts about Adolf Hitler.

1. Initially Austrian – Although associated with German nationalism, Hitler was born on April 18, 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria. Influenced by his schoolteacher Leopold Poetscher, he developed animosity towards the Austro-Hungarian Empire and loyalty to Germany. In 1914, residing in Munich, he enlisted in the Bavarian Army. In 1925, he renounced his Austrian citizenship and officially became a German citizen in the early 1930s. Joining the Nazi Party, he rose to lead the German government in 1933.

2. Unsuccessful painter – In his youth, Hitler aspired to become an artist. Many wonder how the 20th century might have differed had he succeeded. He failed the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts entrance exams twice, in 1907 and 1908. While showing some talent in architectural sketches, his human figures lacked subtlety and character. Despite setbacks, he maintained interest in art. During the Third Reich, modern and impressionist art were condemned as “Jewish and Bolshevik,” with many valuable works confiscated. Hitler personally amassed many artworks for his private collection.

3. Struggled as a homeless artist – After failing to establish himself, Hitler faced severe financial hardship. Unable to sell his paintings and postcards, he was forced to live in a homeless shelter in Vienna in 1909 and remained in public hostels until 1913. Subsequently, he moved to Munich after inheriting property from his father’s family.

4. Wounded in World War I – Although an Austrian citizen, he enlisted in the Bavarian Army and fought in the Somme battle in 1916, where he was wounded in the leg. In 1918, exposure to mustard gas temporarily blinded him. While hospitalized, he learned of Germany’s surrender. He was awarded the Iron Cross for his wartime service.

5. Imprisoned for treason – Following the Nazi Party’s failed 1923 coup attempt, Hitler was arrested and charged with treason. Sentenced to five years, he served less than one year in prison. During this time, he began writing the famous book ‘Mein Kampf.’

6. Never won an election – In the 1932 presidential election, Hitler was defeated by Paul von Hindenburg. However, in the federal election that year, the Nazi Party gained 37% of the vote, becoming the largest party. In 1933, Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor. After Hindenburg’s death, Hitler merged the presidency and chancellorship, proclaiming himself ‘Führer’ (supreme leader).

7. TIME magazine’s “Man of the Year” – One year before World War II began, in 1938, TIME magazine named Hitler its “Man of the Year,” a title awarded based on news impact and influence. He was also ironically nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, a move intended as satire by a Swedish politician.

8. Never visited concentration camps – The Holocaust, the mass genocide of Jews, remains the darkest mark of Hitler’s regime. However, Hitler himself never personally visited the concentration or death camps he ordered established. He directed the genocide operations from a distance.

9. Animal lover – Despite his brutal treatment of people, Hitler was known to be an animal lover. Whether he was strictly vegetarian remains debated. Nevertheless, he implemented strict animal protection laws and opposed scientific testing on animals.

10. Health issues – Various speculations about Hitler’s health exist. Some historians suggest he suffered from syphilis, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. His characteristic hand tremor may have been caused by Parkinson’s or possibly drug use.

11. Survived multiple assassination attempts – Hitler faced numerous assassination attempts, with the exact number unknown but believed to be over 20. Notable attempts include Georg Elser’s bomb attack in 1939 and Claus von Stauffenberg’s 1944 plot.

12. His nephews served in the U.S. military – Hitler’s nephews, including William Patrick Hitler, were born in Liverpool. Although William went to Germany in the 1930s, he later returned to America and fought against his uncle. Serving in the U.S. Navy, he received the Purple Heart medal.