Hitler: Who He Was

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Hitler: Who He Was and How He Coerced a Nation Into Committing Genocide
Adolf Hitler, a German political and government leader was one of the 20th century's most powerful dictators. He converted Germany into a fully militarized society and launched World War II in 1939. Making anti-Semitism a keystone of his propaganda and policies, he built the Nazi party into a massive movement. Because of this, he dominated most of Europe and North Africa for a time. In doing this, he caused the slaughter of millions of Jews (among others) whom he considered inferior.
Whenever I think of World War II, the main question in my mind is: How can one man have so much influence over a country that he is able to drastically alter its system of morals and beliefs to the point where its citizens conduct such abominable acts of violence? More importantly than this, is the question of whether this could ever happen in the United States. There is an important lesson to be learned in the story of exactly how Hitler manipulated a nation to suit his own means. Only through an understanding of his motives and tactics can such events be most effectively avoided in our own system of government.
Hitler was born in Braunau Am Inn, Austria, the son of a minor customs official and a peasant girl. Being a poor student, he never completed high school. Though he applied for admission to the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna twice he was rejected both times due to lack of talent. Staying in Vienna until 1913, he lived first on an orphan's pension, later on the small amount he managed to make off the pictures he drew. During this time, he read voraciously, developing anti-Jewish and anti-democratic convictions, an admiration for the outstanding individual, and a contempt for the masses (Carr 437).
During World War I, Hitler, living at the time in Munich, volunteered for service in the Bavarian army. He proved a dedicated and courageous soldier, but was neve...