FILLED IN _ The Rise of Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich & The World At War

Born April 20, 1889, in Austria-Hungary to Alois Hitler and Klara Polzl.
Fourth of six children; three siblings died in infancy.
Moved to Germany at age 3; had a tense relationship with father and teachers.
Lived a bohemian life as a painter in Vienna after moving there.
Attempted to enter Vienna's Academy of Fine Arts but was rejected twice.
Following the second rejection, his mother died of breast cancer at age 47.
Faced financial difficulties and lived in homeless shelters, amidst growing religious prejudice and racism in Vienna.
Influenced by anti-Semitic rhetoric prevalent during this time, difficult to determine exact onset of his anti-Semitic beliefs, but it was prior to the end of WW1.

After WWI, returned to Germany with no formal career or education, remaining in the army.
Joined the German Workers' Party (DAP) in 1919.
In 1920, began working full-time as the party evolved into the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party).

The Great Depression severely impacted Germany's economy, marked by hyperinflation of the Deutsche Mark from 1921-1923.
Hyperinflation occurred due to excessive money printing to alleviate poverty, resulting in the mark's near-worthlessness.
Economic struggles were exploited by Hitler to gain political traction.

Hitler was inspired by Italy’s Benito Mussolini, who adopted radical right-wing authoritarianism (Fascism).
Characteristics of Fascism:
1. Extremely right-wing ultranationalism.
2. Totalitarian governance.
3. Racial hierarchy belief.
4. Appeal to frustrated middle class (populism).
5. Scapegoating minorities and immigrants.
6. Fear-mongering regarding national security.
7. Cult of personality surrounding a larger-than-life dictator.
8. Persecution of political opponents.
9. Criminalization of dissent.
10. Anti-intellectualism.
11. Promotion of violence.
12. Desire to return to a perceived "golden age."

In 1923, led the Beer Hall Putsch in an attempt to overthrow the government; served one year in prison.
Wrote his autobiography "Mein Kampf," detailing plans to transform German society.
After release, pledged to gain power through legal means, particularly democratic elections.

Reichstag Fire (Feb 1933):
- German parliament burned; Nazis blamed communists.
- Used to justify further persecution of communists and suspension of rights.
Enabling Act:
- Passed after the Reichstag Fire; allowed Hitler to establish a dictatorship by eliminating all political opposition.

June 30 – July 2, 1934, marked by the purge known as Operational Hummingbird where political rivals were assassinated.

Claimed he needed total control to improve lives and enforce laws.
Collaborated with the Centre Party to achieve the necessary 66% vote for the Enabling Act, securing his total control.
Under his regime, Germany saw improvements:
- Unemployment dramatically reduced from 6 million (1932) to 1 million (1936).
- Infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, the Autobahn initiated.
- Production of the "People’s Car" began.
Promoted the idea of Lebensraum (‘living space’) signaling aggressive territorial expansion.

In March 1939, Hitler annexed the rest of Czechoslovakia, escalating global concerns regarding potential further aggression.

1939: Formed a Non-Aggression Pact with Joseph Stalin, agreeing not to fight each other and splitting Poland.
On September 1, 1939, German invasion of Poland commenced using Blitzkrieg tactics.
Britain and France demanded withdrawal from Poland, leading to their declaration of war against Germany on September 3, 1939.

Differing from WWI, Canada had to independently decide on joining the war.
Despite initial isolationist sentiments, Prime Minister Mackenzie King recognized the importance of participating and contributing.
The War Measures Act was reinstated on September 10, 1939, allowing the government broader powers, leading to Canada's declaration of war on Germany.