Adolf Hitler, The Making of a Fuhrer

(Who Was Responsible?)

Adolf Hitler, The Making of a Fuhrer is a 300 page footnoted, historical biography about the young Adolf Hitler and the pre NAZI era, including a detailed W.W.I. account of Hitler's service in the Great War, and covers the time frame through mid july 1921 and his assuming of power of the NSDAP. I would like to express deep gratitude to Walter S Frank and smoter.com for granting me permission to reproduce his book on this site. I would encourage all viewers to visit Smoter.com and see the book it it's Original format. There are also two more books for you to enjoy at smoter.com, they are titled LandlordTenant Law & History and Dams.

This work is dedicated to Sam Friedman

(US Army 3rd Infantry Division W.W.II ).

Sam Friedman was born on the 4th of July, 1924, at Johnstown PA. Sam's father owned and operated a local grocery store while his mother minded the house and children. Except for an occasional visit to the local synagogue, Sam's early years were like most other American boys. When the US involvement in W.W.II began, Sam was 17 years old and had no idea of what the future had in store for him. In less then four years, however, Sam (while serving with the US Army 3rd Infantry Division) would stand on the door step of the Berghof--Adolf Hitler's private residence. The 3rd Infantry Division, following a well deserved break after World War One, had been mobilized again in early 1941 after President F.D. Roosevelt declared a state of emergency. The 3rd Division filled its ranks and trained for war. A few days after Sam's 18th birthday, the 3rd received orders to prepare for an invasion of North Africa. The mission, Operation Torch, was to secure the French controlled north-west portion of Africa for the Allied forces in order to conduct operations against the "weak underbelly" of Europe. On November 8, 1942, the 3rd Division stormed ashore at Casablanca supported by 400 ships and 1,000 aircraft. For three days, the Americans fought the French forces (which had an agreement with Germany at that time) until the French agreed to a cease fire and later joined the Allied forces. With Casablanca secured, the Allies could now move men and materiel into the Mediterranean Sea without fear of the Straights of Gibraltar being cut off. After the success at Casablanca, units of the 3rd Division were ordered to move east, across Algeria, to support the British forces attacking the Germans and Italians at Tunisia. Sam joined the US Army at Johnstown PA on March 17, 1943. Six days later he was shipped off to New Cumberland PA and from there shipped down to Camp Robinson Arkansas to begin basic training. On May 10, the last of the German and Italian forces in North Africa either evacuated or surrendered to the Allies. The 3rd Division was now ordered to prepare for another amphibious assault against the island of Sicily. On his 19th birthday (July 4, 1943) Sam was shipped off to Camp Young, Cal for additional training. On the night of July 9, 1943 the American invasion force in Africa set sail for Sicily. Sea conditions were horrible with 45 mph winds. Nevertheless, early on the next morning the 3rd Infantry Division, reinforced by a Ranger Battalion and part of the 2nd Armored Division, hit the beach on Sicily as the "left flank" of the American (7th Army) invasion force. After securing their beachhead, the 3rd Division

moved inland and captured their first objectives within hours. After the American 7th Army had secured its objectives, they were ordered to stop at a key highway and relinquish it to a British (8th) Army which had also landed and was given priority for capturing the city of Messina. The commander of the 7th Army, at that time, was Gen. George Patton, who did not like being relegated to protecting British flanks; so, with a "Reconnaissance in force," he attacked the city of Agriento. By July 15, Agriento was captured by the 3rd Division. Patton, therefore, was authorized to continue west and capture Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Patton organized the 2nd Armored, 82nd Airborne and the 3rd Infantry Division into a Provisional Corps and sent them on a 100 mile drive to Palermo, After three days of house-to-house fighting, Palermo fell to the Americans and 53,000 Italian soldiers surrendered. With this stunning victory, the Allies controlled half of Sicily. The 7th Army now received orders to advance on Messina with the 3rd Division playing a key role. On July 30th Sam was shipped to camp Shelby Miss. in preparation of being shipped off somewhere to the European theater of war. He received a 16 day furlough (the only one he would ever receive during his nearly three years of service during the war) and returned home to spend it with his parents. "Enjoyed ever minute of it," he wrote. On Sicily, the 3rd Division faced a great challenge when it was ordered to attack San Fratello which was defended by the German 29th Panzer Division. On August 3, the 3rd Division began a series of attacks against the city, but, the Germans fought tenaciously and all American attacks were repulsed. Patton, consequently, ordered the 3rd to conduct an amphibious landing to flank the German position. On August 17, the "7th Infantry" of the 3rd Division entered Messina. Sicily was in Allied hands. Sicily was always meant to be a stepping stone to Italy and the rest of German occupied Europe. Consequently, the 3rd Division (along with others) received its next orders: Take Naples on the mainland of Italy. The Invasion of Italy: On September 9, the Allies launched the invasion of Italy by sending their forces ashore, south of Naples, at Salerno. After securing their beachheads, the 3rd Division began their advance on Naples along with the 82nd Airborne and the British 7th Armored Division. Private First Class Sam Friedman bid his parents good-by and on Sept 14, 1943, disembarked from a Virginia naval port, and the safety of the United States, for Italy. Naples fell to the Allies in early October. When the Americans entered the city, they found it almost completely destroyed and all ships in the harbor had been sunk. The Engineers went to work and in two weeks the port was reopened and men and supplies began flowing in.

After stops in Africa and Sicily, Sam joined the 3rd Division (7th infantry) on Oct 20th in Italy. Three days later he experienced his first day of combat while assigned to a light mortar company. The artillery duels, from land and sea, between the Germans and Allied forces was ferocious and accounted for the largest number of dead, wounded and "missing." After a particularly heavy artillery exchange, Sam wrote: "I saw my first dead German....Wasn't experienced and thought Combat was FUN....Wanted to be home." Three weeks later (Nov. 11, 1943), as the 3rd Division drove north of Naples on the city of Foggia, Sam was hit by an exploding artillery shell. On Dec. 2, 1943, at seven in the evening, Sam's parents received the following "Postal Telegraph": THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES THAT I TENDER HIS DEEP SYMPATHY TO YOU IN THE LOSS OF YOUR SON PRIVATE SAM FRIEDMAN REPORT RECEIVED STATES THAT HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION ON ELEVEN NOVEMBER IN ITALY ULIO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL Two days later Sam's parents received another telegram from the War Department stating that Sam was only "WOUNDED." The bodies and wounded were pilling up in Italy and in the confusion, Sam had been evacuated to a hospital in Naples. After six and half weeks of recovery, Sam was discharged from the hospital on Dec 25, 1943. He was back with the 3rd Division by Jan. 1, 1944 as a light machine gunner. Of the experience Sam wrote: "Everything Flashed before my eyes since the time I was born. What An Experience! Never will forget it." He also added: "I forgot to mention that I was operated on on Thanksgiving (missed a good meal)." Shortly after Sam's return, the 3rd Division was transferred to VI Corps (5th Army) and pulled back for another Amphibious, flanking maneuver. Anzio: On the morning of January 22, 1944, the US 5th Army assaulted the beaches at Anzio 30 miles south of Rome. The landings were successful and the invading Americans captured their initial objectives by noon and began to push off the beach. The 3rd Division, on the southern flank, met only one company of German infantry and made advances inland. The 3rd moved towards Cisterna (an important road junction) but soon encountered stiff resistance and was forced to halt and consolidate their forces. The next day, the Division went forward again and came within 3 miles of Cisterna but due to heavy German artillery fire was repulsed. The 3rd was ordered by 5th Army Command to hold in place as part of a general reorganization and consolidation of the beachhead forces.

For the next week, the Allies, hampered by gale force winds, brought in supplies and reinforcements but made no advances. This delay allowed the Germans to transfer reinforcements to the Anzio area and boost their forces up to 8 Divisions, around 80,000 crack soldiers. The situation at Anzio was becoming critical for the Allied forces. Bad weather eliminated the only Allied factor of superiority--air power. On Jan 27, German attacks developed into a full scale offensive. German command was determined to split the Allied beachhead and wipe out the Allied forces. The 3rd Division (along with the 45th which had been brought in after the initial invasion), blunted furious German attacks. Allied naval shelling brought some relief, but German artillery shelling kept the Allies under constant fire. The pressure was severe. (It was here, at Anzio, that the Third would established their record for the most casualties suffered in one day.") On January 30 the 3rd Division, reinforced by 3 Battalions of Rangers, resumed their assault. The Rangers came within a half mile of Cisterna when they were attacked by an entire German Motorized Infantry Division. The Rangers were driven out into the open by German armor. With no anti-tank weapons the Rangers were quickly cut down. Out of 767 Rangers, only six survived. Bodies and parts of bodies lay everywhere. Sam's Regiment, the 7th, along with the 15th, attempted another assault against the heavy opposition. The Germans fought bitterly and after 16 hours of fighting, the 3rd Division, still a mile from its objective, could not sustain its causalities. After learning that more German reinforcements were on the way, the 3rd Division was again ordered to hold in place and dig in. For days, German shelling rained down on the Third's positions as the Germans continued their assaults. On Feb. 10, when German victory seemed almost certain, a break in the weather enabled Allied air power to go into action. After 48 hours of constant air and artillery bombardments the German offensive was finally stopped. However, the Allied bridgehead remained dangerously narrow and was under constant German artillery fire. On Feb. 16, six German divisions, among them the Hermann Goring Division, attacked the Allied lines again after a terrifying artillery barrage. Allied forces were pushed back but another Allied all out air assault restored the situation. Two more days of fierce fighting resulted in a stalemate. "What a life!" Sam wrote. On February 29, the Germans, with two infantry and two armored divisions, launched another all out offensive against the 3rd Division in the Cisterna sector. US army command, however, had prepared for this possibility by reinforcing the 3rd Division's positions with massed artillery. The German attacks were stopped by the artillery and mortar raining down on them, but the German and 3rd Division lines were so close together the shells also rained down on the entrenched 3rd Division troops. Despite repeated attacks along the 3rd Division's lines, the Germans failed to break through. In the final German assault on March 4, 1944, the Germans lost over thirty tanks and over 3,500 men. The 7th (with Sam) and 15th Infantry suffered heavy casualties also, including Sam, who on the same day, received a wound in the back either from an exploding German or American artillery shell. A lull settled over Anzio. Total German losses in the beachhead area were 25,000 while Allied causalities (3000 would die) were nearly

the same. Both sides were exhausted and could not conduct major operations. After two months of medical treatment, in a beachhead hospital that was under daily German artillery fire, Sam rejoined his Regiment on May 5, just as VI Corps was preparing for another breakout offensive. On May 22, the 1st Armored Division with the 3rd Division in support, broke through the main German line. VI Corps finally encircled Cisterna and attacked the trapped German forces. Fighting was heavy in the town but on May 25, German resistance ended and the Allies controlled the town. The price for Cisterna was heavy. The 1st Armored Division lost 100 tanks in the first day. VI Corps suffered over 4,000 casualties. Rome: With Cisterna secured, the 3rd Division was ordered to link up with the 1st Special Service Force and advance on Valmontone where an attempt would be made to destroy the German 10th Army. After heavy fighting Valmontone was captured by the 3rd Division but the German 10th Army escaped north. VI Corps rejoined the 5th Army and was ordered to advance on Rome. The 3rd Division fought its way north and reached the outskirts of Rome on June 4, 1944. On June 5, the 5th Army entered Rome, the first enemy capital in W.W.II to fall. The Allies had won a victory, but they had failed to destroy their opponents. The Germans had retreated to new, well fortified, positions. "Went all the way to Rome," Sam wrote. Around this time Sam got a reprieve and was assigned to guarding POWs in Rome. Pope Pius blessed the American troops after Rome was liberated and Sam witness the proceedings. "I saw the Pope," Sam wrote home to his Jewish father. The 5th Army remained in Rome only a few days, then continued north after the Germans. However, it was all to clear that victory in Italy, due to its mountainous terrain, would only be gained by tremendous losses in life. In August of 1944 (two months after the successful Allied invasion at Normandy in Northern France) the 3rd Division was pulled out of harms way in Italy. "We were pulled back to make landing of Southern France," Sam wrote. The Invasion of Southern France: The operations in southern France (Anvil) formed an integral part of the overall strategy in wrestling France from the Germans. Though not as large (or as famous) as the Normandy landings, its success was essential to a rapid continuation of the Allied sweep into Germany. Furthermore, since Allied bombing had not destroyed the railroads in the Rhone valley, nearly half of all Allied war materials destined for northern Europe would be supplied through southern France. Supported by 1300 medium and heavy bombers, 53 gunfiring ships and 14,000 rockets, on August 15, the 3rd (with two other US divisions and a French armored divisions) stormed ashore just west of the French Riviera and quickly eliminated the German defenses. The 3rd Division took over 1000 prisoners.

Two days later, the port cities of Toulon and Marseilles were cut off from the main German forces. The 3rd Division, under the command of the 7th Army again, began their drive north. They raced to Avignon and the Rhone River. By September 3 they fought their way up the Rhone valley to Lyon. The Germans began a full retreat, fighting at times a fierce rear guard action, but, on September 11, the 7th Army linked up with Gen. Patton's 3rd Army coming down from Normandy. "Saw Paris," Sam wrote, "Saw Notra Dame (beautiful)." The 7th Army then turned for its next objective; the Rhine river and the border of Germany. The 3rd drove east, breached the well defended Vosges Line and reached the Rhine valley in late November. A German pocket remained west of the Rhine in the Colmar area, and attacks by unites of the 7th Army were unable to eliminate it. Because of this stiff resistance and logistical problems, the 7th Army was ordered to hold their positions and dig in. The next month, on December 16th, the Germans launched their Ardennes Offensive. The 7th Army was ordered to remain in place to ensure that the German units facing them on the Rhine could not be pulled out to reinforce the German offensive--the Battle of the Bulge had begun. For over three months, the 3rd Division, along with the rest of the 7th Army, conducted numerous patrols and raids along their front at the Rhine river. Sam, who had been on the front lines for over a year and a half, was now a hardened soldier and wrote a letter home that was picked up by a local paper. Rarely, even in those days, has a newspaper published such a candid and horrifying individual's story (see newspaper article below). Most American soldiers of W.W.II never experienced such horrors. For ever man on the front lines there were eighteen others backing them up. Furthermore a machine gunner, who had to see what he was shooting at, was as close as one could get to the enemy. After being hospitalized a third time for "medical treatment....in a hospital in France" Sam was transferred, in February, out of the front lines to transporting and guarding German POWs. Germany: Finally, at the end of March 1945, the 3rd Division crossed the Rhine and broke through the German lines. "Went all the way through France." Sam wrote. After the breakthrough, the 7th Army was assigned to the 6th Army Group and ordered into the southeast areas of Germany. Retreating Germans, it was believed, were planning on staging a final defense in the Alps of Southern Germany and Austria. Consequently, any information about German troop condition was considered important. Sam was quoted, through Army intelligence, as obtaining information from two German

prisoners that the "hard-put Germans were using huge St. Bernard dogs to haul light artillery." The 3rd Division moved across Southern Germany capturing town after town as they moved in the direction of Austria. On April 30, Munich fell. Hitler's apartment on the Prinzregenten Platz was in 3rd Division hands. On May 1, 1945, Sam was promoted to Cpl.. Lucky for him, the European war ended six days later just as sections of the 3rd Division (with15th Corps) cleared Berchtesgaden.
Sam's War Route

Sam and the 3rd Division, remained in Germany for several months serving occupation duty. Some soldiers were relieved at the end of 1945 and Sam was shipped home on the Queen Mary, from England, on Nov. 23, 1945. "It took five days for me to come home," Sam wrote. Shortly after, the last of the 3rd returned to the United States. Sam was Honorable Discharged at Indiantown Gap, PA on Dec. 2, 1945 from Company C, 7th Infantry, 3rd Division--the only American Division to fight the Nazis on every US front in Europe, and had more casualties (35,000) than any other US division; and, was also one of the few American Divisions to have been in combat continuously from the start to the end of the American involvement and still end up in Germany at the finish.--and how fitting, on the door step of Hitler's home in Berchtesgaden. Home: Shortly after returning, Sam wrote: "Welcome home Party given by Family at home." Sam, had emotional problems for years after his return adjusting to the new man that leaders (Fuhrers) had made of him. However, unlike later generations he kept it to himself. After his parents deaths he destroyed all of the detached, young soldier's war letters about killing and dying he had sent home. Even his "European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 bronze Stars" and "Good Conduct Medal" were missing. He kept his Purple Heart and W.W.II Victory Medal, however, and curiously German regalia either taken from an alive, or a dead German NAZI party officer. He also kept something his parents had saved. At stateside during W.W.II there were plenty of propaganda lectures or "shows" during the war since it was essential for the upper classes to "pump up" the grunts and their parents. After attending one such meeting on Dec. 7, 1943 (five days after Sam's parents received a telegram that their son was killed in action--and 3 days after being told that he wasn't) his parents, not knowing the true whereabouts or condition of their son, requested the script. It was a three page "sketch," supposedly written by an "Unknown Soldier" but contained cues for the "orchestra" and "American prayer" breaks. One section, set between "Music Changes" and "Music Up And Down," must have really frightened Sam's parents--it read:

My Buddies - the ones I wanted to tell you about - have been working like dogs for the past two years. They've been giving everything they've got, and I DO mean everything! They went out to Guadalcanal, a kid named Mac out there living for the day when he'd get his first shave. That fuss was almost long enough - but he never got to shave it. And over in Sicily a boy named Sam, Jewish boy, wanted to get home for Christmas - they all did, but they mined the beach and Sam got blown to little pieces. After naming a few other "boys" who had lost their lives, the propaganda piece ends: But it's guys like...Sam...that have - and WILL make [the future] an even brighter day in Freedom's Fight. Twelve years after W.W.II ended, Sam was still having shrapnel removed from his body. By the time (1965) I met Sam (who shortly after became my father-in-law) he detested young men's romantic notions about combat and hadn't talked about his war experiences for nearly twenty years. If the subject was ever brought up in his presence, he always left the room. After retiring, from a supervisory position with Bethlehem Steel Corp, Sam moved to Yuma AZ. He died there on Nov. 22, 1991 mourned only by his close friends and family.

ADOLF HITLER The Making of a Fuhrer

(Who was Responsible?) by Walter S Frank This is an account of the life of Adolf Hitler up to the beginning of his political career when he claimed the title of Der Fuhrer. This annotated narrative is coupled with the events, people and forces of his time which led to his making.

Part I.

Part II.

Part III.

Part IV.

Afterward.

It is offensive both to our reason and to our experience to be asked to believe that the [young] Hitler...was the stuff of which...Caesars and Bonapartes, are made. Yet the record is there to prove us wrong. -- Alan Bullock To say that Hitler was a mad man is to make a very serious mistake. -- Albert Speer Hitler was not only the product but also, in his own eyes, the strong supporter of the culture from which he came. -- Bradley F. Smith
The banner above was Hitler's personal standard.

PREFACE: Soon after the fall of the Third Reich, intellectuals began poking around the ashes of post WWII Europe in an attempt to understand why the Germans, and other nationalities, followed Adolf Hitler. Since that

time, a host of professionals and experts have propounded their theories. Most insinuate that Hitler was some kind of demonic monster whom "sophisticated," "fine," "educated," or "other persons of quality" rejected from the beginning--A confronting approach from the point of view of the upper classes, but then, considering that no political movement has ever entirely developed from the bottom up, one is still left with the question of why and how Adolf Hitler came to power. In the past forty years, I have talked to scores of Germans and German/Americans who lived in and out of Germany during the NAZI era. However, when it comes to Adolf Hitler, as one historian noted: "People...have long since learnt to adjust their answers to suit the political complexion of those who question them." Consequently, one must proceed cautiously in garnering true feelings. With that in mind, three incidents are worth noting: 1: In 1972, while attending night classes at a Pennsylvania University, a discussion in one class, dominated by young people, on why the German people followed Hitler produced the usual post W.W.II propaganda responses. When I offered a few easily verified facts about Hitler's early appeal, nearly the whole class looked at me in disbelief. During a class break I was approached by a "thirty-something" German student. When she was sure no one was able to overhear, she stated: "What you said was correct. My family had it good once Hitler came to power." She want on to talk about the good Hitler's policies did for her family and the pride and hope he instilled in the German people during the early years. 2: A decade later, while living in the state of Washington, I talked to an elderly ex-German soldier (his father incidentally had worked on one of Rommel's estates). He told me some very revealing stories of how Germans "believed" in Hitler during the early ("those days were fun") period, and how Hitler was able to rouse the people when he spoke. He then stopped momentary and as though reliving some intoxicating moment of his youth, affirmed: "Hitler always gave a good speech." 3: In 1991 on a visit to Austria, I stopped off at Braunau on the Inn where Hitler was born. I located the building that appeared to be Hitler's birthplace, but momentarily had my doubts. At that moment a very old, wrinkled and hunched over woman wearing a shawl on her head and carrying a battered cloth shopping bag happened along. In my "best" German, I ask her, pointing, if that was the building where Adolf Hitler was born. After monetarily deciphering my poor German, she answered (without a note of revulsion, horror or apology): "Ja. Ja. Das ist das Geburt haus vom Fuhrer" ("Yes. Yes. That is the birth place of the Fuhrer."). Because nearly all history, news, editorials and public opinion reflect the viewpoint of the upper classes, and their privileged accomplices (Right or Left), the people quoted above are normally passed off as "Nazis," "ignorant," or "dim-witted." In some recent German studies, however, up to 40% of the public expressed "understanding" for right wing extremists who support a kind of Hitler philosophy. In France also, nearly 40% of the people supported right wing extremist groups who preach a kind of Nazi doctrine. And, in a gubernatorial race in the United States, not too long ago, one candidate, who was compared to Adolf Hitler, managed to garner 40% of the total vote--which included 55% of the "white" vote.

Are all these people Nazis, ignorant or dim-witted? Not the scores I have met. Yet, still today, historians, TV documentaries and now, countless web sites continue with unsubstantiated events and characterizations which portray the prewar Hitler as a madman. The aim of these "biographers of Hitler," as Werner Maser (a probing Hitler historian) pointed out thirty years ago, "is not to...discover historically verifiable facts, but rather to 'reinterpret' earlier assumptions which have long since become exposed as false." Moreover, their interpretations still beg the question: "Why did people follow Hitler?" The scope of the material in this work is not meant to apologize for Hitler or minimize the horrors which occurred once the war he initiated broadened. On the other hand, the "mystique" that still draws people to Adolf Hitler (whether out of admiration, hate or curiosity ) comes from his youth and the forces that shaped him. Adolf Hitler never said or did anything that at one time or another hadn't already been said or done by past intellectuals or world leaders. To reiterate, Hitler was a product of the culture from which he came. To understand how he came to power (and what subsequently resulted), one must have a understanding of his early years and the culture that influenced and made him. That is what the footnoted material on this site attempts to do. After all, aren't all our thoughts and actions (to one degree or another) the result of culture?

Part I This Part ("pages" 1, 2 & 3) chronicles Adolf Hitler's birth, family, friends, loves and the influences upon him till 18 years of age. Contrary, to popular opinion, Adolf Hitler, the boy, was not the little Austrian "monster" as is usually portrayed. He was normally a very astute and agreeable individual of the rural, lower middle class. And there lies the problem. Anyone who has ever visited Austria (especially Vienna) and does not adhere to a strict, prescribed etiquette in dress, demeanor, discourse and social class, when dealing with the upper class, will find themselves looked down upon--even a child of today. This Part (pages 1-3), with all supplementary links, is equivalent to about 58 book pages. The narrative follows a chronological order (1889-1908) and is best read in sequence. Access to footnotes (designated by an *) can be found

First 11 Years Chapter 1

Klara Polzl was born into a family of hard-working Catholic peasants on August 12, 1860. She spent most of her early life near her birthplace, Spital, Austria, thirty miles north of the Danube. Her sweet face along with a quiet and soft disposition gave her an agreeable manner, and she was liked by everyone in her village. She matured to become a modest and an attractive women. She had a slender body of medium height and her light brown hair accentuated her delicate facial features and large gray-blue eyes. Because of her looks, manners, and demeanor it was impossible to determine her peasant background. Unlike many of her friends who spent the largest portion of their lives working the fields along with their families, and later their husbands, Klara became a maid to the more prosperous families in the vicinity. Klara (left) did not marry until she was twenty-four. Her husband, Alois Hitler, was a man twice her age but well-to-do by the standards of the area. Four-months after her marriage, on May 17, 1885, she gave birth to her first child, a son, whom she named Gustav. In the upper class societies of Europe the embarrassing, short period between marriage and the birth of a child would have raised some eyebrows. In the rural towns of Austria, little was out of the ordinary. In the Wooded Quarter (Waldviertel) where she lived, pregnancy out of marriage was taken for granted among the local population. In some areas the illegitimacy rate was near forty percent. Giving birth four months after one was married was not even a "serious embarrassment."* In September of the following year Klara gave birth to a daughter, Ida. The following autumn another son, Otto, was born. Within a few days Otto died. Two weeks before Christmas, two and a half year old Gustav died of diphtheria. The day after New Years, fifteen month old Ida died of the same disease. Klara, who only four months before was the mother of three children, was now childless. That fate would hand a "modest, kindly," and "gentle" woman like Klara* such a horrible burden was bound to alter her perception of life and her dealings with others. There was no doubt that if she gave birth to any future children, the relationship between mother and child would be very attentive and protective. Klara remained childless for nearly sixteen months. Then on April 20, 1889, at 6:30 in the evening, she gave birth to a son. Two days later she had the child baptized Adolfus; however, she always called him Adi, short for Adolf, Adolf Hitler.
Birthplace of Adolf Hitler

Adolf (the name means Noble Wolf) was born in the Hitler family quarters on the 2nd floor (3rd in the U.S.) of the Pommer Inn in the small town of Braunau, Austria. Braunau (which until 1816 had been part of Bavaria except for one short interruption) sits on the river Inn which borders Germany. Although Austrians have their own ethnic, historical and cultural heritage, they are German. Political jealousies and maneuvering had kept Austria out of the German federation. When Adolf was three years old, his father's job required that the family settle in Germany. The family moved across the river to Passau, Bavaria where the river Inn flows into the Danube. There the young Adolf spent the next three years playing with the local children and developing a lower Bavarian dialect that would stay with him all his life. Though neighbors recalled an excessive amount of attention bestowed by Klara on her young son, life in the Hitler household during these early years was harmonious and peaceful. As Adolf grew older, however, problems were bound to develop. In most German families the word of the father was the inflexible law of the household. Strictness accompanied by "thrashings" of children was common in those days, and women were not expected to interfere. Even as late as 1946 when German women were asked to complete the question--"A mother who interferes when a father is punishing his son is?--seventy percent chose the answer: "A bad wife." Klara, nonetheless, had developed into an overly protective mother. Unlike most German women, she would interfere and try to shield her son from the demands and punishments of her husband. Alois Hitler, Adolf's father, was remembered as a considerate, but stern and down-to-earth man with a cynical sense of humor. His letters to friends show him to be kindly, sensible, and no more rigid than anyone else of his area and background. He made lasting and close friendships with his neighbors, coworkers and relations, but he had nothing but contempt for "card players, debtors, drinkers," and others who he felt lead immoral lives. Like most men of his day, he believed in absolute obedience to superiors and expected the same from subordinates. With his family he was authoritative and normally not one to be denied. Alois was also born in the Wooded Quarter in the village of Strones on June 7, 1837. He was also of peasant origins but had a self-reliant and determined personality. He had only a few years of elementary school when he was sent off to Vienna, at the age of fourteen, to become a cobbler.* Shoe making had no appeal to the young man and by the time he was eighteen he had obtained a position as a border guard for the Austrian Customs Office. After working and studding diligently he passed a difficult examination and, around his twenty-fourth birthday, became a Revenue Clerk. Three years later he was promoted to supervisory rank. With the class distinctions and prejudices that existed against the peasantry, his achievement was quite notable. Having "made good," as many of his friends saw it, he spent most of his career working in the bordering towns of Germany and Austria.

Because of Alois' position and success, he was popular with the local ladies and was not adverse to their attention. Although he may have scorned "immoral living," relations with women did not seem to be part of his moral code. It is rumored that he had many affairs. He remained a hard worker, nevertheless, and there were further promotions. In 1871, at the age of 34, he reached the rank of Assistant Inspector of Customs. Two years later he married for the first time. His wife was fourteen years older but was the daughter of a wealthy tobacco merchant who came with a sizable dowry.* The marriage produced no children and was "stormy," as one observer noted. Not one to let his emotional life interfere with his responsibilities, Alois was determined to climb the social ladder and was rewarded in 1875 with a promotion to Senior Assistant Customs Officer.* Up to this time Alois's last name was not Hitler but Schicklgruber. He had been an illegitimate child and carried his mother's last name even though his mother and the man she asserted to be his father were married five years after he was born. Alois' "father" (see below in Hitler Name & legends) was a traveling miller who found it hard to settle down. Alois' mother, who was 42 years old when he was born, died when he was ten. Shortly after, his father resumed his drifting ways. Alois, consequently, spent some years in the house of his uncle (his father's brother) before being sent off to Vienna. His father died when he was twenty without ever having him legitimized. At age thirty-eight, Alois decided to claim the name of Hitler. To Hitler Name & Legends After considerable correspondence, on December 27, 1876, the district commissioner's office in charge of overseeing regulations concerning legitimization was finally satisfied. Although Alois had already been using the Hitler name for at least six months,* by Jan 6, 1877,* while married to his first wife, the thirty-nine year old Alois Schicklgruber was officially and legally known as Alois Hitler.* That he was using the Hitler name before the "legitimacy" went through, shows that he intended to change his name one way or the other. It was during the many visits to the Hiedler/Hitler household in Spital that Alois came to know Klara who was the granddaughter of his uncle. Because of Alois' age and status, Klara always referred to Alois as "uncle" although in reality they were second cousins. When Alois's first wife developed a lung ailment and became invalid the hard working and conscientious Klara was employed by the Hitlers as a maid. Soon after, the first wife found that Alois was having an affair with a hotel kitchen maid. She left him and obtained a separation. Alois began living openly with the kitchen maid who quickly dismissed the good looking Klara. The twenty year old Klara went to Vienna where she obtained employment as a parlor maid (a servant was the most common occupation for women during this period). When Alois' estranged wife died of consumption he married the kitchen maid within seven weeks. The marriage took place on May 22, 1883, one month before Alois' forty-seventh birthday. The new bride was twenty-two. The maid had already borne him a son out of marriage (which he immediately

legitimized) and she gave birth to a daughter within two months of the marriage. A year later the second wife fell mortally ill with tuberculosis. Klara was called back to help care for her and the two children. Although Klara did her best to nurse her back to health,* lung ailments and tuberculosis were the scourge of Austrians during the era. On August 10, 1884, Alois' second wife also died.* With a two year old son and a 12 month old daughter to raise, Alois, seeing a good thing, decided to marry the unassuming and loyal Klara. Intermarriages among second cousins were frequent among the country stock at that time and little was out of the ordinary. The marriage took place in the Catholic Church at Braunau, during the morning, on Jan 7, 1885, five months after the death of Alois' second wife. The marriage would have taken place sooner and Klara's first child (born May 17,1885) would not have been born four months after the wedding, but an Episcopal dispensation had to be secured since they were second cousins. The marriage and reception were attended by friends and relations including Klara's father, mother and two younger sisters. The only memorable event that witnesses remembered occurred when a maid overheated the room at the Hitler house and Alois teased her about not being able to manage a fire. There was no honeymoon for the 48 year old groom and his 24 year old bride. Before the morning was over, Alois was back at work.* For some time after their marriage Klara continued to address her husband as "uncle."* She, however, took well to her new role and after the deaths of her first three children continued to care for Alois' two children as though they were her own. She was a devout Catholic, a devoted wife, a meticulous housekeeper, and an affectionate mother.* Marriage to a stern official twenty-three years her senior brought few moments of cheerfulness into Klara's life. She accepted the disillusions of married life with relative calm. She once told an acquaintance: "What I hoped and dreamed of as a young girl has not been fulfilled in my marriage." Then quickly added, "but does such a thing ever happen?"* Klara Hitler was a realistic, modest, loving and quiet women. She made no demands on her husband and their marriage remained peaceful. When Adolf was born, his stepbrother, Alois Jr, was seven years old and his stepsister, Angela, was almost six. They had to take a back seat to Adolf who became the apple of his mother's eye. Klara was devoted to her son and doted over him, but her obsession over the deaths of her previous three children made her see Adolf as a sick baby. Although a housemaid during this time remembered Adolf as a "very healthy, lively child who developed very well,"* Klara lived in dread of losing him. She was constantly attentive to her son and if he showed even the slightest ailment she worried profoundly. Neighbors remembered that she seldom stopped to linger in conversation, being in a hurry to return home to care for her children.* During the first few years of Adolf's life, mother and son were inseparable. In March 1894, when Adolf was almost five and still living in Germany, Klara gave birth to another son who she named Edmund. Despite the new addition to the family, the close bond between Adolf and his mother continued.

Farmhouse with barn in rear.

In April of the following year, the family moved back to Austria and took up residence on a newly purchased nine acre farm near the river Traun in the village of Hafeld. The six year old Adolf, dressed in a dark-blue sailor suit., entered public school for the first time in the village of Fischlham two miles away.* His teachers had nothing but good to say about him. He was a "star" pupil who made nothing but excellent or above average grades. He was "mentally very much alert, obedient" but like many boys, "lively."* Soon after the family arrived back in Austria, Alois, only 58 years old, abruptly retired on June 25, 1895, after 40 years service.* Although "he must have been well above average in industry, efficiency and, not least, in his determination to succeed,"* his legitimacy offered no rewards. He had to wait 17 years before he was promoted from Senior Assistant Customs Officer to Higher Collector and the promotion came automatically with service.* He had stayed on for an additional three years after the promotion to meet probationary requirements and to become eligible for a higher pension rate. Even though Alois was well liked and respected by the local people, they found him at times to be bitter. He was outspoken about his beliefs and, unlike most men, was not afraid to voice his opinions in the presence of others who favored a different point of view. Like most men who succeed on their own, he had little compassion for the lower classes from which he came. When a small sawmill was being constructed by one of his neighbors, he sarcastically but humorously mumbled something about "little guys" coming up and "big guys" going down. The retirement funds Alois received were about the same amount as what a country lawyer or principal of a grade school earned. The village at Hafeld had a population of 100 inhabitants and the impressive two and a half storied house on the Hitler farm was a sign of success. Alois took on the life style of a country gentleman. He busied himself with gardening and bee-keeping while hired help did the heavy work. A Minna, the generic name for a family's cook and general maid, helped Klara in the large house and there were summer vacations to Spital. The Hitlers lived in a material life style approaching the prosperous middle class of the day. They lived within their means, cared for their children, celebrated birthdays, worshipped their God, and lived respectable and honest lives. Alois never gambled and although he drank beer or wine, no one ever saw him drunk. There were no reported violent outbursts, no feuds, and no tyrannical upheavals.* On Jan 21, 1896, when Adolf was almost seven, a sister, Paula, was born. With Klara's attention tied up with a infant daughter, a two year old son, two budding teenagers and a husband, Adolf began to spend more time on his own. The farm had an orchard and there were stables for the cows and farm horses behind the house. Adolf enjoyed playing in the hayloft, the small stream behind the barn, and in the surrounding woods. Although neighbors thought that Klara had turned Adolf into a Muttersohnchen (mama's boy),* he, nevertheless was developing into a little roughneck. His favorite stories were about the American West, which led to one of his favorite games--cowboys and Indians. The blue eyed, lightbrown haired Adolf liked to play the part of the big "Indian chief." Neighbors were sometimes unsettled

by his rowdy behavior and loud Indian war cries. By the standards of the day Adolf was a spoiled and very self-reliant child without the sweet manners and refinement that most German parents expected in children. He was well liked, however, by his young playmates and developed a close relationship with his younger brother. In the same year Paula was born, Adolf's stepbrother, Alois Jr. ran away at the age of fourteen, never to return in his father's lifetime. Years later he would claim that the reason was the beatings he received from his father and, though no one has ever substantiated his claim, he stated later that even the docile Klara and the family dog were not spared physical abuse. The "beatings" Alois Jr. endured were delivered because of his poor grades and habit of skipping school. Shortly before running away he skipped school three days in a row. His actions did nothing to endear him to his father and, in accordance with the customs of the times, he was thrashed. The dominant factor in his decision to leave home was more likely the presence of Klara's children. Alois Jr. never got along with any of them and especially didn't liked Adolf who, he claimed, got everything his way. Over 50 years later he would still complain: "My stepmother always took his part."* Furthermore both Klara and Adolf got along splendidly with his sister Angela. Klara treated her as a daughter, and Adolf and Angela got along so well they spent nearly two hours a day walking back and forth to the school at Fischlham. Alois Jr., who was approaching fifteen years old, no doubt felt abused and neglected. With his stepbrother gone, Adolf, as the oldest son, was given more chores to do around the small farm. But it didn't last long. The farm had a history of economic problems and the good country life proved a disappointment to the 60 year old Alois. In June 1897 he sold the farm, with its imposing house, to a nobleman named von Zdekauer from Vienna.
Inn at Lambach where Hitlers moved when Adolf was eight.

The Hitlers took up residence two and a half miles away in Lambach, a town with some 1700 inhabitants. They moved into a fashionable lodging house directly across the street from the town's Benedictine abbey. Six months later they moved into a spacious second floor apartment in the main plaza just around the corner. As a retired official of the Royal and Imperial Civil Service, Alois became part of the Honoratioren-leading citizens of the small town like the mayor, doctor, school principal, tax collector, and more important merchants. They met regularly to discuss the problems and issues of their day. The eight year old Adolf was admitted to the Catholic school attached to the abbey. As usual, he excelled in his school work. He also attended choir lessons and began training as an alter boy. The abbey church had been built nearly a thousand years earlier and was remodeled hundreds of years

later by a ruling abbot whose coat of arms contained his initials (TH) in the form of a stylized hakenkreuz (hooked-cross in English; swastika in French). In many civilizations the swastika was considered a good luck symbol or signified that all was well. In 1907 for example, the United States Bureau of Reclamation, known then as the US Reclamation Service, used swastikas to decorate Laguna Dam, the first Federal structure built across the Colorado River.* In German mythology the swastika (usually represented in rotary fashion) was the "fire whisk" which twirled the earth into existence. The abbot, responsible for the remodeling, combined German myth with Christianity and the swastika-like symbol appeared on various parts of the abbey, including the main gateway* and on the pulpit.*
Abbey courtyard where Hitler attended grade school.

Adolf was fascinated with ecclesiastical music and Catholic ritual. He took voice lessons at the choir school,* developed a good singing voice and sang in the church choir. At nine years old he became an altar boy* and within a short time contemplated becoming a priest. Impressed by the fiery sermons given by the local priests on Sundays, he occasionally draped an apron over his shoulders when at home, stood on a kitchen chair and mimicked the priests giving sermons. Although his father disliked much of church policy, he nevertheless considered a parish priest a model,* and along with Klara, they encouraged Adolf's hopes. As the son of a retired official, young Adolf enjoyed the prestige and status of his father's position. Since the family was one of the most prosperous in the small community, by the time Adolf was nine he was looked up to by many of the local boys and soon became a little "ringleader." His favorite game was still cowboys and Indians, and he would organize the neighboring boys, and sometimes the girls, into teams and lead his braves against the opposing forces. During the 18 months Adolf lived in Lambach, he frequently got in trouble. He once brought "Indian" knives and axes to school. One day he was caught taking a puff on a cigarette. Another time he organized the neighboring boys and raided an orchard. Over the objections of his mother, his father handled such misbehavior in the accepted way--a customary thrashing. His father's anger, however, was contained. Angela would later remark that she and Klara would hang on to Alois' coattails when he went to "hit" Adolf* and Adolf himself never held such thrashings against his father. He would later state that they were "necessary"* and that his life as a child "showed little or no difference from that of other people."* Adolf's grades in school remained at excellent with an occasional above average in singing, drawing, and gymnastics. In the last quarter of the 1897-98 school year he received twelve 1's which is equivalent to twelve A's in the American school system. Neighbors, nonetheless, considered Adolf a little rogue who was always where the action was and usually leading it. Although they complained that the boy with the "beautiful blue eyes" was a spoiled loudmouth and could be unsettling to have around, they also noted that he could talk to adults and at times was very expressive and fluent for one so young.
Hitler home at Leonding.

In November, 1898, Alois purchased a house in Leonding, a little village three miles west of Linz. The family moved in shortly before Adolf turned ten. It was an attractive house situated in tranquil surroundings with a half-acre yard in the rear. Alois, not a man to sit idly by, spent his time working a small garden and a few fruit trees. He also continued to tend bees and wrote articles on beekeeping.* "In my youth I had every opportunity to study bees," Adolf Hitler would recall years later, "for my old father was a keen apiarist. Unfortunately I was frequently so badly stung that I all but died! To be stung by a bee in our family was an ordinary, ever day occurrence. My mother often pulled out as many as forty-five or fifty stings from the old gentleman when he returned from cleaning the hives. He never protected himself in any way; all he did was to smoke all the time--in other words, a good excuse for another cigar."* Adolf was enrolled in the local grade school which was only a couple hundred yards north of the Hitler home. As usual, he excelled in his school work. Like all small boys of the time, he was often dressed in "leather shorts, embroidered suspenders [and] a small green hat with a feather in its band."* Nearly directly opposite the Hitler home, on the other side of the road, was the local Catholic cemetery and church of St. Michael. The Hitler family attended the church every Sunday and Adolf joined other local boys in singing in the choir. From his upstairs bedroom window, Adolf could see over the high stone wall surrounding the cemetery. On Feb 2, 1900, shortly before Adolf's eleventh birthday, his six year old brother, Edmund, died of complications following measles. To Klara, the death was like a hammer blow and brought back the memories of the three children she had lost twelve years before. She suffered terribly and neighbors were shocked when she failed to attend the funeral. To the ten year old Adolf, who had been very close to his younger brother, the death left a lasting wound.* After the church service he stood in a driving snowstorm and watched while his little brother was lowered into his grave.* In the future, anytime Adolf looked out of his bedroom window he was reminded of Edmund who's grave was visible from his window. He became moody, dispirited and withdrawn. Years later when Adolf would become famous, journalists and reporters would flock to the area to see what people remembered of him. Although the local population would repeat the stories of his Indian games, how quickly he ran if called by his father, how well he did in the Leonding school, or how spoiled he was, they also remembered a very curious thing. They said Adolf was sometimes seen, late into the night, sitting on the high cemetery wall "gazing up at the stars"* or talking to the "windblown trees."* One of Adolf's playmates remembered that Adolf would also climb the hill behind his house at night and talk to a "nonexistent audience." After Edmund's death, religion lost its glamour for the young Adolf and he never again talked about becoming a priest. (It appears that Edmund's death haunted Hitler all his life. Forty-two years later, to the month (Feb.1942), Hitler made the statement: "And those repulsive priests, when they question a child of seven in the confessional, its they themselves who incite it to sin, by opening its eyes to sin.")*

To add to the suffering of the family, it was learned shortly after Edmund's death that Alois Jr. had been arrested, tried and sentenced to five months imprisonment for theft. The 63 year old Alois, a pillar of the small community seethed with indiTo add to the suffering of the family, it was learned shortly after Edmund's death that Alois Jr. had been arrested, tried and sentenced to five months imprisonment for theft. The 63 year old Alois, a pillar of the small community seethed with indignation. A strong believer in law and order, he would not compromise his beliefs and had his will changed to leave his oldest "noaccount" son only the minimum sum allowed by law. The tension in the household increased the suffering of Klara and had a profound affect on Adolf. Like his father, Adolf would grow up lacking any compassion for what he saw as lawbreakers and believed they should be severely punished. In the future he refused to have anything to do with his half brother and later forbade all mention of his name.* With Edmund's death, the close bond between Klara and Adolf intensified. She resumed her doting over him and pampered him continuously. His health and dispirited attitude worried her profoundly. With the end of summer vacation that year, Adolf (a star pupil in grade school) began classes, on 9/17/1900, at the non-classical secondary school on Stein Gasse in Linz. Continue: Footnotes: Top of Page

Chapter 2 Adolf Hitler's High School Days Making the transition from grade school to high school can be a hard period for any boy, but was particularly hard on the eleven year old Adolf Hitler. He not only had to contend with the recent death of his brother but with a new environment. Unlike the small rural towns where he had spent his life, Linz was a bustling city of 55,000 people. Adolf either had to walk to the four-story school building, which took about an hour, or he could take the train. In the secondary school, which wasn't mandatory and where parents paid for their children's education, his father's position and rank meant little. As an "outsider" he and a few other boys from Leonding, were looked down on by many of the wealthier city boys as one of those "from the peasants."* For the first time he now found himself exposed to the class prejudices of the upper classes who considered him unworthy in not only character but appearance. As one class conscious historian later commented: "For here he found himself a rough-hewn rustic, a despised outsider among the sons of academics, businessmen, and persons of quality."* Adolf's whole world must have seemed like it was falling in on him. He appeared listless and unconcerned and, for the first time, did poorly in school. As Adolf's grades plunged, a conflict between father and son developed because Alois feared another "noaccount" son. Adolf would later write that "hostility" developed between his father and himself when he was "eleven years old." He would also admit that he once had a temper tantrum which caused him to fall to the ground, "faint from rage," when he didn't get his way in a disagreement with his father.* It wasn't long before Adolf found himself at the mercy of his father's discipline on a regular basis. Klara shielded the boy whenever possible but normally consoled him afterward and no doubt alienated her husband. The opposing values between parents drew Adolf closer to his mother and he developed a rebellious attitude toward his father. For the first time, relatives and neighbors noted that the spoiled child Adolf could also be defiant and did not like anyone telling him what to do. He failed math and natural history and was not promoted that year. "When I was a schoolboy," Hitler would later state, "I did all I could to get out in the open air as much as possible--my school reports bear witness to that!"* Adolf's frustration is made clear by one of his own stories. One of his jobs at home was to protect the family garden from neighboring chickens. Adolf found it "irritating" that when he chased them away they came back again. "When I was a child," he would later recollect, "my parents had a little garden in Leonding. Our neighbor insisted on letting her hens forage in our garden. One day I loaded a shot-gun and blazed off at them."* The neighbor undoubtedly complained to the authorities and the incident was never forgotten by Adolf. Years later he would state that the "legal remedy is for hens to be confiscated and returned only after damages have been paid."* After he returned to school in the Fall of 1901, and began repeating the year he had failed, things improved. The shock of his brother's death had subsided and he returned to some of his old ways. By keeping his distance from those "persons of quality," he found his place. Because of his brashness, and because he was now older than most of his classmates, many began to look up to him and he became a little leader again.* His grades improved and his twelve year old mind began to be shaped by the beliefs

of his day. The ideals impressed upon the young Hitler during this period would dominate his thinking till the day he died. To Influences that shaped the young Hitler Alois wanted Adolf to follow in his footsteps and become a civil servant for the Austrian government. Adolf, on the other hand, was opposed to it. Building upon the child's instinct to rival the father and a doting mother to protect or console him, Adolf's rebellious attitude toward his father increased. His sister Paula would later state: "When Mother said anything he obeyed, and when Father said anything he was against it."* Adolf admitted to his father that he did not want to follow in his footsteps. The conflict between father and son intensified. "Adolf," his sister also remarked, "challenged my father ... and... got a sound thrashing everyday. He was a scrubby little rogue, and all attempts of father to thrash him for his rudeness and cause him to crave the profession of an official of the state were in vain. How often on the other hand did my mother caress him and try to obtain with her kindness, where the father could not succeed with harshness!"* Neither mother nor father succeeded for Adolf had other ideas. Adolf's teachers and classmates noticed that he had an above average ability in drawing. He was very adept at drawing geometric or architectural structures. He could amaze his classmates by drawing from memory buildings which they would recognize before he was finished. Some of his early works still survive and show the crude but budding talent of an untrained child. Adolf nourished the idea of becoming an artist. When he revealed this to his father it only aggravated the bad feelings already there. Caught in that awkward period between the passing of childhood and the coming of adolescence, Adolf still led his Indian braves against the opposing forces. "When we children played 'Red Indians,'" his sister later related, "my brother Adolf was always the leader. All the others did what he told them; they must have had an instinct that his will was stronger."* He learned to throw a lasso and so occasionally switched sides. During this period Adolf also acquired the habit of reading since his father had a small library. Adolf's mind was fired by the exploits of the Norwegian Arctic explorer and oceanographer, Fridtjof Nansen (1922 Nobel Peace Prize winner), and also the Swedish explorer, Sven Hedin, who had recently traversed the ancient silk routes from Russia, through Tibet to Peking.* "One Christmas," Hitler would later state, "I was given a beautiful illustrated edition [of Defoe's Robinson Crusoe]." He found it unmatched in "desert-island stories." He also read Don Quixote, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Gulliver's Travels, all of which he later hailed as "universal works."* His favorite stories, however, were still tales of the American west and he read all he came across.* One day a friend of Adolf's found him reading Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans. He told Adolf that the "westerns" of Karl May (who lived in Linz around this time)* where much better. Adolf took his advice. May, whose stories of the wild American west won him a huge German audience, soon became his

favorite author. He compared May to Jules Verne. "I was carried away," Hitler would later say. "I went on to devour at once the other books by the same author."* Although May never saw America he produced dozens of wild and rowdy stories of trappers, hunters, cowboys and Indians. Like the late 19th century American "dime novels," May's stories were filled with tales of adventure and violence. His swashbuckling hero, Old Shatterhand, was a white American who fought the red men and his ruthlessness was always described with admiration. Old Shatterhand liked to quote the Bible to show he was perfectly justified in killing his enemies.* As a balance to Old Shatterhand and the white man, there were the noble Apaches and their resolute chief, Winnetou. Adolf was deeply impressed with the character of Winnetou and nearly forty years later would state that Winnetou had always been his "model of a noble spirit."* May's stories were snatched up by millions of readers and a generation of German youths adored his work. Boys like Albert Einstein and Albert Schweitzer (1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner) were loyal May fans.* Even girls, like Eva Braun, read May.* Around this time, Adolf read in one of those stories that it was a sign of courage not to show pain, and decided never to cry again when his father whipped me. He claimed years later that his resolve worked. Whether for that reason or not, the thrashing stopped and his father never touched him again. One day Adolf found some literature in his father's library about Germany's defeat of France in 1871. He also read about the Boer War in South Africa (which was then drawing to an end) where the British were crushing resistance by burning farms and sticking Boer families in concentration camps. Adolf's imagination was fired by the stories of the military battles. He was soon leading his "Boers" against the British,* or his "Prussian troops" against the French. His "favorite playground," as he called it, was the historic fortifications (top left) between the Danube River and the Roman Road at Linz (bottom left).*

One of his classmates would later remark: "We were always playing at war--war games endlessly. Most of us got sick of it, but Hitler always managed to find some who would play with him, usually younger boys."* Another commented: "He was more alert than the other boys, and in their games it was he who used his wits to best advantage....and he was always the leader."* Another playmate stated: "Once through sheer carelessness, we started a forest fire. We tried to stamp it out and when we found we couldn't, we ran off. Adolf kept dinning into us not to tell anyone, otherwise, he said, we would all be thrashed and put in jail. Finally the fire brigade from Linz had to deal with it."* After repeating the year he had failed Adolf was promoted. He would earn decent grades in most subjects when he returned to school in the fall, but his grades would never reach the level they had before his brothers death. Like many students, he did not like mathematics and never mastered the technicalities of written languages. His grades in Mathematics were poor, and he received below average marks in both written and spoken German. Surprisingly he also received below average grades in Free Hand Drawing

even though his teachers reported that he was "fluent" in the subject; but, his grades in geometrical drawing were above average. As in his first year he was failing French. His grades in conduct, on the other hand, were usually "good." Adolf would later blame his bad grades during this period on his habit of reading material not concerned with school activities.* Because his father expected better grades, the friction between them continued. Although Alois, well into his sixties now, still "scolded and bawled" at Adolf and threatened to "bash" him, Alois' "bark," as before, was worst than his bite. Acquaintances stated he "never touched" Adolf during these later years and that "the boy stood in awe of him."* Apparently Alois had returned to his mellowed ways for witnesses stated that he was always cheerful and good company. He seems to have had his sentimental moments and in one of his surviving letters inquires about purchasing two beehives he built years earlier on the Hafeld farm "as a memento of my activities there."* Adolf would always speak of his father without malice and even remember times when his father joked with him. Years later he would remark: The expression 'officer of the civil authority,'...reminds me of my father. I used occasionally to say to him: 'Father just think...' He used immediately to interrupt me: 'My son, I have no need to think, I'm an official.'* Klara, who was always considered "a real nice women,"* was often seen on school mornings walking Paula to the gate and giving her a kiss in parting. Open affection was not a common trait among the Germans in the area and the Hitler children were the envy of some of their peers.* "My mother," Hitler would recall years later, "lived strictly for her husband and children. They were her entire universe."* Although Klara attended church every Sunday with the children, Alois attended only on the Emperor's birthday. On the other hand, Alois continued to be involved with social issues and met at informal gatherings at a local inn and even joined a singing group. He was content, and though he had been bothered by a lung aliment for some time, appeared in good health. When Adolf was almost fourteen, his father then 66, died unexpectedly of a lung hemorrhage (Jan. 3, 1903). The funeral was held a few days later in the church opposite their home. Relations from Spital, old friends from the customs service, and nearly everyone in the village of Leonding, included the mayor, attended. Alois was laid to rest on the other side of the stone wall. Although Adolf had his differences with his father, he considered him a "man of honour"* and was "deeply bereaved."* The Linz Tagespost, the largest paper in Upper Austria, gave Alois a lengthy obituary referring to his cheerfulness, energetic civil sense, his authority on bee-keeping and noted that he "was able to [speak] authoritatively on any matter that came to his notice." Alois, "at all times an energetic champion of law and order," was praised as a "good man" and "friend of song." They forgave him for his occasional harsh words and stated: "Hitler's passing has left a great gap."* Whether his father's death was the triggering element or not, by this time Adolf lost complete faith in the teaching of the church. "Since my fourteenth year," he would later say, "I have felt liberated from the superstition that the priests used to teach."* Around this time a teacher/priest asked Adolf if he said his

prayers. Adolf replied: "No, sir, I don't say prayers. Besides, I don't see how God could be interested in the prayers of a secondary school boy."* Ironically, Adolf's grandfather ( Klara's father), had died the previous January. After watching his brother, grandfather and now father buried during three of the last four winters, Adolf not only turned away from his religion, but also began to develop a distaste for the colder months and never again enjoyed winter activities. Although he knew how to snow-ski, he gave it up around this time and never skied again.* "I've always detested snow," he would later state, "I've always halted it."* Klara received about 80% of her husband's income in pensions for her and the children. Because of her frugality, the material life style of the family was not affected. They lived within the lower fringes of the middle class (petty bourgeoisie). They lived "quietly and decently--unnoticed little people in an out-of-theway town."* Klara allowed Adolf to room at Linz during school days to avoid the three mile trip to school everyday. She hoped his grades would improve--they didn't. The landlady of the boarding-house, Frau Sekira (and the five other boys at the Kostplatz), stated that although Adolf appeared ill at ease at times, he was polite, well-behaved and spent most of his free time drawing and reading.* Adolf never became close friends with any of the five boys who shared the lodging. His experiences the previous year with class prejudices caused him to keep his distance from those who considered him an outsider or one from the peasants. In German there are two common forms of "you," Sie (formal) and du (familiar). Du, at the time, was only to be used among close friends of equal status. The young Adolf, in an apparent defiant gesture, refused to address certain classmates by du since they obviously did not consider him their equal.* As one of the boys would later state: "None of the five other boys made friends with him. Whereas we schoolmates naturally called one another du, he addressed us as Sie, and we also said Sie to him and did not even think there was anything odd about it."* As Adolf Hitler would later state: "In the days of my youth, I was something of a solitary, and I got along very easily without society."* The peasants at this time furthermore, finding the word "Sie" too formal, frequently used the word "ihr" to address outsiders. Hitler may also have been proclaiming to those boys of "quality" that he was not a peasant. One of Klara's sisters, Theresia, was married to a farmer named Schmidt whose farm at Spital consisted of woods and fields. After Adolf completed his school year, Klara, Angela, Paula and Adolf spent most of the summer on the Schmidt farm. The Schmidts had two young children and Adolf's Grandmother (Klara's mother) also lived there. Adolf would spend the next four summers there. Although he occasionally helped out with some of the farm chores, he avoided the tedium of field work. He spent most of his time reading, drawing and playing with the Schmidt children. During this period the family heard from Alois Jr. who had gotten himself into trouble with the law again. He had been sentenced to eight months imprisonment for theft. He appears to have gotten out of jail and was finding it hard to make ends meet. He wrote Klara appealing for financial help. Adolf supposedly

intercepted the letter and, no doubt remembering the pain Alois Jr. had brought to the household during his younger brothers death, is reported to have written back: "To steal and to be caught means that you are not even a good thief. In that case my advice is to go hang yourself."* Since a student was expected to maintain a "satisfactory" grade in certain subjects Adolf had to take a special examination in Mathematics before entering his third year. Once back in school he got along with most of his classmates and like all boys participated in sports, indulged in pranks, and planned a trip around the world. He tried to make contact with girls by making funny faces at them or carrying their packages,* but he was terribly shy and was unable to carry on a sustained conversation. His grades remained about the same. As would be expected, some of his teachers liked him, others had no opinion, and some disliked him. He, on the other hand, disliked most of his teachers and admired others. He would later pay particular praise to one of his history teachers who, as he put it, "carried us away with the splendor of his eloquence....and who evoked historical facts out of the fog of the centuries and turned them into living reality."* On Sept 14, 1903, Adolf's half sister, Angela who was now twenty, married a young assistant tax inspector from Linz named Leo Raubal. This was an unpleasant time for the fourteen year old Adolf who was close to Angela and saw her leaving as another terrible event. Adolf never got along with Angela's husband who made fun of Adolf's idea of becoming an artist or painter and thought that he should become a civil servant as his father had wanted. Also, because of Adolf's admiration of the Germans of Germany, Leo's position with the Austrian government further alienated them. By the time Adolf was fifteen he was a committed outspoken German Nationalist. During this period a youth movement began sweeping Germany and Austria. It was a movement which gloried in the coming of a mystical nationalism led by a powerful Fuhrer (leader) who would lead the Volk (common people) to world prominence. The movement is normally referred to as volkisch which is somewhat defined as a racia1 community tied together by deep spiritual and cultural views fortified by a legendary past (many early American Indian tribes would understand its appeal). The movement taught that man must become a part of something greater than himself and emphasized the whole of the Volk over the individual. The movement appealed to many Germans since they, for the most part, have always looked for a strong leader to point them in the right direction. Many saw the ideal state as one patterned after the model of the family with a strong father/leader figure. The work of the German archeologist Heinrich Schliemann (1822-9O) did much to advance the idea. His discoveries of Troy on the shores of Turkey, and the ancient burial sights of the great "Aryan Greek heroes" in Mycenae, led to a rage of interest in ancient life which did much to promote the idea of militarism and the warrior in the German speaking world. The young Adolf was greatly impressed by these discoveries and came to believe that the "Hellenic spirit" ("and German technology") was the dominant reason for the great advances in Europe and the Near East. Adolf took his nationalism seriously and like those around him was prone to generalities. Slogans like, "German boy, do not forget that you are a German," and "German maid, remember that you are to be a German mother,"* were heard by almost every Austrian child. Like adolescents today who take pride in

their heritage, religion or ethnic affiliations (which subtly teach them to believe in their superiority), Adolf believed the teaching and racism of his time. Because of his light brown hair at the time, and blue eyes, he considered himself an "old German," as compared to others who, as an example, had been "Latinized" by their neighbors to the south. He once remarked to a schoolmate that the boy was not an "old German" because he had dark hair and dark eyes.* Most of Adolf's classmates, nevertheless, liked him at school or play and would later state that he wasn't a fanatic and was better than most boys. One stated that he was brave, likeable, and not a hothead but a "quiet extremist" who tried to be agreeable. Another felt that Adolf was "no more [nationalistic] than we all were."* A few of Adolf's teachers disagreed. By the time he entered his third year of high school, he had become the typical spoiled, independent minded teenager. "We pupils of the old Austria were brought up to respect old people and women," he would later state; "but on our professors we had no mercy; they were our natural enemies."* Although one of his teachers stated that he left neither a favorable nor an unfavorable impression, others claimed that he was a spoiled, stubborn boy who talked back to them, failed to show them any respect, or played pranks on them. In one of the pranks, Adolf knew that a teacher was going to instruct the students to stand and then divide the class down the center. Half were to proceed to one side of the room while the other half proceeded to the other side to conduct a lesson. Adolf, with a couple friends, organized the students and convinced them to go to the opposite side of the room. The confusion that resulted was paramount and Hitler would gleefully remember years later that the teacher "danced with indignation, exclaiming that the students became more and more stupid with every year."* In another case, there was one teacher who did not uphold the national ideal of a united German people and believed strongly in a great Austria. Adolf enjoyed, as he put it, "exciting [the teacher] by waving pencils in the colours of Greater Germany" when he had a question. Adolf and his classmates were delighted when the teacher would shout: "Put away those abominable colours at once."* This teacher had a female relative who kept a little shop a few doors down from the school. Adolf and his friends visited her "in a group" one day and asked to see "women's bloomers, corsets" and other under garments which they knew she didn't stock. When the embarrassed lady told them that she did not stock such items, Adolf and his friends left the shop while putting on airs of indignation and "complaining in loud voices."* One of Adolf's friends, "a real scamp," as Hitler called him, used to "blow kisses" at the younger nuns who lived in a convent near the school. One day a senior nun, "an old prude" as Adolf called her, complained to the head of the school, and Adolf, who undoubtedly followed his friends lead, got into more trouble. In the presence of higher authority Adolf "promised to moderate" his ways and admitted years later that "if there hadn't been a few teachers who would intercede for me on occasion, the affair would have ended badly for me."* Good intentions bore little fruit, and as Hitler would later remark: "I couldn't help it."* He was soon involved in other pranks. In addition, both Klara and Paula attended church every Sunday, but after Alois' death, Adolf attended only for weddings and funerals. (In spite of this, on May 22, 1904, he was confirmed at the Linz Cathedral. It was obvious to everyone present that he was against the confirmation

and only went through with it to please his mother. On the ride back to Leonding he was almost rude to his sponsors who went to considerable expense to stand for him. Back at home, a group of Adolf's playmates were waiting for him and he soon dashed off among a chorus of Indian war hoots.*) Naturally, such continued "bad conduct" was not to be tolerated. When it was found that Adolf was the prime organizer behind many of these indiscretions (and also a bad Christian no doubt), his mother was called to the school. Because of his reputation as an organizer and ringleader, Adolf was not allowed back to his school after completing his third year. As Adolf's German and French teacher, Professor Huemer, would later testify: Hitler was certainly gifted, although only for particular subjects, but he lacked self-control and, to say the least, he was considered argumentative, autocratic, self-opinionated and bad-tempered, and unable to submit to school discipline. Nor was he industrious; otherwise he would have achieved much better results, gifted as he was.* Klara was forced to transfer her son to a different school that year. Adolf was enrolled in the state High School in the charming town of Steyr for his final year. Although it was the closest alternative, Adolf's new school was tAlthough it was the closest alternative, Adolf's new school was twenty-five miles away. Klara had him boarded at the home of a local family named Cichini who lived on the Grunmarkt.* This was the first time in Adolf's life that he was truly separated from his mother. At the school in Linz he could come home to be consoled or comforted if he had a problem. At Steyr, he could return only on weekends. In addition, at the age of fifteen when most boys need the companionship of others and have carved out their place among their peers, Adolf had to adjust to a new environment where he was considered a real outsider. He knew no one, was terribly unhappy, and had trouble adjusting.* He also faced a new curriculum and his grades during the first semester plunged. By the second half of the year he learned to fit in and made friends with a few boys. One, a boy named Sturmlechner who had artistic ability, drew him in profile. Adolf also made friends with the boy who shared his room and although years later he could not remember the boys last name he had no trouble remembering that his first name was Gustav. By the end of the school year he was able to bring his grades up. He failed Geometry however, and had to repeat an examination which resulted in a passing grade. (It appears that he was permitted to take the reexamination before returning home to Linz.) In July of 1905, when Adolf was 16, he completed his last year of Mittelschule (equivalent to high school in the US). To Hitler's Report Cards Accordingly, he received his grade completion Certificate, but he did not graduate. In Austria, the completing and promoting of a grade did not entitle one to a diploma. Adolf was required to return later

that year and take a "final examination." After receiving their grade completion certificate, Adolf and a few friends decided to celebrate the occasion, as well as the beginning of the summer holidays.* As he would later tell an acquaintance: "We went out on the sly to a country inn where we drank and had a high old time."* The party continued into the night. Adolf got so drunk he didn't remember anything till the next morning when he was awakened along the road from Steyr to Garsten by a milkmaid.* He made his way to his rooming house and after he took a bath, Mrs. Cichini gave him a cup of coffee and asked if he received his Certificate. For the first time he realized it was missing. "Just what happened I didn't know," he would later remark, "I had to piece things together." He learned that he had torn his Certificate into four pieces and used it for toilet paper while he was drunk. "Heavens," he said to Mrs. Cichini, "I've got to have something to show to my mother!"* Knowing that the passing Certificate would greatly please his mother, he returned to the school and attempted to obtain a duplicate. The principal of the school had been informed of the drinking and toilet paper incident and gave Adolf a sound scolding about his behavior which left him, as he put it: "humiliated."* A duplicate Certificate was apparently not issued until the 16th of September. Adolf was so embarrassed that he swore to Mrs. Cichini that he would never drink again.* It is seldom in this world that a youth will carry through his pledges made at 16 years old, but it was the only time in Adolf Hitler's life he ever got drunk. If there was ever a drink in front of him in the future, it was just for social reasons or to show he was one of the boys, he seldom finished it. It is unknown what Adolf told his mother when he returned home in July. Klara, despite all, was delighted with her son's achievement and saw him as a conquering hero.* To have her only surviving son complete high school was one of the great moments in Klara's life. There was no doubt in her mind that he would prevail in his final examination and go on to a higher education at a technical institute or a realschule for the advanced. A diploma also entitled a pupil to a state grant enabling him to enter an officer cadet training college if he chose.* About the time Adolf returned from Steyr, Klara moved the family to Linz. She had sold the house in Leonding the previous month for 10,000 kronen. The initial purchase price had been 7,700 kronen and with the equity built up over a period of seven years, on a ten year mortgage, only 2520 kronen was owed. After setting aside 1304 kronen for Paula's and Adolf's future, she ended up with over 5500 kronen after taxes.* To have her stepdaughter and confidante Angela living nearby, Klara rented a third floor (4th in US) apartment in a new, attractive building on Humbold Strasse not far from the Danube River. The apartment was small but Adolf got his own little room where he set up his painting equipment.
1st Linz home

The move to Humbold street appealed to the sixteen year old Adolf. The Hitler's new apartment was in a prime residential area of Linz and most of the apartment buildings were three, four and five storied. Some of the buildings had shops on the ground floor and with the addition of sidewalk vendors during the day, the street hummed with activity. A ten or fifteen minute walk in any direction would place one in front of, or in the midst of, any number of technological, artistic or cultural sites. Adolf was finally able to cast off the stigma of being associated with the peasants. With the exception of Braunau as

his birth place, he seldom would acknowledged in the future that he grew up anywhere but in Linz. As in the previous summers, Adolf stayed with his younger cousins on the Spital farm. The days of cowboys and Indians were behind him and he became listless and uncommunicative. He continued to read, draw, paint and, like many teenagers, dabble in poetry. The Schmidt children noticed the change and teased him because he would no longer play with them. They were delighted when Adolf would angrily chase after them. During the summer Adolf developed, as his father had, a lung infection. He lost weight and took on a lanky appearance. Shortly before he was to return home, and then on to Steyr for his final school examination, he suffered a severe lung hemorrhage. He became weak and pale and began coughing blood. The attending doctor, Karl Keiss from the nearby village of Weitra, predicted a slow recovery and thought that Adolf might "never be healthy after this sickness."* According to the Schmidt children, Klara tenderly nursed her son back to health. Every morning she awakened him with a glass of warm milk and made him drink it. The family remained on the farm till Adolf was well enough to travel.* With Adolf back home recuperating under the watchful eye of his doting and anxious mother, he missed his examination and never bothered to obtain his diploma. He knew his poor showing during the last year would probably bring failure and he would have to return for additional studies. That was the last thing he wanted. At sixteen his anti-establishment attitude, that so many teenagers go through, was in high gear. He was caught up in the rebellious youth movement of the turn of the century which rejected many of the social norms. Divorce, at the beginning of the twentieth century--like abortion at the close--was one of the great challenges to state and religious institutions. Adolf got caught up in the fervor of his time and as his health improved he joined a pro-divorce organization to help, as he stated, "spread the truth amongst the public .... [about] men who were models of ignominy, and whose wives, by law, could never separate from them."* He also rejected the idea of settling down to a steady bread and butter job or, the other accepted alternative, pursuing a military career (he would have needed a diploma for that). He began in earnest to believe that he could become an artist through his own ability and that he would never need a high school diploma. He began spending much of his time painting in oils or water colors and filling his sketch book with the drawings that most sixteen year old aspiring artists are noted for. He also copied, with meticulous care, pictures, paintings, or postcards, sometimes making many copies of the same picture till he got it exactly the way he wanted it. His surviving drawings and paintings from this period, including a water color of Postlingberg Castle near Linz, another titled Camel Boy, and a drawing of a cavalier, show that for an untrained boy he had artistic ability. That Fall, a boy named Hagmuller from Leonding began attending the high school in Linz. Since it was too far for the boy to travel home for lunch, his father, a baker who knew Klara, arranged for the boy to have his midday meal at the Hitler's apartment in Linz. Hagmuller would continue to have his noon meal at the Hitlers for almost two years.

Hagmuller was almost four years younger than the sixteen year old Adolf, but despite their age difference they became good friends. "Often when we were at the table," Hagmuller would later remark, "[Adolf] would take a sheet of paper and make a quick sketch of some building, column, archway, window, or whatever occurred to him."* Hagmuller also observed Adolf painting in water colors and oils. There was one still-life he observed which Adolf took "special pains" in doing. Adolf also did a silhouette of Hagmuller sitting in an armchair. Adolf, as did his father, enjoyed singing and Hagmuller would later recall: "I can still see the weakly lad pacing up and down the room singing."* Ironically, although Adolf didn't want to attend any more school he had an insatiable appetite for knowledge on subjects that interested him. He developed into a voracious reader. He spent much of his time reading a great number of books he was able to borrow from the many private libraries in the city. He also joined the city's Museum Society. Around this time he began to take a deep interest in the city's architecture. One building that sparked his interest was Martinskirche which is one of the oldest churches in Austria. Saint Martin's Church was built in the 8th century on foundations constructed by the Romans who recognized the strategic importance of Linz which commanded both the Danube valley and the former salt routes coming down the Traun valley. Adolf's mind was fired with the thought that St. Martins builder was none other than Charlemagne, one of the greatest of European conquerors who attempted to unite Europe by force. Both the French and the Germans claimed Charles the Great as their own. Adolf considered him one of the greatest men in world history. Although most of Adolf's reading tended to be informative or instructive he occasionally read novels.* With the exception of adventure stories which he read for enjoyment, he seldom read popular novels which had not stood the test of time and wisely read classics. "Ever now and then he would choose books which were then in vogue," a friend would later state, "but in order to form a judgment of those who read them rather than of the books themselves."* He spent his time away from home attending the local concerts and, since movies had not yet come into their own, the theater and opera. Opera seats at the local (Landes-) Theater were fairly expensive so Adolf usually purchased tickets that entitled him to a "cheap seat in the top gallery,"* or cheaper still, a standing spot. Continue: Top of Page Footnotes:

Chapter 3 Friends and Loves

Linz Opera House

While at the opera one evening Adolf Hitler met August Kubizek who was to become one of his best friends. Practicing frugality, Kubizek and Hitler often used to arrive early at the Landestheater to get a good standing place. They began competing with one another for one of the two columns which supported the Royal box. The wooden columns offered the luxury of something to lean against during the sometimes lengthy performances.* In time they recognized one another and became acquainted. Kubizek was nine months older than Hitler and was a mild-mannered and sensitive youth with a look of intelligence. He was the son of a small businessman and lived above his father's upholstery shop in the family quarters on Klamm Strasse, not far from where Adolf Hitler lived. He was determined to be a renowned musician. At the time he could already play the piano, violin, trumpet and trombone and was studying music theory. He also played the viola for the local Music Society and the Symphony Orchestra. When he wasn't pursuing his dream he worked in his father's shop refinishing furniture. Kubizek noted that "Adolf," because of his recent sickness, was a pale and skinny youth. But what captured his main attention was Adolf's glistening eyes and curious hairdo which was combed straight down over his forehead. Kubizek found that Adolf, like rebellious teenagers in every generation, wore his curious hairdo because no one else did. Kubizek, an only child, was one of those protected teenagers who have an adoration of the rebellious and "admiration" was his strongest point in cultivating a friendship. As Kubizek would write: "It was this very fact, that he was out of the ordinary, that attracted me even more."* As their friendship matured, Adolf never addressed Kubizek by August but called him Gustl or Gustav, which had been the name of Adolf's oldest deceased brother. Kubizek in reality played the part of an idolizing younger brother. Adolf was extremely independent and it often happened that they did not meet for days even when they were on the best of terms.* Although "Gustl" found Adolf high-strung, he also found him reserved. Adolf was formal and aloof in his dealings with others and was insistent on "good manners and correct behavior."* Unusual for a teenager, Adolf seldom became overly friendly and there were few teenagers his age that he liked. He had nothing but disdain for young people who wasted their time in shallow talk and mundane pursuits. He considered most teenagers superficial for he was, as Kubizek said, much more mature than most people of his age. "Walking was the only exercise that really appealed to Adolf,"* Kubizek later wrote, and he and Adolf

often took long walks around the town or hiked into the nearby woods. They had their favorite trails and their favorite swimming hole. On these excursions, a "strong walking stick was the only requisite," and Adolf, "in his everyday clothes would wear a coloured shirt and ... tie, a silk cord with two tassels hanging down."* Kubizek was particularly amazed by Adolf's refined speech which made him very persuasive, even with grown-ups. Kubizek was always astonished at how, when they were alone, Adolf could rant on about a particular subject and get himself worked up; yet, when dealing with others he kept calm and had an air of reasonableness. He was normally polite to people, was not vain, and could be very sensitive if he felt someone was unhappy or sick. Kubizek also wrote that Adolf helped him through difficult times and always have time for people he liked.* He was well-liked and respected by almost everyone he met.* Kubizek was also awed by the seriousness and wide range of knowledge Adolf showed for one as young as he was. While most teenage boys interests are mainly confined to sports, comradeship and embellished stories or beliefs concerning the opposite sex, Adolf's interests were boundless. He was interested in agriculture, city planning, mythology, history, politics, and world events, including air travel. The Wright bothers had flown their heavier-than-air plane at Kitty Hawk a few years before and Adolf was very impressed. He was passionately interested in everything he saw and experienced, Kubizek noted, and wasn't indifferent about anything.* Kubizek would come to write a book about his experiences with the young Adolf. If the portents in retrospect and the occasional melodramatic moments are overlooked, he describes Adolf as a fairly normal teenager with an inquiring mind. Since many historians like to portray the young Adolf as unbalanced, ignorant, lazy, and stupid, a few have attempted to discredit Kubizek anytime he portrays the young Hitler in a decent light. Paula Hitler, however (who was about the only acquaintance who never tried to capitalize on her brother's name), stated that as a teenager Adolf had opinions about everything and constantly read. She also stated that he often used to give persuasive lectures on themes concerning history and politics to her and her mother.* (Paula, equal to her mother, was a quiet, docile and honest woman. She took a back seat to her brother when still a child and remained there all her life. She kept house for him during the "good" years and later learned applied art and led an obscure life in Vienna. She never married and spent the last years of her life living in the area of Berchtesgaden--her brother's last home. She died on June 1, 1960* almost unnoticed or unmourned.) As Kubizek further described Adolf: "There was an incredible earnestness in him, a thoroughness, a. true passionate interest in everything that happened and, most important, an unfailing devotion to the beauty, majesty and grandeur of art."* Because of their common knowledge in theater, painting, architecture, writing, poetry, and especially music and opera, they became fairly close friends and Adolf confided in Kubizek. Adolf told Kubizek his dream of becoming a painter; "my beautiful dream of the future," as he referred to it. When Kubizek saw Adolf's room for the first time, it reminded him of an "architect's office." Although Adolf painted landscapes and other subjects, most of his works tended to be architectural structures. One

of Adolf's hobbies was drawing or painting the finer buildings of Linz and making changes in their design. His favorite buildings were of the Italian Renaissance style and his favorite building was the Landesmuseum which he considered "one of the peak achievements in German architecture."* The richly ornamented gate and the hundred meter long sculptured panel above the main floor never ceased to impress him. Kubizek and Adolf would take long walks around the city and Adolf would often stop to look over one building or another. "There he stood," Kubizek would later write, "this pallid, skinny youth, with the first dark brown showing on his upper lip, in his shabby pepper-and-salt suit, threadbare at the elbows and collar, with his eyes glued to some architectural detail, analyzing the style, criticizing or praising the work, disapproving of the material--all this with such thoughtfulness and such expert knowledge as though he were the builder and would have to pay for every shortcoming out of his own pocket."* According to Kubizek, some art lovers in Linz founded a society to promote the construction of a new theater. Adolf joined the society and "took part in a competition for ideas."* He also made detailed drawings of the city's layout, showing how it could be improved and beautified. Adolf, Kubizek wrote, "could never walk the streets without being provoked by what he saw."* On more than one occasion he noted that this or that building "shouldn't be here"* because it distracted from a view or did not "fit into its surroundings."* Kubizek would later write that Adolf's ideas were not "sheer fantasy, but a welldisciplined, almost systematic process."* Adolf always had a secluded spot outside of town where he could be alone. One spot was a bench along a winding trail (Turmleitenweg), and another, when he really wanted to be alone, was a large, overhanging rock perched high above the Danube near by. Here he could think and cultivate his plans and ideas, including one, way ahead of its time, to turn Wildberg Castle (north of Linz) into an "open-air museum."* This "island where the centuries had stood still," (Adolf's very words according to Kubizek)* was to have a permanent population of men, women and children in medieval costumes demonstrating their crafts and trades. Adolf thought the castle would serve as a place of study for all those who wanted to learn about life as it was lived in the Middle Ages. And, it could pay for itself by charging admission to tourists. Adolf also nurtured ideas of becoming a poet, writer or playwright.** Kubizek was enormously impressed by some of Adolf's poems. There was one, a sonnet, that Adolf attempted to extend into a play. That Adolf "devoted himself to writing, poetry, drawing, painting and to going to the theater," had Kubizek's complete admiration.* Another thing that impressed Kubizek was Adolf's complete selfassurance that one day he would become famous. In time they came to dream about their success and how they would either build their own villa or renovate a large flat where struggling "lofty minded" artists with talent could come and find shelter. Adolf made numerous sketches of the proposed villa. On the other hand, if they opted for the flat, they proposed to rent the entire second floor of a huge building adjoining the Nibelungen Bridge which crossed the Danube between Linz and the suburb of Urfahr.* They bought a lottery ticket and dreamed about how they would spend it furnishing their new abode if they won. Their plan was to find a refined and distinguished older woman to serve as host, and two other "females" to serve as cook and

housemaid.* The women were to be of impeccable character since, at this point of their lives, they had high ideals concerning women. As was usual for most sixteen and seventeen year olds of their day, both Adolf and Kubizek kept their distance from young women. "Flirtations" were out of the question and even a conversation with a young girl, outside the necessary everyday dealings, was rare. To further complicate their situation, Kubizek noted that Adolf, like himself, was very shy around young women and although interested, found it difficult to communicate with them. They were caught between that unrelenting biological urge to reproduce and the fear of the unknown. Rather then admit their fears they consoled themselves, as Kubizek noted, in waiting for that, "sacred love which is awakened between man and woman who have kept themselves pure in body and soul and are worthy of a union which would produce healthy children."* Kubizek also noted that Adolf was a night person. If he wanted to think or something was bothering him, he would take lengthy night walks to the outskirts of the city and now and then climb the nearby hills on the west side of town. If he wasn't thinking he would paint or read late into the night. He seldom rose early except when absolutely necessary. Adolf was aware that early risers see themselves as superior to late risers, but he never tried to hide his sleeping habits. (Since he was known to be aware of Mark Twain's writings, it's possible that he knew about Twain's comment that he never went to bed as long as he had someone to talk to, and he never got up early unless it was "damn important.") Kubizek noted that anytime Adolf was up early in the morning, something had to be "very special." If Adolf slept too late, however, Klara would send the younger Paula to wake him with the words, "go and give him a kiss."* Adolf, who hated to be kissed or hugged, would jump out of bed the moment his sister got near him. As their friendship continued, Kubizek would find that Adolf would sometimes become impatient or angry when someone disagreed with him. Kubizek took great care not to clash with Adolf and always yielded except on musical matters. Nonetheless, their relationship was an on-and-off thing, sometimes lasting for weeks. As Kubizek would acknowledge "sometimes we had such furious rows that I believed it was the end of everything [but], we would enthusiastically renew our friendship after a concert performance in which I [and he] had taken part."* Around this time the Hitler family began seeing a new doctor named Eduard Bloch. He described Adolf as a "well mannered," "neat," "obedient boy" who would "bow...courteously" whenever they met. He found Adolf to be "neither robust nor sickly" but "'frail looking"' with "large, melancholy and thoughtful" eyes. He, like Kubizek, also described Adolf as a "quiet," and a "well-bred boy of fourteen or fifteen" who was "old for his age."* Two-and-a-half months before Adolf turned seventeen his grandmother died on Feb, 8, 1906. Klara's mother had been loved by the whole family which went into deep mourning. For the fourth time in six winters Adolf saw another close family member laid to rest. With a school year lost and spring approaching, Adolf began making plans for his future. Klara still had

hopes that her son would take his final test to obtain his diploma and enter a local technical school and become a civil servant like his father. Adolf, on the other hand, pleaded that sitting in an office wasn't for him. He saw artists as a better class of society and his dream was to become a great artist, possibly like one of his three favorites, Rubens, or the moderns: Hans Makart or Anselm Feuerback. He decided that he wanted to attend the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna (known then as the Vienna School of Fine Arts) that autumn. A diploma was not necessary for admittance to the academy and he undoubtedly pointed out the good marks he had received in art during his last year of school. Although not opposed to his studying art, Klara was strongly opposed to his relocating in Vienna. She had been terribly shaken by his recent sickness and his frail appearance worried her. He was her only surviving son and she wanted him by her side. Vienna was a hundred miles away. For Adolf's seventeenth birthday, Klara gave in to her son's insistence. She gave him enough money for a vacation in Vienna where he could gather information on the Academy. She did so, however, with the hope that he would get the idea out of his system and give up his idea of leaving home. Shortly after his birthday, he arrived in Vienna where, after the blandness of Linz, he was immediately enchanted by the large metropolis. Klara had misjudged her son. To The Vienna Trip Adolf spent his days sight-seeing and sketching many of Vienna's wonders. He spent most of his evenings visiting the music halls, theaters, and especially the opera which overwhelmed him when compared to the caliber of Linz's. Just walking the stairs of the Burg Theater or the State Opera House was enough to make any youth feel he was part of a world of power and grandeur. As he would later recall: "Never shall I forget the gracious spectacle of the Vienna Opera, the women sparkling with diadems and fine clothes."* Adolf sent postcards to his family and friends* including Hagmuller,* Kubizek* and Dr. Bloch,* voicing his enthusiasm. He returned home more convinced than ever that he wanted to return to Vienna by late September when admission tests to the academy began. Although the family finances were adequate, Klara did everything to dissuade him. The love that mother and son had for each other was obvious to everyone, but the thought of being separated from her son was unbearable to Klara. She was intent that he should choose a profession which would keep him at home. During the family's summer vacation on the farm that Summer, Adolf was hammered with alternative proposals for pursuing a more sensible career. He became alienated and kept to himself. He whiled away the hours by drawing in his sketch book, painting, reading or taking long solitary walks. When the family returned home he was further barraged with suggestions by Angela's husband, Leo. Klara even had her baker friend and his wife attempt to secure Adolf a position as a baker's apprentice which he refused. When a neighbor, no doubt at Klara's urging, suggested a position with the postal service, Adolf

answered that he intended to become an artist. Undaunted, Klara continued searching for an excuse to keep her son at home. Kubizek had been taking piano lessons from an expensive Polish teacher named Josef Prewatzki. Around the end of September when Adolf wanted to leave for Vienna, Klara suggested that he join Kubizek. Klara knew her son occasionally thought about becoming a poet or writer. With his love for music and the opera she attempted to convince him to study music so he could go on to become a composer or possibly write operas. Klara's persistence finally paid off. Adolf relented. The relieved Klara brought him a piano made by Heitzmann-Flugel, whose pianos were among the best in the world.* Adolf began piano lessons on October 2, 1906. As with any subject he enjoyed, or found interest in, he threw himself into it. He never missed a class and paid by the month. According to the teacher, he was a little timid and was bored easily by finger exercises but he had a good ear for music, practiced his scales conscientiously and progressed steadily. His sister Paula remembered that he would sit at the large piano at home for hours practicing.* With the examinations to the art academy over for another year, life in the Hitler household settled down. Shortly after, the seventeen year old Adolf developed his first and only teenage crush.* To Hitler's First Love In the Winter of 1906, Adolf and Kubizek attended an opera of Wagner's Rienzi. The story is set in fourteenth century Rome and tells the story of a man of the people, trying to free them from the oppression of the upper classes. The privileged make an attempt to kill Rienzi but are overpowered and after violating their oath of submission are exterminated. Rienzi rises to the position of dictator and in one scene the trumpets blare and the people shout: "Heil, Rienzi. Heil the tribune of the people." Adolf was completely enthralled by the music and by the character of the rebel Rienzi who had been goaded to political action after witnessing the death of his younger brother. Rienzi in the end, however, is stoned and burned to death by those who never really wanted the freedom he offered. The long opera was not over until after midnight and Adolf, quite out of context, showed a side of his personality that Kubizek had never seen. After the performance Adolf talked for over an hour about politics. Like many young thinkers of the lower middle class he was beginning to develop a hard attitude against the upper echelon--"the social order which made everything dependent on whether or not you had money," as he put it.* Because of those persons of quality he was first exposed to in high school, he appears to "have acquired a tenacious 'class consciousness.'"* His turn of mind was no doubt compounded by the fact that Stefanie and "her society," as he put it, were out of his reach. Undoubtedly influenced by the writers of the time, the seventeen year old Adolf also began to believe strongly in destiny. The fact that two of his brothers died before he was born, and another was born and died after him, caused him to wonder why he was spared. He confided to Kubizek that he believed in fate and that even he could be called upon someday by the people "to lead them out of servitude to heights of

freedom."* (This at first appears to be one of Kubizek's exaggerations or recollections borrowed from others (including Mein Kampf), however, Adolf Hitler would tell more than one person that the "beginning" of his success began the first time he saw the opera Rienzi. It would be hard to deny that the first time he saw the opera was with Kubizek.) Years later Hitler would comment to another friend on the story of Rienzi: "Listening to this blessed music as a young man in the theater at Linz, I had the vision that I too must someday succeed in uniting the German Empire and making it great once more."* He believed that he was destined for a "special mission."* In January of 1907 Klara fell ill and doctor Bloch summoned Adolf and Angela for a conference on the situation. They learned that Klara had breast cancer and her only chance for survival was a serious operation. Dr. Bloch was touched by Adolf's tears and concern and recognized the strong "attachment that existed between mother and son."* Klara entered the hospital in mid January and on Jan 18, 1907, during an operation performed by a surgeon named Karl Urban, one of her breasts was removed. She had little concern about herself but was most concerned about her children if she should die. She did not hide from Dr. Bloch that her gravest concern was for her son. "Adolf is still so young," she said repeatedly to him.* While she lavished her son with almost everything he wanted, she herself spent the next two and a half weeks recuperating in a third class ward of the hospital even though she could have afforded better. Adolf visited her every day. When Adolf's recuperating mother returned home he, possibly afraid of disturbing her or unable to concentrate, discontinued his piano practice and lessons. He resumed his painting and drawing. Both Kubizek and Dr. Bloch (who called and at times administered Klara morphine to relieve her pain) speak of Adolf's attentiveness to his mother and the fear in his eyes on bad days. Dr. Bloch stated that this was not a pathological relationship, only deep affection between a mother who adored her son and a son who adored his mother.* As the months passed Klara appeared to have recovered.
2nd Linz home at Urfahr

In May the family moved to a new, two storied apartment building on Bluten Strasse in the Urfahr district. Here Klara could venture out for walks or do her shopping without climbing as many stairs. She now apparently had a change of heart about Adolf's desire to become an artist.* When Klara's sisters and especially Angela's husband suggested to her that Adolf should give up his artistic desires and get a job, she now replied: "He is different from us."* Late that summer she withdrew Adolf's patrimony, now over 700 kronen, and gave it to him along with her blessings to pursue his dream of becoming a painter. If Adolf was frugal, the money he received was enough for tuition and living expenses in Vienna for over a year. In Sept. of 1907 his plans were made to leave for the academy's admission test. Shortly before his departure Klara's health took a turn for the worse, but examinations for entrance to the academy were scheduled for Oct. lst and 2nd and he would have to wait another year if he didn't go then. When Kubizek

came to see Adolf off, there were tears all around as Klara, Paula and Adolf bid farewell. They were aware that once accepted, he would begin classes in a week and he might not return till the holidays. When he arrived in Vienna, he rented a single room on Stumper Gasse (Stumper Lane) which was only a few blocks southwest from the railroad station (Westbahnhof) that served all trains going west. If word arrived that his mother's health had taken a turn for the worse, he could catch a train and, for a little over seven Kronen, be back in less than three and a half hours.* To Artist Admissions Test Along with 51 other candidates, Adolf was refused admittance to the art Academy. He was crushed. All his dreams were dashed. The fact that out of 113 original candidates only 28 were admitted* did not console him. For over a week he roamed the streets of Vienna not knowing what to do. He then received word that his mother had taken another turn for the worse. Adolf returned home immediately to be by his mother's side. On October 22nd. he consulted with Dr. Bloch* and found that Klara was in very serious condition. The operation had occurred too late and the disease was spreading rapidly. An experimental treatment was attempted which only added to her suffering. Within a short time she needed constant attention. Her bed was moved to the kitchen/living room area which was the warmest room in the house. Although Adolf admitted to others that he had failed to gain admittance to the academy,* he didn't burden his mother with his rejection and assured her that he was accepted and would become an artist someday. Klara spent the next two months in constant pain which she bore well believing "that her fate was God's will."* However, the ever present Adolf according to neighbors, Kubizek, and Dr. Bloch, anguished over her suffering. Although Klara's sister Johanna also helped care for Klara, Adolf took over as man of the house. He was in constant attendance to his mother and did whatever possible to make her comfortable. Dressed in his old clothes, he scrubbed floors, helped with the washing, and cooked her favorite meals which she greatly appreciated. He took charge of his eleven year old sister, Paula, and even tutored her. In late November, Klara had a serious relapse. Adolf slept on the couch near her bed and did what he could to comfort her. He read aloud to her the sentimental novels she loved even though he hated them. He drew her picture and on some days held her hand for hours on end. As Paula would state years later: "...my brother Adolf spoiled my mother during this last time of her life with overflowing tenderness. He was indefatigable in his care for her, wanted to comply with any desire she could possibly have and did all to demonstrate his great love for her."* When Kubizek or Dr. Bloch visited they found the normally high strung and proud Adolf quiet, gentle and apprehensive. If Klara showed any signs of improvement, Dr. Bloch noted, Adolf's eyes would light up and he would take an optimistic view.* With the holidays approaching a ChristmWhen Kubizek or Dr. Bloch visited they found the normally high strung and proud Adolf quiet, gentle and apprehensive. If Klara showed any signs of improvement, Dr. Bloch noted, Adolf's eyes would light up and he would take

an optimistic view.* With the holidays approaching a Christmas tree was placed in the living room in hopes of lifting her spirits. On Dec 20th. Dr. Bloch made two house calls and saw that the end was near. Kubizek also visited and saw her lying, weak and barely able to speak. Her thoughts, however, were of her son. When the distraught Adolf left the room momentarily she managed to whisper to Kubizek: "Go on being a good friend to my son when I'm no longer here."* At 2a.m. the following morning, with Adolf at her bedside, Klara, age 47, died in the glow of the lighted Christmas tree. Adolf was crushed. Dr. Bloch stated: "In all my career I have never seen anyone so prostrate with grief as Adolf Hitler."* Two days later, on Christmas Eve, Adolf followed the hearse which drove to Leonding three miles away. The funeral Mass was held in the small church across the road from where they used to live and Klara was laid to rest beside her husband.
Graves of Hitler's mother & father as they rest today.

After everyone else had left, Adolf remained behind at her grave site as though unable to tear himself away.* Adolf would remember the lighted Christmas tree in the house and the memory was so bitter for him that he could never again enjoy Christmas. He hated when it snowed, and was always in an emotional state around the holidays. For the rest of his life he would usually spend Christmas Eve alone.* Almost twenty years later he would write in Mein Kampf: "My father I respected, my mother I loved."* He himself wrote the announcement of the passing away of his "deeply, loved, never-to-be-forgotten mother."* For the rest of his life he would always have a picture of his mother on his person or nearby, and whenever the occasion arose would proudly and lovingly show it. Dr. Bloch, who was Jewish, would later emigrate to the safety of the United States but still refused to repudiate his statements, including the one that described the young Hitler as "a fine and exemplary son who bore such a deep love and concern for his dear mother which one finds on this globe only in extremely exceptional cases."* Kubizek, also, in an unsuccessful attempt to quell the psychologists, newsmen, historians in residence and other persons of quality, who never ceased to degrade the young Adolf as an uncaring son, would later write: "Adolf really loved his mother. I swear to it before God and man." As Klara's oldest child, Adolf, under the guidance of his legal guardian, the Mayor of Leonding, Josef Mayrhofer, took care of all of his mother's personal unfinished business and paid all her debts with the estate left behind. Surviving documents show that the doctor bill outstanding was 300 kronen while the funeral and coffin, cost 370 kronen--an extremely large sum for a lower middle class family to pay. Adolf also gave a part of his inheritance to his stepsister since she and her husband agreed to take on the responsibility of raising the eleven year old Paula.* He thanked neighbors for their help and even gave one of his best paintings to a couple who had showed particular loyalty during his mothers sickness. His legal guardian, Mayrhofer, found the young Hitler's actions "laudable."

Since their father had been a State official, the "orphans" Paula and Adolf were now eligible for 600 Kronen annually between them. Their guardian split the pension down the center. The eighteen year old Adolf Hitler was to receive 300 kronen a year in monthly payments until he was twenty-four years old or until he became self-supporting. Hitler, now armed with a letter of recommendation from his influential landlord (which described Hitler as a "nice, steadygoing .... serious and ambitious young man ... mature and sensible beyond his years,"*) decided to return to Vienna. If fortune did not smile on him, he could retake the examination test to the Art Academy later that year. As "my father had accomplished fifty years before," he would later write, "I too, wanted to become 'something.'"* Kubizek also wanted to leave Linz and enter the Academy of Music in Vienna but his father was against him leaving at the time. Hitler made a trip to Kubizek's house and persuaded the old man to let him go. Kubizek would follow him shortly. With what was left from his inheritance, Hitler left for Vienna in mid February 1908, in search of a "special mission." Continue: Top of Page Footnotes:

THE YOUNG MAN Part II This Part ("pages" 4, 5, 6 & 7) follows the 18 year old Hitler through his days in Vienna, Austria and then, a month after his 24th birthday, on to Munich, Germany where he continued as a fairly successful artist. The narrative traces, without the normal after-the-fact intuitiveness, his development as a young man and his state of mind when, at age twenty-five, he joined the German Army during the first days of W.W.I. This Part (pages 4-7), with all supplementary links, is equivalent to about 105 book pages. The narrative follows a chronological order (1908-1914) and is best read in sequence. Access to footnotes (designated by an *) can be found at the and bottom of each page. Two ** indicate additional information.

Teenage Dreams Chaper 4 On a cold foggy evening in late February 1908, August Kubizek arrived in Vienna. As he stood amidst the confusion of the railroad station (Westbahnhof), he saw his friend approaching through the crowd. Hitler was wearing his dark, good quality overcoat and broad-brimmed hat. Already at ease in his new environment, he wore kid gloves and carried a walking stick with an ivory handle. The slim Adolf, Kubizek thought, "appeared almost elegant."* After a warm greeting, they kissed on the cheek in the Austrian manner, they made their way to Hitler's apartment. After a short walk Hitler stopped in front of an imposing and distinguished building on Stumper Gasse.
Hitler's 1st Vienna Apartment

With Kubizek on his heels, Hitler entered the arched entrance off to one side, passed through the more elaborate section of the building, crossed a small courtyard and entered the humbler rear section of the building. They went up the polished stone staircase to the "second floor" (3rd in America) and entered a small room. This was the same building Hitler had stayed during his attempt to enter the Art Academy a few months before. The monthly rent was ten kronen and although respectable, it was a no frills establishment in a lower middle class neighborhood. Hitler's monthly pension of 25 kronen only covered the cost of a meager diet, so he had to be frugal with what was left of his inheritance. Like most tenement houses it was infested with bugs and the whole floor, six small apartments, had only one lavatory. After Hitler cleared away the numerous sketches that lay around his room, he and Kubizek had something to eat. Although Hitler was still suffering and bitter over his mother's death, he insisted on taking Kubizek on a tour of the city. They made their way to the Ringstrasse, the great boulevard (where once stood the city battlements) which circles the inner city. Hitler's blue eyes blazed excitedly as he pointed out many of the cities historical landmarks. Just off the Ring was the Art Academy which he still hoped to enter, and not far away was the Music Conservatory which Kubizek hoped to attend. Like any young man who grows and matures in a small town, Kubizek, like Hitler was overwhelmed by the vast and thriving city. Kubizek particularly wanted to see the immense soaring spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral but it was shrouded in the fog. In one of his letters, Hitler had offered Kubizek the advantage of staying with him for awhile. Hitler, however, was still the independent type and knowing that he and Kubizek had their differences, he had added: "Later we shall see."* Hitler's small room was not large enough to hold a piano that Kubizek would need to practice on so they spent the next morning looking for a room for Kubizek. It proved difficult.

Vienna was the most overcrowded capital city in Europe. Almost half the population lived in one or two rooms, and in the working districts 4 to 5 persons shared these "flats."* The few rooms they found available were either sleazy, did not allow piano playing, or were too small to hold a grand piano. After a fruitless search in the immediate vicinity, they finally came to a house with a sign: "Room to Let." They were admitted into the house by a maid and introduced to an elegant looking middle aged woman wearing a silk dressing gown, fur-lined slippers and little else. As she showed them around the house, including the available bedroom, she appeared to take a shine to Hitler. She suggested that Hitler rent the available room and turn his room on Stumper Gasse over to Kubizek. At that moment the belt of her dressing gown became loose and her gown opened momentarily. "Oh, excuse me, gentlemen," she calmly said as she redid the belt.* Too fainthearted and too unworldly to take advantage of such an opportune moment, Hitler and Kubizek beat a hasty retreat. They returned to their apartment and Hitler persuaded the landlady to give up her larger room next door for theirs. By the end of the day they had settled into the larger room, #17, for an additional 10 kronen a month. Because of the housing shortage, the normal rent for a one or two room flat ran from twenty-two to twenty-eight kronen per month in the laboring districts. Their room was a real bargain. Kubizek was again amazed by Hitler's gift of persuasion. Within a few days of his arrival, Kubizek took his test and was admitted to the Music Conservatory. Kubizek's easy accomplishment magnified Hitler's failure to enter the Art Academy, and he appeared envious for a time. While Kubizek began attending morning classes, Hitler spent his time in one pursuit after another. Some days Hitler relentlessly worked on his drawings, on another day, he would sit for hours reading on architecture, another, working tirelessly on an idea he had for a short story, the next, practicing on the piano Kubizek had rented.* Kubizek would state that Hitler was never idle, but always "filled with a tireless urge to be active."* Interestingly, Hitler never made use of the letter of recommendation he had received which introduced him to one of Vienna's best known stage designers, Alfred Roller. Years later he would comment: "One got absolutely nothing in Austria without letters of introduction. When I arrived in Vienna, I had one to Roller, but I didn't use it. If I'd presented myself to him with this introduction, he'd have engaged me at once. No doubt it's better that things went otherwise. It's not a bad thing for me that I had to have a rough time of it."* Having to live on a minimum budget, they spent their leisure time visiting the Vienna Woods, taking boat trips on the Danube and even once took a train trip to the Alps and climbed a mountain. They also visited the numerous coffee houses in the area. "The Viennese cuisine was delightful;" Hitler would later recall, "at breakfast nothing was eaten, at mid day ... [people] lunched off a cup of coffee and two croissants, and the coffee in the little coffee-shops was as good as that in the famous restaurants. For lunch, even in the fashionable places, only soup, a main dish and dessert were served--there was never an entree."* One

of Hitler's favorite coffee-shops (which served a particular nut-cake he enjoyed) was a favorite of Jewish college students.* To an inquiring mind, Vienna offered much for no cost. Hitler and Kubizek spent much of their free time touring the city. They strolled the avenues and visited the countless museums, churches, historical sites, parks and plazas. Hitler was particularly fond of the Schwarzenberg Platz, especially at night when the fanciful illuminated fountains produced incredible lighting effects. Most of Hitler's praises, however, were bestowed upon Vienna's huge and ornate buildings. He was very impressed by Schonbrunn Castle, the elegant 1200 room, royal summer residence of the Hapsburgs which had once been home to Napoleon himself. After viewing such luxury, Hitler often grumbled about the sparse room they had to return to. On Sundays, Hitler enjoyed listening to musical groups or soloists performing at the city chapel. He was particularly found of the Vienna Boys Choir.* There were also the countless parades, pageantry and social events which accompanied the Hapsburg dynasty. These events were normally stern, formal and dignified affairs that showed off the ruling dynasty as lofty and untouchable. In an age and in an empire that also believed in armed might, military holidays were celebrated with all the trappings of a society prepared for war.* Two or three evenings each week they went to a theater, opera, or concert because as a student, Kubizek could often get free tickets. At concerts, Hitler was very fond of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. He enjoyed some of the music of the masters, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, and also the Romanticists, Weber, Schubert, Mendelssohn and especially Bruckner who had been an organist at the old Linz Cathedral for twelve years. Like most Viennese, Hitler also enjoyed the music of Johann Strauss and the Hungarian Liszt. On one of their visits to a concert, Hitler and Kubizek struck up a conversation with a well-dressed, prosperous-looking man who invited them to a local hotel for something to eat. The man paid for everything and after a conversation in which he praised chamber music and demeaned women as gold diggers, he handed them a calling card as they departed. To Kubizek's surprise Hitler stated in a "matterof-fact manner," that the man was a "homosexual." Hitler believed that homosexuality was an "abnormal practice [and] he wished to see it fought against relentlessly." They burned the calling card.* When attending the theater Hitler preferred the more serious works, and Vienna's theaters offered masterpieces by some of Europe's best playwrights. Vienna was also a famed joyful and carefree city, and its less dignified theaters offered worldly, lighthearted and often risqu performances. Although Hitler never admitted to attending anything too risqu, he enjoyed Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow and often whistled Lehar's happy tunes. At the theater one evening a group of young men were causing a disturbance. Hitler and Kubizek attempted to silence them. The leader of the group refused to keep his mouth shut and Hitler punched him in the side. When Hitler and Kubizek left the theater they found that the noisemaker had summoned a policeman who attempted to arrest Hitler. Hitler explained the situation and persuaded the policeman to

let him go. Hitler then caught up with the troublemaker and gave him, to quote Kubizek, "a sound box on the ears."* Just as in Linz, the opera was still Hitler's first choice in entertainment, but opera seats in Vienna were extremely expensive. Although Hitler preferred a seat in the upper balcony, to save money, he and Kubizek usually took the cheapest standing room. Like most people who go to movies today, Hitler did not care for foreign works. He was only interested in German customs, German feeling, and German thought. Except for Verdi's opera, Aida--the love story of an Ethiopian slave girl and an Egyptian warrior-he didn't care for most Italian operas because of the many plots involving "daggers." He also wasn't particularly fond of French operas and considered Gounod's Faust (there are two rapes within the opera) vulgar. Not even the Russian Tchaikovsky met with his approval. On the other hand he appreciated many of the works of the Germans Beethoven and Weber and was especially delighted with Mozart's antiestablishment comedy of infidelity, Figaro. His favorite works were by the highly acclaimed Richard Wagner who wrote about figures of medieval history, saga, and myth--similar to the "supper hero" movies of today. Most of Wagner's heroes were purely human and were torn between desire and morality--Wagner believed in the first. During Hitler's years in Vienna, 15 different productions of Wagner's operas were performed in over 420 performances at the State Opera House alone. Hitler attended every new offering and saw some of the performances over and over again. "I was so poor, during the Viennese period of my life," Hitler would later recall, "that I had to restrict myself to seeing only the finest spectacles. Thus I heard [Wagner's] Tristan thirty or forty times, and always from the best companies."* Every young man has his idol and Wagner was Hitler's. "For me, Wagner is something Godly and his music is my religion.," Hitler would later tell an American reporter. Kubizek also noted Hitler's devotion to Wagner, and would later write: "Listening to Wagner meant to him not a simple visit to the opera, but the opportunity of being transported into an extraordinary state .... the blissful regions of Germanic antiquity."* When talking to friends or other opera buffs, Hitler and Kubizek always "acclaimed the work of the Master...with fervent enthusiasm."* Wagner not only wrote the music but the librettos (words) for his operas. He refused allegiance to any set forms. Besides composing, writing and producing his operas he occasionally took on the role of stage manager, director, and conductor. He referred to his mission as the "art work of the future," and to his operas as "music dramas." Wagner saw the orchestra as just adding to the action on the stage (much like background music in movies today), but he ruffled the egos of many persons of quality by concealing the conductor and orchestra so they would not distract from the performance. Many of the themes of Wagner's music dramas were grounded on lofty German myths and legends which revealed human emotions that influence nearly all issues and relations. Like Wagner, Hitler was enthralled by the past and believed that great significance lay in German mythology. One of Hitler's

favorites was Lohengrin. He could amaze opera buffs by reciting the entire libretto by heart. While living with Kubizek, he saw Lohengrin ten times. Lohengrin's pomp, pageantry, and dramatic interest is compelling. It is considered by many to be the finest of all romantic grand operas. The plot is set in the tenth century and involves a beautiful blonde maiden who is falsely accused of murder. To her rescue comes the gallant Lohengrin, the "Knight of the Swan," who will champion the accused and later marry her. The love duet is exquisite ("one of the sweetest and tenderest passages of which the Lyric stage can boast")* and there is also the haunting Bridal Chorus. Besides the compelling music and German nationalism, Hitler no doubt associated with the silver-armored hero with his pure soul and wondrous flashing eyes. In the end, Lohengrin, called Fuhrer (leader) by his followers, is forced to reveal that he is a "Knight of the Holy Grail" and must give up love for a higher calling. Another of Hitler's favorites was Die Meistersingers which is told in terms of a simple love story. The plot involves a young songwriter who comes up against traditional rules and methods. In the end he overcomes the rank prejudices of The Master Singers and while preserving what is best in art tradition, succeeds and wins the heroin for his bride. As with Lohengrin, Hitler knew the Meistersingers by heart.* If an indication of the ideals and beliefs of a young man can be judged on the entertainment he enjoys, the young Hitler appears very normal for his time. Aida, and Figaro, are two of the most popular operas ever performed in their time.* The Meistersingers and Lohengrin have, almost since their conceptions been German favorites. Hitler's enjoying The Mastersingers is comparable to young people in every generation enjoying stories whose plots rebel against tradition and the old folks. The story was written by Wagner to scorn the establishment that once rejected him. The love story, however, is the backbone of the action and everything else is centered around it. The same thing can be said for Lohengrin and especially Tristan which is about love and (did they love the night) little else. That Hitler repeatedly enjoyed these operas places him in the majority of young men of his day who had high ideals concerning love and women. On the other hand, he could still laugh about the inconsistencies of love found in an opera like Figaro. But, the young Hitler was not the old Faust and could not understand a man giving up everything for youth and desire. During their trips to the opera, concert or theater, Kubizek noticed that women would flirt with Hitler despite his usually modest clothing and reserved manner. On one occasion, a young lady handed Hitler a note informing him where she would be stopping after the performance. Although acknowledging that Hitler was not a handsome man in the standard sense, Kubizek believed that women were attracted to him because of his aloof but distinguished manners, or brilliant eyes, or some mysterious quality that can't be described.* Because he was shy, Hitler never responded to these opportunities in Kubizek's presence, but not for a lack of interest in women. Like many eighteen year olds, Hitler had his favorite actress, Lucie Weidt, who reminded him of Stefanie and "roused his enthusiasm in the part of Elsa in Lohengrin."* Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, noted during this period that people seldom, if ever discussed their sex drive. Hitler never talked about his desires or his sex life. When discussing the subject in an impersonal way, Hitler, according to Kubizek, found the loose morals in Vienna shocking. His

belief was influenced by the terribly high rate of syphilis that existed in Europe at that time, and the incurable and horrible consequences of contracting it. A cure would not be readily available for a few years and complications of the heart, blood vessels, bones, skin, and finally paralysis and insanity were common. Hitler, like many others of his time had a fear of catching the disease* and would later condemn the government for its "complete capitulation" when an all out "fight" was needed to bring the "plague" under control to insure the "health" of the nation.* Vienna, nonetheless, thrived with centers of prostitution and cafes where the sexes mixed liberally. A survey of doctors, carried out while Hitler lived in Vienna, revealed that only 4% of the doctors had their first sexual experience with middle class young women who might qualify as potential wives, 17% had their first experience with lower class waitresses or the like, while 75% had their first romp with prostitutes.*
Spittelberg Gasse

Hitler, like the doctors, was also familiar with the more worldly areas of Vienna including Spittelberg Gasse, just off the Ring and eleven blocks from his apartment, where girls and women sat in windows between customers. Hitler once escorted the reluctant Kubizek through the area and it was obvious Hitler had been there before. After "running the gauntlet," then doing an about face and retracing their steps, Hitler gave Kubizek a dissertation about "commercial love." He pointed out that the men were there only to satisfy their sexual urges while the women were only concerned with their "earnings"* --very perceptive for an 18 year old, or more likely, first hand knowledge. Legalized prostitution in Austria dated from the Liberal ascendancy three decades before. When Hitler arrived in Vienna, any girl sixteen or older could register or apply for a license. She was then free to practice the profession as long as she could prove mental competence and meet simple health rules. Even with such liberal regulations, there was still a thriving free lance business throughout Vienna, and it was estimated that over 10,000 girls went unregistered. On their evening excursions on the town, there were occasions when Kubizek and Hitler were approached by lone streetwalkers. According to Kubizek, in every instance the "ladies" ignored him and asked Hitler if he wanted to go with them. Kubizek thought that these girls of the "unholy city" were attracted to Hitler because they may have seen him as a man of moral restraint from the religious countryside. Hitler always refused in Kubizek's presence. That Hitler would show indifference to prostitutes, or keep any encounters with loose women from Kubizek is quite possible. The class consciousness of the time made most men from the middle classes secretive about the lower class women they associated with. In addition, Kubizek had made clear his attitude toward the loose morals he encountered in Vienna: "this sink of iniquity, where even prostitution was made the object of the artist's glorification."* Hitler on the other hand, though also condemning prostitution, saw nothing wrong with young men "chasing the girls."* When still a young man he scorned the prejudices, old habits, previous ideas, general opinions and "prudishness in certain circles,"* and would later state: "Contrary to popular belief, it is wrong to suppose that virginity is a particularly

desirable quality; one cannot help suspecting that those who have been spared have nothing particular to offer!"* He would also add: "In my youth, in Vienna, I knew a lot of lovely women."* Kubizek had to get up early in the morning for classes and usually retired early while Hitler was often awake and out till late at night. There were times Hitler would go out and not return till the following day. On one occasion he disappeared for three days. When "he returned on the fourth day, dead tired," Kubizek asked where he had been. Hitler gave him some "scanty reports" about exploring the city and never brought up the subject again.* Hitler then spent the next two days designing "worker's flats with ... separate bedrooms for parents and children ...and at the time an unheard-of innovation, a [private] bath."* Nevertheless, Hitler, as earlier in Linz, also had suggestions for Vienna's planning and layout. He believed in wider streets, pollution control, and less crowding. He advocated the destruction of old tenement housing and the building of lower income housing where workers could live cheaply. He believed that there should be more areas set aside for parks and green areas. He thought it unthinkable that railroads should run through a city, tying up people and traffic. Railroads, he believed, should be rerouted to the outskirts and what trains that had to enter the city should be placed underground. These revolutionary ideas were already starting to have their effects in some of the larger cities throughout the world and Hitler no doubt read about them. That an eighteen year old could grasped their long range significance and advocated such a policy is noteworthy. As he had in Linz, he spent quite a bit of time working on drawings and the details of such planning. Kubizek, in the meantime, continued with his classes and it was becoming apparent that he was one of the star pupils in the music school. He was constantly sought after to tutor other classmates and to perform in small musical groups in the homes of some of the wealthy and cultivated of Vienna. Occasionally Hitler went along and "enjoyed himself very much" though he normally chose to play the part of the silent listener. As he was in no financial position to buy new clothes, it was only his inadequate dress, Kubizek observed, that made him feel uneasy. Hitler was proud of his friend's achievements but witnessing what appeared to be Kubizek's easy accomplishment, he began searching for a road to instant success. Although he continued drawing, he did little painting that summer. The Hofburg, containing among other things, one of the most extensive (and beautiful) libraries in the world, was only a mile away from their room and Hitler visited there regularly. He continued to read on architecture and art, but also mythology, religion, history and biography. In his reading on architecture he acquired an extensive amount of history on many of Linz's buildings and appears to have attempted to write a handbook or manual on the subject.* He then worked tirelessly on a short story he titled The Next Morning. He talked about becoming a playwright and after weeks of research at the library began a script centered on the time Christianity was introduced in Germany. He then switched to a play about the Spanish painter, Bartolome Murillo, who's art work Hitler knew well.* Murillo had also been a "poor orphan" and became famous for his charming paintings of religious subjects and sweet street

urchins. After a vigorous start, Hitler put the idea aside. When Hitler felt dejected he would walk to Schonbrunn Castle and spend his time in the huge adjoining park where miles of shaded walks wended their ways among clumps of trees, arbors, vast formal flower beds and elaborate fountains. Along with other attractions the park also contained a zoo and the Gloriette, an elaborate stone pavilion surmounted by a huge imperial eagle. Hitler's favorite spot was a stone bench not far from the Gloriette where he enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels. (The stone bench, along with the descendants of those birds and squirrels, are still there at this writing.) He never went to the park on Sundays since he did not like crowds, and the noisy and carefree spirit of most of the young people annoyed him. Sooner or later however, he would conceive another idea and wholeheartedly throw himself into it. After numerous day trips to the Hof-Library and night after night of continuous writing, he abandoned one idea after another. After countless false starts as a playwright or writer, he suddenly decided to become a composer. Hitler spent months working on a Wagnerian type opera which would have been understood by ancient Germans. The work was to be performed with rattles, drums, reeds, crude brass wind instruments, primitive harps, and bone and wood flutes. He searched excitedly through volumes of the Hof-Library studying ancient music and looking for the types of musical instruments used by ancient Germans. That he had no formal musical training, other than four months of piano lessons, daunted him not. To make up for his lack of knowledge he read the scores and librettos of a large number of operas and acquired an amazing knowledge of stagecraft.* He worked on his opera night after night plotting the story, producing drawings for the sets, sketching the main characters in charcoal and composing the music with Kubizek's help. Kubizek acknowledged that the prelude turned out very presentable (after he had convinced Hitler to add a few modern instruments) but Hitler waThat he had no formal musical training, other than four months of piano lessons, daunted him not. To make up for his lack of knowledge he read the scores and librettos of a large number of operas and acquired an amazing knowledge of stagecraft.* He worked on his opera night after night plotting the story, producing drawings for the sets, sketching the main characters in charcoal and composing the music with Kubizek's help. Kubizek acknowledged that the prelude turned out very presentable (after he had convinced Hitler to add a few modern instruments) but Hitler was not satisfied. "It reduced him to utter despair," Kubizek wrote, "that he had an ideal in his head, a musical idea which he considered bold and important, without being able to pin it down."* Hitler finally realized that success as a composer was as hard to come by as that of a painter or writer and finally gave up. Dejected, he would return to the park and feed the pigeons and squirrels until another idea dawned. Hitler came up with an idea for a traveling symphony. He felt it was unfair that only the lucky few in the

major cities were privileged to hear first rate performances. His mobile orchestra was to travel to small towns where less fortunate people could hear other than second rate performances. He spent quite a deal of time working out the intricate little details, including the composition of the group, their feeding, dress, direction, and rehearsal time. He decided that only German composers would be played and he even timed the length of each piece while at concerts. The orchestra was not only to perform classic and romantic works (the oldies so to speak), but also the works of modern, young and unknown composers. As with traveling "concerts" today the ideal was plausible, but the lack of adequate public halls in small towns made him abandon the idea. He then returned to the park. Like all idealistic young men on a minimum budget, Hitler became disillusioned and he soon developed a strong social conscious. He would visit the Parliament when it was in session, and on a few occasions even dragged Kubizek along. Hitler was amazed at the lack of action. He had expected to see stately men in control, debating and pondering over the problems of their day. What he saw was dissension, filibustering, confusion, rants, threats, procedure, formality and wordy nonsense. He came away disillusioned and was appalled by politicians and their, as he called it, "ridiculous institution."* The Viennese are noted for their criticism ("a grumble a day keeps bad temper away," is one of their mottoes) and Hitler fit in well. "Isn't this a dog's life,"* became one of his favorite sayings and he began to blame government for his situation. He became impatient and developed a deep contempt for most politicians. He began raging openly against, as he called them: "the well-born and all powerful people." He felt that the government should provide grants to students with ability and that poor working young women should receive trousseaus to encourage marriage so as to cut down on fatherless children and sexrelated diseases. He believed the government should do something to decrease the amount of alcoholic beverages consumed by promoting non-alcoholic drinks. And, he still felt that more should be done to house the working class. Hitler actually worked out a plan for housing those with low incomes. Using his interior plan as a starting point, the standard building was to be a two storied, four family residence. Under no condition was any building to contain more than 16 families and all should be surrounded by gardens, trees, and play grounds. He thought professional landlords unfair and believed that housing should be owned and built by the government and the rent set to cover the cost and maintenance of the building. He devoted much of his thinking to moving people out of "distress and poverty."* The longer Hitler lived in the giant city, the more he saw of the inequalities. While the upper classes practiced an almost complete indifference, those of the younger and poorer generation began to openly criticize their leaders. Hitler became one of them for he could not understand the apathy and resignation of politicians and leading intellectuals. Their stance that "nothing can be done about it," earned them his undying hatred. "He who resigned," Hitler stated, "lost his right to live."* He saw these men of education with their professional training as a group of "idiots." No doubt remembering that his more-than-qualified father had been held in the same position for seventeen years because of his background, Hitler felt that men who actually showed ability should be chosen to manage affairs as opposed to those with formal qualifications, class and connections.

With what was left of his inheritance running low and knowing that his pension would only support a meager living, disillusionment soon vented itself in anger. For no apparent reason, there were days when he would go into a rage about the unfairness of life. Any disagreement or rebuke on Kubizek's part only heightened his anger. A while later he would be calm, cooperative and charming. But, Kubizek noted, it was contrary to his nature to ignore important issues, and there were days he would read or see something that would set him off all over again. Hitler was often abrupt, moody, and brash, but Kubizek stated that he could never be angry with Hitler because he regarded Adolf as a "visionary." "I experienced such poverty in Vienna," Hitler would later recall, "I spent long months without ever having the smallest hot meal. I lived on milk and dry bread. But I spent thirty kreuzers a day on my cigarettes. I smoked between twenty-five and forty of them a day .... One day I reflected that with five kreuzers I could buy some butter to put on my bread. I threw my cigarettes into the Danube, and since that day I've never smoked again."* There is nothing worse than a reformed--whatever--and Hitler soon began ranting about the government's involvement in the tobacco industry. He argued that the State was ruining the health of its own people for monetary gains. He felt all tobacco factories should be closed and the importation of tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes be forbidden.* (Later, when Hitler became Fuhrer and his European conquests seemed unstoppable, he made the statement: "Before going into retirement, I shall order that all the cigarette packets on sale in my Europe should have on the label, in letters of fire, the slogan: 'Danger, tobacco smoke kills; danger: Cancer.'"*) Reflecting on Hitler's meager fare, Kubizek concluded that much of Hitler's anger stemmed from his financial situation. Kubizek suggested that Hitler go to the "soup kitchen" and get a decent free meal. Hitler angrily retorted that going to a soup kitchen was demeaning and that such "contemptible institutions...only symbolized the segregation of the social classes."* Many of Vienna's population lived in similar circumstances and Hitler "unhesitatingly" associated with the "simple, decent but underprivileged people."* He thought something should be done for the "'little man,' the 'poor betrayed masses.'"* He ranted about the "tight fisted" ways of the upper classes. As Kubizek would later state: "Everywhere we noticed a deep chasm between the social classes....We saw the splendid mansions of the nobility with garishly attired servants in front, and the sumptuous hotels in which Vienna's rich society--the old nobility, the captains of industry, landowners and magnates--held their lavish parties. Poverty, need, hunger on the one side, and reckless enjoyment of life, sensuality and prodigal luxury on the other." The obvious social injustice embittered Hitler and the presumptuous and arrogant demeanor of the upper classes "roused in him a demoniacal hatred."* He continuously railed "against the privileged position of certain classes."* Although Kubizek always portrayed Hitler as a serious and stern young man, there was another side of him. Kubizek took a short trip home for the Easter holiday and wrote Hitler that he had contracted an eye infection and that when he returned he might be wearing glasses. Kubizek knew his constant practicing on the piano distracted or annoyed Hitler at times so he also mentioned that he was also going to bring a viola, testing what Hitler's reaction would be. On April 20, 1908, the day of his 19th birthday, Hitler wrote back:

Dear Gustl: While thanking you for your letter, I must tell you immediately how pleased I am that your dear father is really coming with you to Vienna. Providing you and he have no objections, I will meet you at the station on Thursday at 11 o'clock. You write that you are having such lovely weather, which almost upsets me as, if it were not raining here, we too would be having lovely weather. I am very pleased that you are bringing a viola. On Tuesday I shall buy myself ... cotton ... and...paste, for my ears naturally. That ... you are going blind affects me very deeply; you will play more and more wrong notes than ever. Then you will become blind and I gradually mad. Oh, My! But meanwhile I wish you and your esteemed parents at least a happy Easter .... Your friend, Adolf Hitler* Kubizek returned shortly after and, in June, completed his first period at the Conservatory with excellent grades. He was privileged to conduct the end-of-term concert where three of his songs were sung and part of his sextet for strings was performed. At a gathering in the "artists' room," Kubizek was showered with praises by his teachers and classmates as Hitler sat quietly by himself watching. It appeared that for Kubizek, success was just around the corner. Kubizek went home in July to work in the family business for the summer. Since he was nearly a year older than Hitler he was now of military age and was required to report for a physical. Found to be fit, he was to undergo eight weeks of training for the Army Reserve and would not return till November. Hitler's landlady also took a trip to visit her brother and Hitler looked after the building for her until she returned. Hitler kept in touch with Kubizek and on one occasion, referring to one of his ideas for a book, wrote: "Since your departure I have been working very hard often again until 2 or 3 in the morning."* Knowing Hitler was running short of money Kubizek and his mother sent him some food packages. A few days later the proud Hitler would write on a postcard dated July 19, 1908: Dear friend! My best thanks for your kindness. You don't need to send me butter and cheese now. But I thank you most gratefully for the kind thought. Tonight I am going to see Lohengrin. Kindest regards to you and your esteemed parents. Adolf Hitler.* A few days later Hitler would write again mentioning that he was not feeling well. It was not until August 17 that Kubizek heard from him again. This time he mentioned that he had got over a "sharp attack of bronchial catarrh," but was "writing quite a lot lately."*

Late that August, Hitler took a trip to the Wooded Quarter for a family gathering on the Spital farm. Besides his two aunts and their families, his step-sister Angela and her family were also present. Hitler still disliked Angela's husband and had considered putting off the trip, but was no doubt shown the new addition to Angela's family--a two month old daughter called "Geli." He also saw his twelve year old sister, Paula, who was now a pretty, quiet and reserved girl. Hitler had previously given Paula the book Don Quixote (possibly after reading it) as a birthday gift and got into an argument with her because she disapproved of a list of books he obviously had read and suggested for her education. Since they were never very close, her rejection of his advice separated them further. Although "fond" of one another, as Paula would later state, they remained fairly distant all their lives. Before returning to Vienna, Hitler sent Gustl a postcard wishing him the "best" on his Name-day. It would be the last contact Kubizek would have with Hitler for thirty years. (After a promising beginning Kubizek's artistic dreams would be shattered by W.W.I. He became a "clerk.") In Sept 1908 the nineteen year old Hitler applied for entrance to Vienna's Art Academy again. The drawings he submitted on this occasion were not considered adequate. He was notified, that this time he would not even be permitted to take the test. The 1908 entry in the Academy's list read: The following gentlemen .... #24 Adolf Hitler ... April 20, 1889, German, Catholic .... Not admitted to test.* Again he was crushed. This time he asked for a reason and was told that his abilities lay in architecture and it was recommended that he study that field. This judgment is borne out by his surviving drawings and paintings which show a flare for architectural renderings. To enter the Architectural branch of the Academy, however, a diploma was necessary. "What I had defiantly neglected in the high school " Hitler stated, "now took its bitter revenge."* Since he lacked a diploma he would have to show that he was "exceptionally gifted" to enter the architecture field. Hitler was realistic enough to know that he did not possess such abilities and never attempted to register. As Hitler would show many times in his life, he could not face people when things were going bad. Although Kubizek had previously offered Hitler financial help, Hitler, as with the food packages, was too proud to accept and decided to end their relationship. Because of his failure to gain admittance to the Academy for the second time, he no doubt felt ashamed to face Kubizek, or anyone else. Around the same time, Hitler also quit writing Hagmuller, the boy who used to have his lunch at the Hitler house in Linz, and they also "lost touch."*
2nd Vienna Apartment

On Nov. 18, 1908, with Kubizek expected back in a few days, the dejected Hitler gave notice to his landlady. Without leaving a forwarding address he moved to a building across from the railway yards. As required by law, he registered the change of address with the local police station. This time, he registered as a "student" instead of "artist" as he had done at his former address. He continued reading and looking for that special mission he was sure would come. Like most 19 year olds he no doubt carried the false assumption that all he had to do was plod along and rewards or success would

automatically come. Continue: Top of Page Footnotes:

Hard Times
Chapter 5

Unlike the upper classes who place heavy emphasis on the amount of friends, and consequently contacts one has, Hitler did not view hobnobbing as the way to success. After his friendship with Kubizek, most other young men must have seemed shallow indeed. Like most would-be artists, Hitler had learned to look at objects in depth while drawing or painting and had learned to see details that most people overlook. To an idealistic young man the ignorance of peers becomes frustrating and one learns to keep their distance from those who do not share ones interest. As always, Hitler kept his intimate friends to a minimum. During this period. people found him "polite," but "distant." Women were still attracted to him and befriended him, because, as a young waitress who gave him "extra-large" portions at a cafe he frequented said, "he was very reserved and quiet, and would read books, and seemed very serious, unlike the rest of the young men."* Hitler did take himself seriously and because of his understanding of the complexities in art, he seldom took sides in any conversation unless he had some knowledge of the topic's details. He would research subjects to a certain degree before making judgments. Besides his book reading, he constantly read newspapers, magazines and pamphlets. One subject that was to catch his attention and occupy his thoughts while he lived across from the railroad yards was racism. For all its cultural and intellectual endeavors, Vienna, like much of the western world, was alive with racial prejudices. Because of the nationalistic fervor, almost every nation had its "experts" who prated about their nation's "racial superiority." Wagner, Hitler's idol, had done as much as anyone to spread the racist idea in German speaking Europe, and there is little doubt that Hitler was acquainted with his writings. Wagner believed that the Nordic Aryans (northern Europeans), especially the Germans, were a superrace and considered all others inferior. His racial views were born out of the cold rationalism of the 19th century intellectual community's adoration of science and the law of nature which experts had supposedly worked out with "iron logic." To The Great Aryans In view of such "logic," some intellectuals asserted that only the Aryan tribes which drifted towards the sparsely populated areas around the Baltic and North Seas, to become the ancient Norse people, later the Teutonic or Germanic race, were the only "true" Aryans. The theorists contended that over the centuries the Aryan "Slavonic race" living in eastern Europe had been overrun by invading "Mongolians from Central Asia, the Huns--ugly bow-legged yellow men"* and were no longer true Aryans. The theorists

also believed that the "Latin race" in the south of Europe had continuously mixed with the "dark white race" which inhabited the Mediterranean rim and were no longer true Aryans either. German racialists prated about the superiority of their race and proclaimed: "The Teutons are the aristocracy of humanity; the Latins belong to a degenerate mob." Their main attacks, however, were reserved for the "Mongolized Slavs" as well as Turks and other races from the east, who were not only seen as inferior, but as a great threat to central Europe. The Germans of Vienna had been the bulwark against invaders from the east since the days of the Roman Empire and it took little to convince Hitler, or any other German, of the danger. They still saw themselves as a great bastion against eastern pressures. As in Linz where Hitler had spent his formative years, Vienna also had its Trinity Column to bear witness to the time when the Germans, and the Poles ironically, fought off an invasion of Turks who threatened the whole of Europe. Acting as further reminders, Vienna's hills (while Hitler lived there) were still dotted with castles, watchtowers and armories which were stocked with all types of weaponry should a levy be called. As the capital, Vienna still dominated over central Europe but the empire was slowly crumbling under the weight of its conflicting "racial groups."* Austria's subjects comprised half the "races" of Europe and, just as in Alois' (Hitler's father) time, the Slavs, Turks and other non Germans were still viewed with suspicion and fear As in Paris, Moscow and other European capitals, the people of Vienna were also extremely hostile to Semitic (Jew and Arab) people. (Intellectuals had classified Semites as an "ancient dark white people" that spoke a Semitic primary-language from which all the dominant languages of the Middle East and parts of Africa are supposed to have originated. According to one theory, these Semitic speakers appeared on the south west tip of Arabia before 9000 BC and by 5000 BC lived throughout most of Arabia. By 2500 BC they had spread into the other parts of the Middle East (today's Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel) breeding with the local populations and developing their own customs, appearances, religions, and different versions of the Semitic language. Because of dense forests, swamps, mountains, deserts and seas, the Aryan and Semitic speaking peoples developed somewhat independently. Thus was laid the foundation for all subsequent anti-Semitism in Europe.) To Semites and Anti-Semitism. Long before Hitler was born, anti-Semitism had taken on a primarily anti-Jewish meaning in Europe since many Jews had clung to their customs and ways and refused to melt into the European population as other Semites had done. All of Vienna's "anti-Semitism" was directed against the 175,000 Jews who made up almost 9% of Vienna's population. Even many of Austria's intellectuals were opposed to the Jews' influence on the grounds that their "oriental" or "Asiatic temperament"* threatened German traditions and ways. Six years before Hitler was born, a large segment of the German student body of Vienna's University had formed a union that was anti-Jewish but referred to itself as anti-Semitic to demonstrate they stressed

race and not religion. They protested against the high number of Jewish students at the University and demonstrated against the large number of Jewish doctors, lawyers, and professors being produced.* The students had their champion in a member of the Austrian parliament, Georg Ritter von Schonerer (1842-1921), who founded the German Nationalist Party in Austria. His family came from the Wooded Quarter where Hitler's family had its roots. Like anyone interested in the success stories of people from their birth places, Hitler took a keen interest in the life and policies of the aging Schonerer. He was to become Hitler's first political idol.* To von Schonerer By the time Hitler arrived in Vienna, Schonerer had toned down his attacks against Jews, Slavs, and other non-Germans. He abandoned all hope of preserving the Austrian Empire.* With the backing of university intellectuals, he turned his main attention to the unity of Austria with Germany. Hitler, like most central Europeans, had no trouble accepting the ideas that the Slavs were a threat or the rich were greedy. But unlike the university students, Hitler refused to accept many of the racist beliefs. It was Schonerer's pleas for union with Germany that held Hitler's admiration, not Schonerer's anti-Semitic stance.* "Schonerer," Hitler would write, "recognized more clearly and more correctly than anyone else the inevitable end of the Austrian State."* But, Hitler also stated: "In Vienna, anti-Semitism could never have any foundation but a religious one. From the point of view of race, about 50 per cent of the population of Vienna was not German." Hitler had no great love for anyone foreign, but he felt that people who railed against those who spoke, looked and acted German, did so for selfish reasons. To the young Hitler, a man who spoke and looked German was German* and he was filled with "distaste" when anyone singled someone out as a "Jew."* Concerning the Germanized Jews, he wrote: "I even looked upon them as Germans."* He thought that attacks upon them were made out of "jealousy and envy." He also stated: "in the Jew I still saw only a man who was of a different religion, and therefore, on grounds of human tolerance, I was against the idea that he [or any other] should be attacked because he had a different faith."* As an acquaintance would later write, Hitler did not associate the word Jew with race and "believed every religion to be good and ... didn't care much about anti-Semitism."* As Hitler would later write in Mein Kampf (and Kubizek noted in his book), shortly after he arrived in Vienna, he began to believe the anti-Jewish rhetoric he heard and read. Consequently, he turned to handbooks and magazines to relieve his "doubts," and now for the first time in his life bought himself some anti-Semitic pamphlets. During Hitler's stay in Vienna, racist literature could be purchased almost anywhere, including the tobacco shop a few doors from where he lived. Although the idea of "pure racial stock" was already a fanciful belief to many; racialists books, pamphlets and newspapers were read by millions.* Hitler read many of these publications including the Schonerer movement's satirical magazine: Politics and

Entertainment in Art and Life (which not only specialized in attacks on non-Germans, but also attacked the Church, members of parliament, and the decline of morals and the evils of alcoholism).* Hitler complained that these publications did not supply enough information on the Jewish question and added: All began with the standpoint that the reader had a certain degree of information of the Jewish question or was familiar with it. Moreover the tone of most of these pamphlets was such that I became doubtful again because the statements made were partly superficial and the proofs extraordinarily unscientific.* One of the most prodigious racist writers at the time was a defrocked monk named Adolf Josef Lanz. His magazine, the Ostara, was a typical Viennese tabloid of the time. It damned assimilation, preached racial purity and looked forward to the day of a "German master race" led by a quasi-religious military leader.* To be sure the reader was of the right type himself, the magazine contained a question and answer section where one could find out where he fit within the great racial pool. A varied number of points were given for physical attributes such as color of hair, eyes and skin. One then added up the points and consulted the index to determine his "racial group." Naturally, the scoring was done in a. way that anyone who found the tabloid congenial emerged as one qualified to participate in the struggle against inferior races.* Featured articles like "The Sex and Love-Life of Blondes and Dark Ones"* boosted the Ostara's circulation for some issues to 100,000 in Austria and Germany. Although it "played down 'the Jewish Question,'"* it appealed to both the superiority of the Germans and their suspicion of the Jews, and also Slavs, Turks, Negroes, and other "dark ones." It contained material that urged the white or Aryan race to arm itself against "dark forces." In order to popularize the Aryan idea, racial beauty contests were even proposed. In its more malign moments it called for a systematic program of sterilization, deportation, or forced labor. By subjugating the dark races, the Ostara preached, the Aryans could rule the earth.* Hitler, according to Lanz (in a 1951 interview), appeared at his home in 1909 and explained that he had read most issues of the Ostara, which he purchased at the tobacco shop near his place on Felber Strasse. Hitler wasn't able to obtain a few of the back issues and asked Lanz if he had them. Lanz claimed that Hitler looked so earnest but impoverished that he gave him the copies free of charge and also two kronen for streetcar fare home.* Even after additional reading on the subject, Hitler still wasn't convinced about the "Jewish danger" and would later state in Mein Kampf: "I returned to my old way of thinking."* (Hitler adds: "...for weeks and once even for months."* This addition was undoubtedly an attempt to cover his position as a youth. Hitler knew that there would be those who knew that he wasn't "anti-Semitic" in his youth and could expose him (as more than one acquaintance later did). By claiming to have moments of "indecision" he covered his rear--so to speak.) "Anti-Semitism" was an outgrowth of the nationalistic fervor that infected almost everyone during this period. Hitler undoubtedly made statements in his youth that could be interpreted as "anti-Semite." With

the exception, however, of a few foggy statements that Kubizek remembered in retrospect, all reliable sources who knew Hitler personally during his youth agree that he was not an anti-Semite, but an outspoken nationalist. Even the Jews got caught up in the nationalistic fervor* and "decided to open their own all-Jewish club."* Zionism was proclaimed when Hitler was a boy, and as established, accepted a national status for the Jews. Like all the discontented nationalities throughout Europe, such a status barred assimilation. In his book, The Jewish State (1896), Theodor Herzl, an Austrian Jewish poet, would write a beautiful, revealing passage that echoed all the nationalities of Europe looking to control their own destinies: The Jews who wish it, will have their own state. We shall live at last as free men on our own soil, die peacefully in our own homes. The world will be freed by our liberty, enriched by our wealth, magnified by our greatness.* By the time Hitler arrived in Vienna, the Zionist "movement was strongly represented in Vienna."* Zionism was well on its way to erecting a framework so strong that it would hold Palestine (the future Israel) open to "stateless" Jews against the wishes of the British Empire, the Vatican, Arab nationalism; and, international minded Jews. The Jews, however, weren't asking for a part of Europe and Hitler may have supported the Zionist movement at the time. (A few years later, Hitler would tell an acquaintance that if he had the power, he would make all the Jews to go to Palestine.* Even as late as 1920, when his "anti-Semitism" was in bloom, he would state: "The Jew ... belongs, in his own state of Palestine."*) Hitler, like the overwhelming portion of the population at that time, supported the idea that each nationality (or "race" as many referred to it) should live in its own independent or autonomous region. On August 22, 1909, after a nine month stay, the twenty year old Hitler gave up his residence across from the railway yards. He took another room, a short distance from Schonbrunn Palace. His inheritance was almost exhausted and he was slowly falling into the category of the uprooted urban middle class. Hitler had once told Kubizek that in most instances genius went hand and hand with poverty. Like many idealistic young men he may have figured he had now done his suffering, which would make him see life more clearly. He resumed his writing. On Aug 22 he registered as "studying to be a writer"* with the local police station. He grew a beard to fit the part but soon gave up the writing. By mid September he had sold off everything of value, including his art supplies and overcoat. He now had only his orphan pension of 25 kronen a month. Unable to pay rent by the month, he abandoned his address and turned to subletting rooms by the week. The rent was between two and two and a half Kronen a week and all roomers hoped that they would have to share a room with only one other. It was estimated that around 90,000 Viennese lived in such a manner. Hitler stayed for such short durations that he failed for the first time to register his address with the police.

During this period he kept in touch with his step sister, Angela, who forwarded his pension.* Angela abhorred his "flight from reality" and gave him a long scolding. Hitler decided not to contact her again until his life improved. In one of the few cases Hitler got the year exactly right concerning his youth, he would later write, "...the autumn of 1909, this was an infinitely bitter period for me. I was a young, inexperienced man without any financial support and too proud to accept it from no matter whom, let alone ask for it."* Although Hitler scorned the idea of a "bread and butter job," cut off from his pension he made a halfhearted attempt to enter the ranks of the working masses. For a time he worked as a "hod [cement or brick] carrier on building construction jobs."* (Most historians believe that Hitler was lying when he gave his account in Mein Kampf of working in the building trade (some believe he was too weak). However, during this period the yearly turnover for "labor" was around 100%* and unskilled workers were also in short supply* because of the huge peace-time conscription.* Employers took what they could get, and they especially preferred new workers from small towns and the countryside since they were known to outperform their more seasoned big city workers.* Furthermore, seventeen years after Mein Kampf was written Hitler stated: "I must say, I always enjoy meeting the Duce [Benito Mussolini]. He's a great personality. It's curious to think that, at the same period as myself, he was working in the building trade...."* Mussolini was one of the few men Hitler admired and was "fond" of* -- the comparison was obviously make with pride. Hitler was not the type to base such a comparison on a lie.) Although Hitler associated with the "little man," he, like most people from the lower middle class, had little in common with the "workers." He saw himself as a step above them. Their unrefined speech, manners and shallow views were repugnant to him and, as he admitted later, his ignorance of their unions and politics alienated him.* When he offered an opposing view to a number of his "union" comrades while working on a construction site,* they, he would later write, "ordered me to leave the building or else get flung down from the scaffolding."* A few weeks later, when he obtained employment at another construction site, the same thing occurred. Hitler soon gave up any idea of joining the workers and drifted into doing day work only when necessary. By early November he sold off almost everything but the bare necessities. Within a few weeks he exhausted nearly all funds and was put out of his last independent address (possibly on Simon Denk Gasse in the northern part of the city) after his landlady seized his last small bundle of his possessions.* Like many of America's "homeless," he turned to the streets. But, he did not enter the lowest depths of society as a "worker," but as a member of the uprooted urban middle class. He chose to wear a faded "blue-checked suit."* Hitler no doubt chose his apparel knowing that society would be more tolerant toward a "middle class" young man down on his luck. He also had no desire, as he put it, to be "identified" with the "despised class....the manual worker."* November of that year was unusually cold with rain often mixed with snow, so he had to find shelter. There were many seedy and dilapidated lodging houses scattered throughout Vienna where, for a small fee, he could take a room for the night. If these places lacked the facilities, then for a nominal fee he could use the municipal baths to keep himself clean.

To earn a few cents Hitler tried begging even though he found it demeaning. On one occasion he tried to beg a few cents from a rich drunk who tried to hit him with his cane.* The incident did nothing to change Hitler's opinion of the rich and the experience deeply embittered him. He never tried begging again. With funds nearly depleted he spent a few evenings sleeping in a cafe on Kaiser Strasse, after paying the price of a cup of coffee.* Finally he exhausted all funds and for a few nights he wandered around sleeping on park benches. Near the end of November, exhausted and frail looking, Hitler ended up in a 'Obdachslosenasyl' (Shelter for the Roofless) behind the Meidling Railroad station. Here one received a card and could get a "bed" for five nights. Afterwards, for a modest fee, one could stay on if they chose. The shelter received most of its support from a Jewish family and housed hundreds of Vienna's destitute including whole families. Residents were segregated by sex and assigned to a large military-like dormitory. Everyone was required to shower daily and then return to the main hall where they were served a meal of soup and bread before being assigned a place to sleep. Unlike many of the shelters in Vienna this one was spotless which is why Hitler probably chose it. Because it was expected that people should work, or be looking for work, everyone had to leave during the day. While at the "Asylum," as some called it, Hitler met a professional street person named Reinhold Hanisch** who went by the name of Walter Fritz. Hanisch had traveled through much of Germany and Austria and although originally from the Sudetenland (part of today's Czechoslovakia) liked to pass himself off as a Berliner. He avoided steady work like the plague and whenever finances allowed, looked for happiness in a beer or wine bottle. Hanisch knew all the angles of street living and since this was an entirely new way of life for Hitler, Hanisch showed him how to take advantage of all possible charitable institutions.* Since the shelter closed until dusk, Hanisch showed Hitler how to stretch out the day so they would hit the right places at the right time to get a free meal or handout. Hitler's idea that "soup kitchens" were demeaning was replaced by hunger since the Asylum only provided one meal a day. He and Hanisch took advantage of the half dozen "warming rooms" and a nearby hospital which handed out bread or soup to thousands of Vienna's destitute men, women and children. They visited the homes of "soft touches" where they might get some small change or some other handout. They lined up at the Sisters of Mercy Convent on Gumpendorfer Strasse, just down the street and around the corner from his former address on Stumper Gasse. Hitler went there almost everyday for a free meal and later strolled over to the Western Station where he carried passenger's bags in hopes of earning a little money.* On cold days Hanisch showed Hitler all the public places where their presence would be tolerated. He showed Hitler how to save money by purchasing unused portions of admittance cards from those who were leaving the Asylum. They also took advantage of other charitable Jewish institutions including the Warming House on Erdberg Strasse on the other side of town. According to Hanisch, Hitler was grateful for the help offered by Jews, admired their resistance to persecutions, and never muttered a serious anti-

Jewish remark to him.* While at the shelter, Hitler befriended a number of Jews including a Jewish locksmith named Robinsohn who occasionally gave Hitler a few coins.* Even with the charitable soup kitchens, the handouts of friends, and the few cents Hitler made carrying bags at the railroad station, he still didn't earn enough to keep himself fed. He and Hanisch, therefore, made a few coins beating carpets, shoveling snow, or doing other casual labor. Hitler once suggested that they apply for some ditch digging work that was available in the Favoriten area, but Hanisch wouldn't hear of doing any kind of hard work.* Hanisch also taught Hitler never to let any of the street people know you had money for you might be robbed, or just as bad, asked for a loan. Any dealings they had with other street people was usually transacted with the exchange of clothing or cigarettes. In a short time Hitler, Hanisch and other friends met almost every night and sang to keep up their spirits in spite of their "troubles."* Why Hanisch took Hitler under his wing was all too obvious. Hitler had told Hanisch a little of his background and Hanisch realized that Hitler's family was not poor. Hanisch, one of those classless operators who sponge off of people until they finally learn to say no, advised Hitler to write his stepsister for money. Only after Hanisch and another moocher (a so-called "salesman from ... Silesia") refused to take "no" for an answer did Hitler finally give in. Hitler wrote the letter in a coffee house (the Cafe Arthaber) opposite the Meidling Station and the letter was sent off to Linz. "A few days before Christmas Eve" Hitler received the money.* Either looking for sympathy by playing the part of a destitute young man, or understanding he was dealing with two classless operators who would sponge off of him if they knew he had a steady income, Hitler never admitted that the fifty kronen sent him was his back pension money. Hitler bought himself a good used overcoat and, according to Hanisch, a "transformation" took place in him. The money gave him new hope. Although Hanisch would later claim that it was his idea, Hitler decided to use his painting ability to try to earn a living as a street painter. Hitler saw that others, like his idol Wagner, had worked themselves out of poverty and he had nowhere to go but up. There was a year round market for small paintings in Vienna. They could be sold to locals in the cafes or to stores that either sold them again or used them to promote picture frames. Furniture makers also used small paintings which they inserted in the back of chairs, rockers or loveseats and varnished over. In summer the paintings could be sold to tourists in cafes or in the street. Hitler purchased ink, T-square, paints and postcard-sized painting cards. Like many self-taught painters, Hitler worked from photographs or other prints, usually after viewing the object. Since everyone was required to leave the asylum during the day, Hitler had to paint in cafes or other public places. To allow himself more time to paint, he attempted to get the "the salesman from Silesia" to sell his paintings but the man refused. Hitler, consequently, "took them to art dealers, furniture stores and upholsters" himself.* Street living during the day and the shelter at night with its motley people and lack of privacy soon

became unacceptable to Hitler. Like many derelicts, he considered himself a fallen upperclassmen and despised most of those he had to associate with. A month of living like a "tramp" was enough for the twenty year old Hitler. Shortly before the new year,* Hitler left Hanisch behind and moved to a hostel at the north end of town not far from where the Danube and the Danube Canal intersect. The place was known as the Mannerheim (Men's Home). Continue: Top of Page Footnotes:

Home to the Hitler artworks Gallery

The Artist
Chapter 6 The Mannerheim, located on Meldemann Strasse, was the fourth project sponsored by the Habsburg's to tackle the miserable living conditions of the less well-paid Viennese. The first three projects stressed homes for families while the Mannerheim catered to men going through a hard time. The establishment covered almost a whole block and had room for over 500 men. Opened in 1905 it was the most sought-after refuge in Vienna for both blue and white-collar workers with meager or uncertain incomes. This was a time of little social security and no unemployment payments and even members of the middle classes roomed there during bad periods. A number of wealthy businessmen (who had pushed their luck too far), a baron and a count had also roomed there. The place was exceptionally clean and the cost, when Hitler first moved in, was a little over two kronen for a week's stay. The Men's Home was considered the most "luxurious" halfway house in Austria (today it can be compared with many of the older YMCA's in many of the larger US and Canadian cities). Each occupant had his own small private room. In each room a single, metal framed bed nearly filled the space on one side of the entrance door while a chair, small table and storage facilities nearly filled the other side of the room. A large window, which let in an abundance of light during the day, nearly filled the wall directly opposite the door. There were large and more then adequate lavatories a short distance down the hall and there were also waiting, game, and reading rooms. The main reading room on the top floor contained a small library along with the day's papers and popular magazines. Besides a shoemaker and tailor shop, where items could be repaired or new ones made, the basement contained a barbershop, laundry and storage lockers. If one cared for a prepared meal, it could be purchased for a nominal cost and consumed on the ground floor in a large dining room at the rear of the building which seated over 300 men. The place also had a large public kitchen (still in use today) where the economizing Hitler cooked his own meals. The Mannerheim was constantly under attack by conservatives who saw it as pampering the lazy and unworthy. They sarcastically referred to it as the "Men's Hotel." The place was run by Johann Kanya, a retired officer, who had fixed ideas about behavior. There were many rules and regulations regarding conduct. Kanya insisted that all residents live a quiet and orderly life and woe to the resident who disobeyed. Loud talk, standing on a bed, or unkempt appearances were grounds for expulsion. To shower a resident had to pay a few extra cents which entitled him to a piece of soap, a towel and a "bathing-apron" since total nudity was forbidden. Chess, checkers, and dominoes were

the only approved games and even then an argument over a move could get a resident in trouble. For the slightest disregard of the rules a resident would find himself out in the street. In this disciplined world, Hitler had little trouble fitting in. At the Mannerheim, Hitler had the room and the privacy to paint. Shortly after moving in, Hitler sent Dr Bloch, who tried so desperately to save his mother, a carefully painted postcard of a hooded monk hoisting a glass of bubbling champagne, with the caption: "A toast to the New Year." On the reverse side were cordial New Year's greetings and it was signed: "In everlasting thankfulness, Adolf Hitler."* The ever conniving Hanisch followed Hitler to the Mannerheim in about a week. He knew that Hitler's type of paintings were the kind that tourists and the average person found pleasing and admitted he hoped to benefit for himself. Hanisch convinced Hitler that he would need an agent to sell his paintings and would handle it for half the proceeds. Hitler appeared reluctant and offered the excuse that Hanisch lacked a peddler's license which might get them into trouble with the police. Hanisch assured him that he would take care of it. Hitler finally agreed. Hitler continued painting small postcard-sized paintings of landscapes or architectural renditions of churches and the more noble buildings of Vienna. Hitler attempted to do his best but Hanisch complained: "He was a very slow worker, and I often told him not to dawdle around with his cards so much, to daub on anything."* Hitler finally relented and began to dash most of them off in a hurry. By the beginning of February Hitler settled into a fairly stable routine and began turning out two or three postcard-sized paintings everyday. He did many paintings of the Gloriette and the "Roman Ruins" in Schonbrunn Park. To give some of the pictures an old fashion quality he would hold them near a fire, yellowing them, until he produced the effect he wanted. A few of his better paintings sold for five kronen. His usual place of work was at a large oak table near the windows in the reading room where would-be entrepreneurs gathered to work on various projects. He could be seen there almost everyday with his box of paints. Hitler hated anyone looking over his shoulder and did not like anyone to see his work until it was complete. Hanisch took care of the selling end of their business, splitting the money equally with Hitler. "Hitler was busy. Misery was at an end. We were doing better and new hopes sprang up," Hanisch would later recount. "At Easter, 1910, we earned forty kronen on a big order [eight paintings] and we divided it equally."* With his paintings subsidizing his pension, Hitler was soon making more than enough to pay the rent and eat decently. Hanisch stated that Hitler, using part of his Easter windfall, even splurged and went to the movies. With real want diminishing, Hitler began spending less of his time painting. Many people in Vienna, as in other parts of Europe, use politics to warm-up to a conversation the way Americans use the weather. In a place like the Mannerheim, where most of the down-and-out blame government for their situation., politics was always a major topic. The reading room where Hitler did his

painting, was also the room where men gathered almost every day to discuss politics. On March 10, 1910 Karl Lueger, one of the most civic-minded yet controversial men in Austrian politics died. The Mannerheim buzzed with opposing views and before they subsided, Hitler would find another idol "who more than any other became [his] political mentor, though the two never met."* "When I arrived in Vienna," Hitler would later state, "I was a fanatical opponent of Lueger ... and ... a supporter of Schonerer .... Yet in the course of my stay in Vienna I couldn't help acquiring a feeling of great respect for Lueger personally. It was at the City Hall that I first heard him speak. I had to wage a battle with myself on that occasion, for I was filled with the resolve to detest Lueger, Yet I couldn't refrain from admiring him. He was an extraordinary orator .... I never saw him in the streets of Vienna without everybody's stopping to great him. His popularity was immense .... What in other cities was the responsibility of private firms, he converted in Vienna into public service."* To Karl Lueger Though controversial, Lueger miraculously remained in the mayor's office for ten years despite the forces and the wealth aligned against him. He withstood all obstacles, slurs and ostracizing and finally withdrew in 1907 only after an illness exhausted his energies. Most people, including Hitler, who witnessed his impressive funeral cortege in 1910, knew that a man of great stature had left them. "At his funeral," Hitler would later recall, "two hundred thousand Viennese followed him to the cemetery. The procession lasted a whole day."* The common people of Lower Austria truly mourned for Lueger. There were many among the privileged however, who had never forgiven Lueger for his "frightening" hold over the crowd and rejoiced over his passing. The impact of Lueger's death changed Hitler from a person who just skims the surface of political issues, to one who really begins to look deeply into the politics of his day. Politics become Hitler's passion. "Hitler," Hanisch would later write, "told us a lot about Dr. Lueger, who had been forced to fight hard for his position as mayor."* Fourteen years later, persons of quality and their historians in residence were still degrading everything Lueger stood for (Konrad Heiden, for example, considered Lueger a "despot."*) Hitler, however, would refer to Lueger as "the greatest German mayor of all times"* and a greater "statesman" than any other politician who lived at that time.* Although Hitler did not join the party Lueger left behind, it is possible he handed out the party's literature on street corners for a while.* There now began to sprout in Hitler's mind, more from instinct than by reason, "a political shrewdness which enabled him to see with amazing clarity the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary political movements."* Lueger had shown Hitler at first hand that class interests could be bridged between the lower ranks of the middle class and the working classes. If Lueger had lived his Municipal Socialism might have evolved into National Socialism. In April, 1910, Hitler turned twenty-one years old. He still had his beard, without a mustache, and his hair was long. His complexion was pale, and his lanky body gave him an ungainly appearance. As always, his prominent blue eyes were his most distinguishing and memorable feature. Although he kept himself and

his clothes clean, he developed the habit of cutting expenses by wearing old used clothes. Jacob Altenberg, an art dealer, remembered that Hitler's clothes, although old, were neat and his pants wellpressed. Hitler washed his only good shirt almost everyday as he took his shower. He pressed his pants by folding them carefully and placing them under his mattress. To keep his expenses at a minimum, Hitler also kept his diet simple. His normal meals consisted of corn pudding or potatoes with margarine and bread. On a profitable day he sometimes went to a cheap coffee shop where he ordered one of his favorite foods, cream cakes. Like many Viennese he was developing a sweet tooth. With the tourist season approaching, Hitler doubled the size of his paintings and produced a completed one in about a day. These larger paintings, done in oil or water color, normally measured 12 by 18 inches, but he occasionally did some twice as large. These more elaborate, time consuming and fairly good works normally brought in five to ten kronen each. Hanisch, nonetheless, complained that Hitler never worked enough and when he scolded him about it, Hitler retorted that he was "not a coolie."* Their mildly successful little enterprise brought Hitler and Hanisch together daily. Although politics was always at the top of their conversation, they occasionally discussed other matters. Hitler was interested in science and "thought men of the future would nourish themselves more and more with substitutes."* Hitler also assured his friend that the day would come when men would learn to overcome gravity, and to prove his point explained how gravity functioned. Hitler, Hanisch stated, read a great deal and besides reading the science journals and newspapers at the Men's Home, also read history (including the history of past German revolutions), philosophy, poetry, mythology and religion. Although Hitler was born and raised a Catholic, he favored Protestantism and had great respect for Luther whom he considered a genius. He nevertheless believed that if the Germans had remained faithful to their old Germanic faith, instead of adopting Catholicism in the south and Protestantism in the north, they would not have been a divided people. On the other hand Hitler understood the advancements that come from outside sources and "believed that the Western nations gained a great deal from the oriental civilizations during the crusades," especially in the field of art.* He questioned the Nationalist's glorification of Teutonic (old German) civilization when compared to the Greek and the Roman.* As the weather improved, Hitler, Hanisch and other friends often went over to the Prater, an immense park, which was dotted with cafes and recreational attractions. On weekends and holidays, musical groups often performed there for the public. Much of the music tended to be classical and many of the performances consisted of pieces from operas. Since most of Hitler's new acquaintances knew little or nothing about opera, Hitler would quietly explain what action would be taking place in each piece. On the way home he would try to explain the opera to his friends and often sang or hummed some of the tunes to get his point across. Hanisch stated that although Hitler was a bad singer, "he could describe the scenes, very well, and what the music meant."* During this period, Hitler also became interested in the power of advertising and observed how easily people were swayed by it. He believed that with the right "propaganda," which is what he considered

advertising to be, one could be induced to believe or buy anything. He told Hanisch that to be a successful salesman, all one needed was "a talent for oratory."* On one occasion, Hanisch even got Hitler to talk about women. During one of Hitler's summer vacations to Spital as a teenager, Hitler admitted to an encounter with a girl in a neighbor's barn. When it appeared that the girl, who had been milking a cow, was willing to go further than Hitler expected, he beat a retreat, knocking over a pail of milk in his haste.* Although Hitler used the story as an example of how he had "thought of the eventual consequences," and controlled his passion, Hanisch, like Kubizek, believed that Hitler in reality was shy and timid around women and no doubt lost his nerve. Like many young men, Hitler was still groping toward those things that attract a woman to a man. According to Hanisch, Hitler once said that the tilt of a man's hat (which would show something of the man's personality) could have an alluring affect upon a woman. Hitler saw most women as fragile and easily seduced by men and told Hanisch it was wrong to take advantage of their weaknesses. He still had a "high opinion of love and marriage," but "little respect" for women outside the marriage role or the home. On the other hand he strongly condemned the "disloyalty" of husbands and felt they should adopt a "moral way of living." He told Hanisch that "a decent man can never improve a bad woman, but a [decent] woman can improve a man."* The way in which Hitler talked about women convinced Hanisch that Hitler's principles regarding them were really decent. Interestingly, just as when Hitler lived with Kubizek and disappeared for days at a time, he also would disappear occasionally from the Mannerheim. On one, or possibly two, occasions, a lengthy absence caused the loss of his room and he had to reregister when he returned. In July, Hitler had reason to believe that Hanisch was cheating him on what he was receiving for his paintings. He asked for a list of all Hanisch's customers and when Hanisch refused, their partnership began to crumble. Shortly after, Hanisch disappeared with two of Hitler's best paintings, including one oil titled Parliament House which Hitler valued at 50 kronen. Hitler filed a complaint with the police. Early in August, Hanisch was seen by a Jewish postcard seller named Siegfried Loffner who also had some bad dealings with Hanisch and also happened to know Hitler. When Loffner "reproached" Hanisch for having run off with one of Hitler's paintings, an argument ensued in the street and Loffner summoned the police.* Hanisch was arrested for possible embezzlement and carrying false identification papers. During the investigation Hitler was summoned to give a statement. Hanisch would try to discredit Hitler, even claiming that Hitler was the one who suggested that he use a different name. He also claimed that it was Hitler who was dishonest, and though he refused to reveal or call the buyer as a witness, claimed that he received only 12 kronen for Hitler's oil painting of the Parliament building. Hitler's testimony during the investigation was recorded as follows.

Royal and Imperial District Police Commissariat

Brigittenau [District]

August 5, 1910

Adolf Hitler, artist-painter, born in Braunau, 20 April, 1889, domicile [address for legal purposes] Linz, catholic, single, present address Vienna, XX [District], 27 Meldemann Strasse, declares: It is not correct that I advised Hanisch to use the name of Walter Fritz. I have never known him by any other name but Walter Fritz. Since he was destitute, I gave him the pictures I painted to sell. He regularly received 50% of the proceeds realized. For about two weeks Hanisch had not returned to the Home for Men, and stole from me the picture "Parliament House," valued at 50 kronen, and a watercolor valued at nine kronen. The only document of his that I ever saw was the employment booklet in question in the name of Fritz, Walter. I first met Hanisch in the lodging-house in Meidling. Adolf Hitler*

At the trial that followed on August 11, Loffner and Hitler testified against Hanisch who was sentenced to an additional week in jail. The eight-month business venture between Hitler and Hanisch was over. With the tourist season ending, Hitler found it harder to make a decent living but continued on his own. Hitler normally left his room at exactly 9 a.m. since the rules of the Mannerheim did not permit residents to stay in bed past that time. He would go down stairs for a light breakfast and then to the reading room for the morning papers. Around ten o'clock he would began work on a new painting by sketching out the picture. After lunch he spent much of the afternoon completing the detailed work and coloring. On days when he had available a sufficient number of paintings he would leave the Mannerheim late in the morning and tramp the streets selling his works. He would later return to the reading room where he painted by the window. He seldom retired early and was normally seen, late into the night, debating, reading, writing or painting. A few of the early risers condemned him for his "late" habits. Hitler, however, would continue to practice the same basic routine the entire time he resided at the Mannerheim. There were Jews at the Mannerheim with whom Hitler often discussed politics, and he "often found Jews who listened to his political debates."* Many of his favorite actors and musicians were Jews. He spoke enthusiastically about Gustav Mahler and the work of Felix Mendelssohn. Although he didn't agree with the politics of the late author and poet Heinrich (Harry) Heine, Hitler thought that his poetry deserved respect and argued that it was sad Germany did not "recognize his merit."*

The Brigittenau district where the Mannerheim was located sat next to the Leopoldstadt district which had been "set aside" for the Jews in 1623. The two districts were flanked by the Danube on one side and separated from the main city by the Danube Canal on the other. As the Jewish population increased, it had a tendency to push into the Brigittenau district swelling the Jewish population to 17%. Shortly after moving into the Mannerheim, Hitler stated, he observed an Eastern or orthodox Jew. The man had lengthy black hair-locks and was wearing a long black caftan. Hitler claimed that he was instantly repulsed by him. Nevertheless, he still saw Jews who looked and spoke German as Germans. The rampant anti-Semitism that existed in Europe failed to influence Hitler. One of his closest friends during this period was a Jew named Josef Neumann.* Neumann was a part time used clothes and art dealer who was instrumental in moving Hitler up the social ladder. He had previously given Hitler some respectable used clothes and then put him in touch with a few Jewish art dealers who purchased the best of Hitler's paintings. The dealers resold the paintings, for the most part, to Jewish businessmen, doctors and lawyers. Hitler, consequently, increased the number of his paintings and his business improved. Hitler's and Neumann's relationship turned into such a close friendship that on certain days they would spend all their time roaming the huge city, visiting museums or lost in conversation. Hitler and Neumann had long discussions about Zionism. In one conversation Neumann stated that if all the Jews left Austria the country would be in trouble for the Jews would carry away much of Austria's money. Hitler, who appears to have understood nothing about international banking affairs at the time, disagreed. He believed that the money would be confiscated since it was not Jewish but Austrian. In another discussion about the Jews, Hitler thought it possible that God had not personally given Moses the Ten Commandments but that Moses had collected them from various other cultures. But, if the Ten Commandments were the work of the Jews, Hitler believed, "they had produced as a nation one of the most marvelous things in history, since our whole civilization was based on the Ten Commandments."* Hitler would carry that thought with him for the rest of his life and would state thirty-one years later: "The Ten Commandments are a code of living to which there's no refutation."* Neumann was disenchanted with Vienna and dreamed of saving enough money and moving to Germany. The idea strongly appealed to Hitler and on one occasion they actually made plans to leave together. Their plans fell through and Neumann would depart by himself before the end of 1910 and may have been the one who planted the seeds in Hitler's mind of moving to Germany. Hitler felt a strong sense of obligation and openly praised Neumann long after he was gone. Hitler also had nothing but praise for the Jewish art dealers, including Altenberg, another named Landsberger, and a picture framer, Morgenstern, who bought most of his works. He thought highly of nearly all Westernized Jews, especially since they were "willing to take chances" by buying his art.* The most serious remark Hitler made against the Jews during this period (when Europe was awash in antiSemitism) was that he felt that one Jew who ran a pawn shop, "cheated" him on the price he received for the coat he had previously sold. Instead of going to a Jewish shop to buy a new one, as a friend suggested, he refused and went to a government pawn shop. That Hitler would make such a statement at the time was

not uncommon. The Jews as a group in Vienna were law-abiding citizens and had a conviction rate in most crimes that was lower than non-Jews. During Hitler's stay at the Mannerheim, however, they accounted for more than their share of crimes involving fraud, exacting excessive interest and illegal bankruptcy procedures.* Since many of these crimes were committed against fellow Jews, or left others holding a useless IOU, many Viennese found humor in their illegal acts. On the other hand, their activities did nothing to still the fervor of anti-Semitic newspapers. Hitler, who read newspapers everyday, was aware of these acts, yet reliable sources who knew him during this period make no mention of any anti-Jewish statements on his part. Hitler even went so far as to accuse members of the nobility of committing illegal acts while "using the Jews as agents," and also pointed out that "most capital is in the hands of Christians."* In the large reading room at the Mannerheim, Hitler began to join in on the discussions with the more educated "middle class" residents. Since "workers" were looked down on and seldom used the reading room, opinions like Hitler's were seldom heard. The normal discussion was politics and what "anti" remarks Hitler made against groups at this time were normally reserved for the rich and privileged no matter what their religion or race. He railed against stock companies, large industries, greedy people* and all their "unearned wealth."* The memory of Lueger and his fight against the upper strata was still fresh in Hitler's mind. He saw Lueger's dictatorial system of government as the most efficient. By admiring strong leadership, Hitler was soon at odds with most of the other debaters who favored the "give and take" leadership as found in liberal representative government. Because of the belief and feeling of the time, Hitler, without realizing it, as he would later write, had also been "inoculated with a certain admiration" of representative government and took it for granted.* By the time of Lueger's death, he had completely turned against the idea. Hitler saw that "representative government" always fell into the hands of the those with the wealth and he believed the rich took control of government only for their own self-interest. Hitler still saw royalty as the rightful heirs* and felt that "unjustified greed for profit on the part of some people represented a great danger for the state."* Since it wBecause of the belief and feeling of the time, Hitler, without realizing it, as he would later write, had also been "inoculated with a certain admiration" of representative government and took it for granted.* By the time of Lueger's death, he had completely turned against the idea. Hitler saw that "representative government" always fell into the hands of the those with the wealth and he believed the rich took control of government only for their own self-interest. Hitler still saw royalty as the rightful heirs* and felt that "unjustified greed for profit on the part of some people represented a great danger for the state."* Since it was the wealthy liberal middle class who more than any other group advocated representative government, he saw it as a "swindle." Hitler, who continued to visit Vienna's House of Representatives, observed at first hand what was so "elegantly reported," as he put it, in the liberal papers. As he sat above in the visitor's gallery one day and watched one session, consisting of a few hundred representatives, he would remember and later write: A comedy unfolded beneath my eyes .... A wild gesticulating mass, screaming all at once in every different key, was presided over by a pathetic old man sweating profusely as he tried

to revive the dignity of the House by violently ringing a bell and alternating between friendly appeals and grave warnings. I could not help laughing. A few weeks later I paid another visit. The picture had changed beyond recognition. The hall was practically empty. Down below most representatives were asleep. A few were in their places, yawning in each other's faces as one was speaking. The presiding vicepresident was in his chair, looking out into the hall with obvious boredom.* In front of the Representatives sat the shorthand writers who busily recorded the goings-on and Hitler would tell an accompanying friend that they were "the only people who do any work in this house." But he felt that it was unfortunate that "these hard-working men are of no importance whatsoever."* After observing the "representative process" in person, Hitler would write that he was saved from becoming a convert to a political theory which at first seems so alluring though the "ridiculous institution"* is a symptom of "human decadence." Hitler was particularly bothered by the lack of any individual responsibility by a representative body. Politicians as a group, he argued, can make decisions or refuse to act on matters "which may have the most devastating consequences, yet nobody bears the responsibility for it."* Hitler felt that representative government was a hindrance to efficiency and was incapable of solving problems as they arose. The upper classes have the security, standing, and money to weather hard times, but Hitler, like most people of the lower stratum, had little interest in long-range policies and had a desire for timely action. Unlike the educated and privileged, the young Hitler had a tendency to view politics in black-and-white terms and had an impatience with all the talk and discussion. His beliefs were influenced by the conditions that prevailed throughout the German speaking world and much of Europe. The previous century had seen an upheaval in the social structure of Europe and none of the present systems of government seemed able to deal with it.* Whether the wealthy were in complete control or aligned with royalty, the plight of the common man failed to improve and in many cases was made worse. Although countries like Britain and France had weathered the initial impact of the enormous changes brought on by industrialization, the remainder of Europe had just begun to feel the full effects. New production methods had forced many of the small craftsmen and artisans out of work. Technological innovations in agriculture forced many of the small farmers off the land. Changing business methods had forced many small shop owners and merchants out of business. Millions of common people gave up the struggle and headed for America where conditions were little better. Millions more were forced into the bulging cities of Europe to compete with the underpaid workers already there. Between 1895 and 1907, for example, the German machine-building labor force increased almost 300%, the mining and metal industry almost doubled, and employment in chemicals increased by 60%.* Housing for workers was cramped, their health care inadequate, and even though the largest percentage of German workers spent over 50% of their income on food, their diet was meager. For the fortunate ones who were able to achieve a better living, they accomplished it only by working long hours at jobs in which the majority found no

pleasure. The new German workers who came to the cities were filled with expectations but found little hope for themselves or their loved ones. The privileged either ignored or overlooked the fact that these workers were not rustic clodhoppers, but a fairly educated lot. The number of new workers whose fathers had been artisans (trained blue-collar workers) or members of the higher professions was double or triple the number of sons of peasants.* Although a significant number maintained traditional views, another group had picked up liberal middle class values, especially with regard to individualism and aspirations of mobility. But another large group stood between these two; a group that found traditional and liberal goals inappropriate and was groping toward new values.* Because of the mix of people residing at the Mannerheim, political conversations tended to cover a wide spectrum of views. Hitler, who was able to grasp different points of view because of his passion for reading diverse newspapers, was always in the midst of the discussions. He was one of the large group groping for new values and became strongly impressed with the views advocated in many of the Socialists newspapers--the views grounded on the beliefs of Karl Marx, the father of modern communism. To Karl Marx Because of its coarseness, Marx's gospel lost its momentum within his lifetime. In 1889, however, the year Hitler was born, and six years after Marx's death, a Second International movement was formed which hoped to spread the Marxian Gospel across the world with a toned down version. Afterward, "Communists" began to refer to themselves as "Socialists" even though the year before, Engels had stated in his preface to the English version of the "Communists Manifesto": Socialism was ... a middle-class movement, Communism a working-class movement. Socialism was..."respectable"; Communism was the very opposite. And as our notion from the very beginning, was that "the emancipation of the working class must be the act of the working class itself," there can be no doubt as to which of the two names we must take. Moreover, we have ever since, been far from repudiating it.* Most of the Communists, nonetheless, took to calling themselves Socialists. The growing strength of their movement, under the name of the Social Democrats, marched steadily onward. Failing to notice that the Social Democrats never clearly repudiated any of the Marxian Communists' goals, much of their leadership was drawn from the "progressive" and "liberal" ranks. Other "economists, philanthropists, humanitarians, improvers of the condition of the working class, organizers of charity, members of societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, temperance fanatics, hole and corner reformers of every imaginable kind,"* and other "revolution-makers," as Marx contemptuously called them, were also drawn to the Socialists out of "principles sake." The respectability that Marx and Engels never wanted was theirs. Although there were some liberals who were organizing parties that represented not only the rights of the

middle classes but those of small businessmen, artisans, and factory workers, it was too little to late. While crammed into the large cities, millions of common men, especially the industrialized working classes, looked about for anyone to help them. The Social Democrats seemed to be the only party who offered them anything. Out of desperation, for the most part, they flocked to its banner. As Hitler would later state: "The poverty into which they would fall sooner or later drove them finally into the camp of Social Democracy."* By the time Hitler entered the Mannerheim the Social Democrats were one of the most powerful parties in Central and Eastern Europe. A left-wing radical movement, that was more closely attuned to the teachings of Marx, was rapidly growing within their ranks. Hitler admitted that when he first came to Vienna he was attracted to the socialism of the Social Democrats. The relentless materialist approach of Marxism overshadowed its other liberal objectives and no doubt appealed to the young and financially insecure Hitler. Nearly all people of the lower classes cannot help but push for the redistribution of wealth--the one Marxist ideal with great appeal. But, as Hitler would later write, after living in Vienna for two years he came to see the "new" Marxist party as a "whore covered with a mask of social virtue and brotherly love." Hitler, who indisputably read the Communists Manifesto and other works of Marx, saw that when the economic ideals of Marx are removed, nearly everything remaining clashes with most people's thinking. He turned against the Social Democrats and began to hate everything their organization or their leaders stood for. As he would later write: These men degraded everything. The nation and country, because [they believed] it was an invention of the "capitalist" (how often I heard this word) class for the exploitation of the working class; the authority of law, because it was a means of oppressing the common man; school, was an institution for bringing up slaves or slave drivers; religion, was a means of doping the people so as to exploit them later; morality, was a badge of stupid and sleepish docility. There was nothing they did not drag through the depths of the mud.* In time, not believing that Germans came to hate their nation, religion, law, and the concept of morality on their own, Hitler "discovered," as he put it, from reading newspapers from cover to cover, that the Social Democrats and other liberals were poisoning the minds of the common man through their newspapers. He was amazed that men read newspapers and took everything as fact without any consideration as to who owned or edited the paper. Unlike most men who read only one paper, Hitler was slowly acquiring an understanding of how different news groups distort the same story to conform to their viewpoints or enhance the standing of their sacred cows. Hitler, like Schonerer, realized that the news media cast a strong opinion on the thoughts of others. His passion for reading had not abated and he would consume three or four newspapers at a morning sitting. He became so obsessed with reading different points of view of the same story that, if he had read all the papers in the reading room at the Mannerheim, and someone came in with another, he would wait to read it also. Like millions of others throughout Europe, Hitler saw voting as a joke. He believed that the Marxists,

borrowing and building on democratic and constitutional convictions laid down by the middle classes, were working under the Socialist banner to achieve Marx's goal. He believed that the Socialists used their press to glorify representative government so as to win "the favor of the crowd" which, considering their numbers, would lead to the ultimate triumph of Socialism and the destruction of the nations with their traditional, historical and moral values. "Representative government" or "western democracy, " as Hitler called it, "is the forerunner of Marxism [and] is the breeding-ground in which the Marxist plague can grow and spread." He saw the Social Democrats as "the deadliest enemy of our nationality,"* which, "spurred me on to a greater love for my country than ever before."* Hitler blamed the growth of the Socialists on the stupid and immoral actions of the wealthy and their representatives who refused to give in to "humanly justified" social demands because they couldn't obtain "any advantages for themselves." (The italics are Hitler's).* He thought that it was only a matter of time till the Marxists won over the crowd because of the lack of action by the "political bourgeoisie," as he called them, who refused to carry out tasks of "vital importance." Along with Hitler, most traditional Germans saw the new "Socialism" as a front for the old Marxism. They saw the Marxists as enemies of nationality, Christianity, tradition, family, law, order, and decency. It was these people, especially outside the large cities, all over Western and Central Europe whose vote did much to curtail the liberal Communist vision. Like many young men of the lower classes, Hitler held on to the traditional German dream of a strong leader who stood above politics and could immediately right the wrongs that existed. Hitler believed that, during bad times, representative and constitutional government was an obstacle to efficient social and economic leadership because of its built-in checks and counterchecks of command. Hitler also believed that in complicated affairs, like economics or foreign policy, "five hundred elected ... incompetent ... narrow-minded, vainglorious, and arrogant amateurs," who "lack all qualifications for the task," are supposed to decide issues "of the gravest importance for the future." Yet he states, not one of them would have the courage to admit that he, or his fellow representatives, knew anything about a subject under consideration because the other representatives would never "permit the game to be spoiled by such an honest ass." As to the objection that the representatives had "experts" and "special committees" to advise them, Hitler asked: "Why are five hundred elected ... ?"* Like Voltaire (the 18th century philosopher, who favored a type of enlightened despotism where rational laws guaranteed "natural rights"), Hitler also had his model in Frederick the Great of Prussia. Frederick was the greatest of the enlightened "despots" and because of his reign, unlimited power vested in a single ruler of benevolent disposition was seen as the best foundation of a state by many of the Enlightenment intellectuals. Hitler could also look to Germany where Otto von Bismarck, the creator of the Second Reich, had also been in complete control of domestic policy. Under his administration, limitations of the work week were instituted along with provisions to ensure safe and sanitary conditions in the work place. Free medical and

hospital services, accident insurance, and old age and invalids insurance were also instituted, even before Hitler was born. The leaders of the democratic nations scorned these pioneering social laws as nothing but sops to ensure the status of royalty. The workers of the "free world," however, would not see such social progress for decades. (In the United States, for example, comparable legislation would not be introduced for another fifty years.*) For all Bismarck did for German workers, however, Hitler was wise enough to know that Bismarck, because of his personality, methods and visions, would never have appealed to voters of any class. As Hitler would later write: "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a great man to be 'discovered' by an election."* Since he felt that the wealthy middle classes were only concerned with themselves and that the majority of workers were tools of the Marxists, he was firmly against voting as a means of choosing the leadership of the nation. He believed that both "western democracy" and "Marxism" repudiated the "aristocratic principle." At this time, Hitler considered the nobility as a group "superior"* and saw them as "a sort of noble race that would forever remain preeminent."* He believed they could handle matters better than a bunch of bickering representatives and felt they should lead, or appoint a leader like Bismarck to run the state. Such a leader (a Fuhrer) would stand above politics and have almost unlimited power to appoint whom he wanted to help run the state. He would not be answerable to a representative body, but, like a Wagnerian hero, would be "obliged to accept full responsibility for his actions and .... for those decisions he pledges all he has in the world and even his life."* Hitler felt that if the nation found itself with an unworthy or "cowardly" leader, the nobility would replace him. (Hitler continued to support a monarchy for years to come. As he would remark in 1942: "I must, however, quite frankly confess that in 1920, if the monarchy had been restored...we [National Socialists] should have supported it. It was only later that we gradually realized that a monarchy had outlived its times."* When Hitler published Mein Kampf (after his failed putsch) in 1925, he discarded the monarchy, and using a combination of ancient German history, myth, and nationalistic ideals of a mystical strong man to lead the German Volk, gave into the idea of a "free election"* since he knew it was his only way to power.*) Later he would come to despise the nobility as much as he despised the bourgeoisie. Those at the Mannerheim who didn't share Hitler's opinions thought he was "strange" or "odd." He was aware of those who considered him "eccentric," but he was also aware of those who found substance in his views. As one resident would later remark: "I believe that Hitler was the only one among us who had a clear vision of his future way."* Because rent had to be paid and food purchased, Hitler would sooner or later put his political visions aside and return to his painting. He admitted that he worked only enough to "avoid starvation," and one of his favorite remarks was: "Oh, to hell with the money!" As time passed, nevertheless, his funds improved and his life style appeared very respectable. He was still thin and frail, but he began to eat and dress better. Because of his artistic ability he was soon living as good as anyone in the Mannerheim. He was now making over 70 Kronen a month from his painting and also had his pension. He was very close to exceeding the 1,400 Kronen annual income limit set by the Mannerheim. In December of 1910, Hitler's aunt Johanna, Klara's sister, knowing her time was short withdrew her savings from the bank and gave Hitler a large share of it. She, like most of Hitler's other relatives, had

opposed his idea of becoming an artist. She nevertheless had corresponded with him on occasion and apparently had a change of heart. She gave him the money for the purpose of pursuing his career as an artist.* Five months after receiving this "windfall," and a month after Johanna's death, Angela, Hitler's step-sister, inquired at the Linz court as to whether Hitler was still entitled to his share of the orphan's pension since he now appeared self-supporting. Angela's husband had died the previous August, and with a daughter and son of her own, she now wanted Hitler's share of the pension to revert to the 15 year old Paula whom she was still raising. In May, 1911, at age 22 Hitler made the trip to Linz and according to Paula, "voluntarily" gave up the right to his share of the pension. According to court records Hitler stated he was "able to maintain himself and...[agrees] that the full amount of the orphan's pension should be put to the use of his sister."* Mayor Mayrhofer, Hitler's guardian, believed that Hitler had again acted "decently" and heard no complaints about Hitler's actions.* ( In later years when reporters and historians began making inquires, Mayrhofer, who knew the young Hitler as well as anyone, never found anything bad to say about him.) Exactly how much Hitler received from his aunt is a mystery, other than to report that it had been a "considerable sum." What Hitler did with the money is even a bigger mystery. Since there was little change in his life style, some feel he lost the money in some financial scheme. Since he never reported his windfall to the management, others feel he shrewdly doled it back to himself in small amounts as he had done with his inheritance when his mother died. Other's believe he may have squandered it away or (most unlikely) took a trip to Munich.** Actually, he may have taken a trip to the countryside that May before he returned to Vienna. As Hitler would later recount: Like chamois [small antelopes], girls are rare in the mountains. I must say I admire those lads who tramp for hours through the night, carrying a heavy ladder and running the risk of being bitten by the watch-dog--or having a bucket of cold water thrown over them for their pains! I have much more sympathy for them than for the type who wander round the big cities, rattling his five or ten marks in his pocket! On the other hand, there are times when the countryside has its advantages, though none but the brave deserve the fair. The nights of May, the month of the festival of the Holy Virgin, are wonderful in the country--and afford wonderful opportunities for a tender rendezvous to say nothing of the various pilgrimages, which offer a good excuse to spend the night anywhere. In Austria it is in Carinthia that these happy practices are most prevalent, and it is there one finds the loveliest maids.** Nonetheless, after Hitler returned to Vienna he resumed his painting. He produced landscapes and portraits in ink, watercolor and oils. With the warmer weather, and his Jewish contacts, he was able to sell everything he painted. Hitler knew and admitted to friends that his work was not masterful because he did not have the proper training. Although many of his later pictures are pleasant to look at and are the type the average person appreciates, they are not what the avant-garde or experts consider "art" (not enough "depth," they say). Technically, however, much of his work was "quite professional"* and pleasing. Though he, like many artists, never completely mastered perspective, Hitler knew that his real talent lay in architectural

renderings. Although many of his works were dashed off quickly for profit, he often did detailed sketches of certain scenes and buildings before painting them. He had "an undeniable eye for structure;"* most of his street scenes are often "technically excellent;"* and many of his buildings were executed with "genuine dexterity."* Like many untrained artist, he could not draw figures within the context of his paintings and they were usually out of proportion or stood unnatural when he did.** Understanding his own shortcomings, Hitler normally painted architectural structures or landscapes and left people out. The large number of street artists in Vienna made it impossible for Hitler to dredge out more than a meager living in the winter months. When sales dropped off he occasionally switched from street paintings to painting posters and rough advertisements for local businesses. His ad depicting Santa Claus holding "colored candies," or the one depicting the spire of St Stephen's rising out of a mountain of "soapsuds" have provided countless historians with fuel for condemnation. For advertising purposes, however, these ads had "depth" for their time. They also kept a roof over his head since he didn't have the financial support of wealthy relatives that most highborn "struggling" artists enjoy. Like many artists, Hitler thought of switching to the less glamorous end of the artistic endeavor and working for businesses where the income is steady. He "undertook technically difficult work for reproductions in print (usually engravings), mainly for posters or illustrations for advertisements of cosmetics, face powder, footwear, shoe polish and ladies' underwear."* For a while he renewed his dream of becoming an architect and secured, from a construction company, assignments producing elementary architectural designs.* Hitler was always looking for that "special mission" he thought he was to achieve. Almost everyone who met him was impressed by his ambition and energy at times. Between bouts of painting and reading, he would get an idea and throw himself into it for weeks or months at a time. After experimenting with model airplanes he attempted to design a full size airplane. After reading the science journals in the reading room about underwater exploration, his imagination was fired and he attempted to design waterdiving equipment. He noted that paper money wore out too quickly and felt bills should be made smaller. He then attempted to come up with an idea for enclosing them in celluloid. He occasionally resumed his idea of writing a book and in many cases told people he was a writer. What he was attempting to write at this time is not known. If anyone in the Mannerheim tried to look over his shoulder, he would hunch over and shield his writing with his arm. But, he read a number of books on philosophy, Eastern and Western religions, astrology, occultism, and ancient Greece and Rome which abounded with Gods. He was remarkably knowledgeable about the history of German antiquity and the numerous gods and heroes of its mythology. He also knew his Bible, being particularly well versed in the Old Testament.* He had also read Dante's Divine Comedy* which is religious in content (though its goals were ethical) and showed great sympathy for pre-Christians who had contributed philosophical ideals. Hitler's design may have been to write a book on religion, or a theme concerning Christianity again, which, as with his earlier "opera," had always appealed to him from a worldly point of view. Just as quickly his interest would wane and he would abandon one idea after another. Friends would then marvel over his complete lack of activity. In a short time he would recover and return to his painting until

another big idea dawned. By such twists and turns however, he began to acquired information in many fields unknown to most men. His reading was far from the narrow confines accepted by most intellectuals. "With the indiscriminateness of the self-educated,"* his readings opened up a whole world of ideas. Unlike most intellectuals, academics and professionals (who spent a large part of their lives acquiring an expertise in one particular subject, and who are, consequently, surprisingly ignorant of nearly everything else outside their expertise) Hitler had a scope of interconnecting knowledge that was widening. He also had a "extraordinarily efficient memory" which retained what he read.* Although he was not an authority in anything, he was acquiring a vast general knowledge which was "nothing short of amazing."* In addition, men of education usually keep within their own circles or class and are oblivious to other classes desires and beliefs. Hitler's changing life styles and locations since a youngster had exposed him to a wide range of social classes which laid the seeds of insight into the driving motivations of different classes. Mythology can also "open a window to a people's soul"* and Hitler's reading and knowledge of German Mythology had also given him special insights that few people understand. His habit of reading different newspapers with different perspectives also gave him a more realistic and discerning view of events. He knew when to "retain the essential and discard the non-essential [propaganda]." Unlike those trained in the academic tradition, he was not easily swayed by the opinions of others. He came to understand that the "educated classes" are just as blinded by their interests and in protecting their way of life and, consequently, are as predisposed, prejudiced, narrow-minded and unenlightened as any other class. As even Marx noted, the place a person assumes in the economic order deeply influences his sense of identity. Hitler did not identify with the "have or satisfied" classes, but he did not identify with the lower strata of the industrialized working classes either. In the political discussions that continued in the reading room, which at times had twenty debaters, Hitler, over the course of a year, became the leading speaker for the people caught in between the two. Besides denouncing those of the upper classes, Hitler continued to rail against the Marxists and their trade union organizations which preached the brotherhood of man. As he would later state: The eternal mouthings about the communal sprit which brings men together of their own free will, makes me smile. In my own little homeland, when the lads of the village met in the local tavern, their social instincts rapidly degenerated, under the influence of alcohol, into brawling, and not infrequently, finished up in a real fight with knives. It was only the arrival of the local policeman which recalled them to the realization that they were all fellow-members of a human community.* In a place like the Mannerheim, where the lowest to the higher strata of individuals resided, Hitler was exposed to all. He had learned that great differences exists between men, and he had nothing but contempt for those who blindly followed the Socialist creed--which in Austria was the most Marxist and leftist of all the Social Democratic parties of Europe. At times, the political discussions could get very heated and the conversation would be taken to the street or the green space behind the building to avoid the wrath of

the Mannerheim administration. Although Hitler could debate in a logical and dignified manner, still somewhat disillusioned and angry, he could be very antagonizing. He was not beneath using vulgar and obscene language, and was particularly fond of the word, "shithead." There were those who found him crude or offensive. He reportedly once suffered a beating from two Social Democrat transport workers for calling them "idiots." For days, it was said, he nursed body bruises, a swollen face and a large lump on the head.* Hitler remembered his father as a much respected official to whom people raised their hats and whose word carried weight. His father however, had earned this respect. In the big city, Hitler was nobody and unknown. He soon realized thHitler remembered his father as a much respected official to whom people raised their hats and whose word carried weight. His father however, had earned this respect. In the big city, Hitler was nobody and unknown. He soon realized that to turn men's minds he needed a sound opposing argument to win them to his point of view. In time, as he would later state, "I learned to talk less and listen more to those whose opinions and objections were boundlessly primitive." At times he could still become belligerent, but he knew when he had gone too far. With a wave of his hand, he would abruptly cut short his remarks and return to his painting. At other times he would realize that he didn't know enough about the topic, break off the conversation and then spend the next day or two reading about it. He was learning that it was persuasion and tact that were needed to win men's minds to his views, not a temper which would draw their hostility. He would then return another day to resume the battle. Mentally (as more than one philosopher has noted), most people are authentically who they are by the time they reach their early twenties. From then on they look only for confirmation of their views. Hitler was no different. His reading tended to be only from the perspective of finding confirmation of those principles and ideas he already had. After reading something that corresponded to his beliefs, he would often read it aloud to others and state: "You see, the man who wrote this is of exactly the same opinion."* In time Hitler became one of the best debaters and most respected people in the Mannerheim reading room. Gone was the beard of the rebel. He learned to listen. He did not try to antagonize people. According to observers he was usually "polite," " friendly," " helpful," " goodhearted," "charming," and "wasn't proud or arrogant". He took an interest in his companions and would always stop to help or advise a friend. He contributed and even organized collections for men who had run out of money and needed a quick helping hand to stay another day. On the other hand, he still never became overly friendly and, unlike most men, seldom talked about himself. No one thought of taking his favorite chair near the window and most placed the distinctive "Herr" (referring to a gentleman) before his name. As one resident noted: "He seemed to understand everyone." In time, even the director of the Mannerheim would occasionally stop to talk with him--"an honor seldom granted a resident."* Hitler however, was not satisfied. "A feeling of discontent seized me," he stated in Mein Kampf. Like many young people who find substance in posters and slogans that praise other places, over his bed hung one that glorified Germany. Germany was a land that had been beckoning to him for years. Although all of Europe was alive with counter-political beliefs, Vienna with its international flavor of warring parties and nationalities, did not play well against Hitler's ideas of a strong German nation. Hitler also believed the Habsburgs, in attempting to quell the unrest in Austria, were practicing an anti-German policy by

unfairly giving in to the other nationalities and minorities which sooner or later would bring about the collapse of the empire. The lure of Germany finally won out. With some obscure ideal of hopefully finding a position "as a designer" for a large architectural firm,* he decided to return to the state of Bavaria where as a boy he had developed his dialect. He had been at the Mannerheim for nearly three and a half years. In the end he had not only won the respect of most of the men there, but also their friendship. There were those who were sorry to see him go. On May 24, 1913, shortly after his 24th birthday, Hitler stuffed his few belongings into a single suitcase and headed for the railroad station (Westbahnhof). He purchased a one-way ticket to Munich, Germany. (Interestingly, shortly before Hitler left Vienna, Joseph Stalin (at age 33 just an up and coming Bolshevik ) was sent to Vienna in January 1913 to study the "Austrian situation." He rented a room just off the NE corner of Schonbrunn Park for a month and while there, working with the German socialists, wrote a Marxist tract. Hitler continued to visit Schonbrunn Park at that time. Perhaps the two (who were to become adversaries exactly twenty years later) crossed paths.) Continue: Top of Page Footnotes: (One asterisk is for a footnote, two asterisks are for additional information.)

A Real German chapter 7

Hitler arrived at the main railroad station (Hauptbahnhof) in Munich on May 25, 1913.* He left the station and began searching for an apartment. The speech of the people reminded him of his childhood and he was "full of enthusiasm."* Munich, though not as large as Vienna, was a thriving city with over 600,000 people. It had been the capital of Bavaria since 1255, and past Bavarian kings had contributed greatly to its art and architecture. Painting, sculpture, and architecture museums abounded. Munich was often referred to as the "modern Athens." Besides being the center of German art, it boasted one of the best universities and libraries in Germany and was the intellectual center of Bavaria. A few blocks north of the railroad station, Hitler stopped before a four-story building on Schleissheimer Strasse to inquire about a posting: "Furnished rooms to let for respectable gentlemen." After a short talk with the landlady, he took a room for 20 marks a month, three flights up, where his only window overlooked the street. The owner of Hitler's new residence was a Paris trained tailor named Josef Popp who had his business on the ground floor while the "first and second floors" were occupied by himself, his wife, their two children and their parents. When Mr. Popp first observed "the new lodger" his wife had rented to, he was glad to see that Hitler "was far from shabby."* His wife found Hitler to be a well mannered "Austrian charmer."* As required, Hitler registered with the local police department, but this time as an "Architectural painter from Vienna." To show his contempt for Austria., or possibly attempting to emulate other "men of the world," he designated himself as "stateless" (as Marx had done in his youth) though Hitler made no attempt to relinquish his Austrian citizenship. Hitler's residence was located on the edge of the artist colony and student district in the Schwabing area not far from the University. The area sprawled over the northern part of the city and bristled with art shops, studios, book stalls, and cafes. During the days the streets thronged with young people and older dreamers carrying sheet music, canvases or manuscripts to and fro in hopes of instant success. Most of these would-be "great artists" were normally found in the numerous cabarets and beer gardens. Brewing was Munich's major industry and life revolved around the beer mug. The atmosphere in the Schwabing district also drew misfits, malcontents and rootless characters from all over Europe. Twelve years earlier, Vladimir Ulianov, using the name Meyer, lived a few blocks up the street from Hitler's new address. During "Meyer's" stay he busily wrote inflammatory articles that were smuggled into Russia under his underground name, Lenin. On the other hand, less ambitious but just as optimistic people also passed through the area. Not far away in a room similar to Hitler's, Oswald Spengler had begun writing The Decline of the West. Thomas Mann also lived in the district and was writing about social disintegration and moral decay. (Twenty-five years hence, while in exile, Mann would write (almost in admiration)

about the man responsible for that exile--Adolf Hitler.) For one who intended to make his livelihood as an artist, Adolf Hitler had picked a good time to relocate. The tourist trade would soon reach its height. The cafes and shops offered ample opportunity to sell his work. Full of hope, Hitler began his painting the very next day. According to Mrs. Popp, within a few days, Hitler completed "two lovely pictures," one of the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) and the other of the Theatinerkirche (Church of the Theatines). Hitler, enthralled by his new environment, would rise early in the morning in search of customers and take up the brush later in the day. He took his meals at local restaurants for awhile but always the economizer he soon brought sausage,* bread and the like to his room. For a young man, Hitler surprised the Popps by his aloofness. Whenever they offered him the advantage of joining them for supper or conversation he often found an excuse to refuse. As in Vienna he never became overly friendly and could not be induced to talk about himself. Mrs. Popp noticed that he seldom received mail from Austria and when he did it was usually from his "sister." There were times when he would just stay in his room for days painting or "with his nose buried in heavy books"* he obtained from the Bavarian State Library which was a fifteen minute walk from his room. Mrs. Popp noted that he often "read and studied from morning to night." She noticed that the books covered a wide variety of subjects including politics, and once asked Hitler what he expected to gain by all that reading. Hitler, she said, smiled and took her by the arm and while walking beside her said: "Dear Frau Popp, does anyone know what is, or what isn't, likely to be of use to him in the future?" The Popps found Hitler to be a modest and charming young man who kept himself and his room very clean. The Popps' children and parents were also "very fond of the young man"* and felt that Hitler was a "nice" person. Since Mr. Popp's livelihood depended on his reputation as a master tailor, he took an interest in how his tenants dressed. For a modest fee he supplied Hitler with a couple of fitted suits and a well tailored topcoat which Hitler kept, like his room, in impeccable order.* To satisfy his sweet tooth, Hitler often purchased "day old" rolls and cakes for a reduced rate at a bakery shop down the street and to the left on Gabelsberger Strasse. In time he befriended the baker, Franz Heilmann, who purchased two of his paintings. In a 1952 interview Heilmann remembered Hitler as a "sensible" and "respectful" young man who was always neatly dressed. As Hitler learned the in-and-outs of the Munich art business, his paintings began bringing in 10 to 25 marks apiece and he sold all he could paint. Since a bank clerk of his age made about 70 marks a month while many metal workers, with families to provide for, made less than 100 marks a month, his success as an artist was undeniable. Hitler still did many of his paintings, after viewing the object when possible, from photographs or post cards. His favorite spot when painting was at his window overlooking the street. As in Vienna, some of

his paintings were done on the scene. He painted the Hofbrauhaus (one of the biggest pubs in the world and the most celebrated of Munich's beer halls) so many times he could paint it from memory with all its details. Interestingly, some artists, like van Gogh, believed that one must see what one is painting, while others, like Gauguin, believed that artists should paint from memory--Hitler didn't seem to have a preference. Although Hitler did some work in oils, most of his works during this period were watercolors. He refused to hire an agent and sold his paintings to the Kunsthandlung Stuffle (an art shop) on Maximilian Strasse* or to tourists and businessmen on the broad Leopold Strasse. That Hitler would peddle his paintings on Leopold is noteworthy--Munich's Academy of Art rests right off Leopold and there can be little doubt that some "customers" assumed that Hitler was a struggling art student and/or might become famous some day. A doctor Schirmer remembered that Hitler approached him when he was having a beer at one of the many beer gardens in the area at the time. Hitler, he said, was neatly dressed and politely asked him if he was interested in purchasing a small oil painting he had with him. The doctor purchased the painting for 25 marks and commissioned Hitler to reproduce two of his favorite postcards in water colors. Hitler completed the paintings of Bavarian mountain lakes within a week. Hitler soon began making over 100 marks a month. Since he had few material aspirations (he admitted to an acquaintance years later that one Mark a day was enough for lunch and supper and he could live "very well" on 80 marks a month) he began to enjoy a very comfortable life style Hitler however, was not proud and appreciated what people did for him. As time passed, Mrs. Popp found him very helpful. Hitler would help her around the house and was not beneath beating carpets, bringing in the coal or filling her list at the market. He may even have helped with bigger chores because the later references to him as a housepainter or paperhanger stem from his residency with the Popps.* He also entertained her son by reading "military books" to him. When Mr. Popp gathered with friends for his weekly card game, Hitler, who never gambled, was not adverse to running errands for them. When the card game ended, Hitler occasionally would join Mr. Popp and his friends in a certain amount of socializing and conversation. Popp and most of his friends considered Hitler an "emancipated, interesting figure."* Most of these discussions covered art, music and Bavaria. During most of its history Bavaria had been an independent kingdom but joined Bismarck's "Second Reich" in 1871. (The "First Reich" was the "Holy Roman Empire" (962-1806) which Napoleon destroyed.) Of the 26 German states, Bavaria was second only to Prussia in size and influence. Prussian dominance however, angered many of the Bavarians and although most accepted their status, there was a small though active group who advocated an independent Bavaria. Another group favored separation from Germany and union with their fellow Catholics of Austria. Bavaria, consequently, held a special independent position in Germany, and politics were always a major topic. Hitler, as an outsider, found a ready audience and was listened to with respect. Acquaintances reported that his political views were consistent and that he liked to predict political developments.* In time Hitler and Mr. Popp used to have political conversations almost every night. A fellow lodger who had no liking for politics found the discussions insufferable and ended up moving.* In his spare time, Hitler visited the local beer halls or cafes where he never had any trouble finding

someone to talk to. Three of his haunts were the Schwabinger Brauerei on Leopold Strasse, the Mathaser Bierhalle on Bayer Strasse and the Schwemme--the huge low priced beer room in the Hofbrauhaus on Brauhaus Strasse. The normal clientele of these haunts were usually working people of blue and white collar, but he also met and befriended a lawyer, Ernst Hepp, and his wife at this time.* Beer halls have always had a reputation as places where the sexes mix and in places like the Mathaser and Hofbrauhaus its down right impossible not to. There can be little doubt that Hitler came into contact with women. He however, never brought a woman to his room, even though he could have entertained since the Popps had no objections. Social and religious pressures being what they were, Germans, like the Austrians, outwardly adhered to a proper and acceptable form of conduct. Due to Hitler's upbringing, which was dominated by the Victorian idea of strict morality, he was often dismayed by the social changes he observed. "Munich is a particularly tolerant town," Hitler would later say, "When I arrived there from Vienna, I was astonished to see officers in shorts taking part in a relay race. Such a thing would have never been tolerated in Vienna."* Hitler, consequently, would hardly have been the type to flaunt any encounters with women. (Once, in Vienna, when Hitler walked in on Kubizek and a female classmate, who had stopped at their apartment for an innocent meeting, Hitler was "furious.") In Germany, as in Austria, the rigid observance of class distinctions also forced many unmarried middle class men to be secretive about the women they associated with. If Hitler had any relationships with women at this time, he kept it to himself. Those who remembered Hitler from these days however, were impressed by his eyes and by the impressive vocabulary which he had gained from his constant reading and debates in Vienna. The Schwabing district was considered the intellectual center of Munich, and the conversation in the places Hitler frequented invariably got around to politics. Of the eight major parties in Germany, the Social Democrats had taken over as the largest party the year before Hitler arrived (1912) and the young flocked to its international banner. Hitler, consequently, found many adversaries. When taking an opposite position and attacking the Marxists values that so many of the young clung to, he was bound to offend some people. On the other hand, Hitler's ideas about curtailing the power and influence of the rich, outlawing stock companies, and letting the state take over or share in the profits of big industry* no doubt found a ready audience--even among the Marxists. As one listener would later described him: "At first positively repulsive, somewhat nicer on further acquaintance." Many of Hitler's other ideas were also far from outlandish, and since nearly everyone in the Schwabing area was against something, he "was often listened to with respect by the laborers, clerks and drifters who populated the pubs he usually favored."* Still, Hitler realized that his anti-representative and pro-national opinions created hostilities on the part of some listeners. He was regarded as a "crank" by some of the "educated" who have always viewed working class people, who do not accept their views, as unsophisticated and stupid. To Example of Hostilities Hitler however, was far from alone in his beliefs. Just as he and his schoolmates were taught in the Austrian schools that they were to civilize the non-Germans within their empire, German school children were taught much the same but on a world scale. Like the British upper crust (who had nothing but contempt for the different "races" within their empire) the German upper crust portrayed themselves as

leaders and regenerators of mankind while other "races" were represented as incompetent and decadent. Culturally, German achievements compared favorably with those of any neighbor or rival and in some categories were without peer. Germans were winning almost twice as many Nobel Prizes as any other people and students flocked to German universities from all over the world. Germany gave many outward signs of being a nation poised for further social and political progress, and even possibly enlightened leadership of the western world. German nationalists had declared that, "Germany was the center of God's plan for the world," and the German Kaiser, William II, had recently declared: "God has called us to civilize the world; we are the missionaries of human progress." A teacher, professor or any other propagandist who did not teach the racial, moral, intellectual and physical superiority of the Germans, plus their destiny to lead Europe, was doomed to obscurity. A whole generation of Germans grew up supporting these ideas and though the Marxists could brag that they spoke for 4,000,000 voters, it was Marxist materialism that appealed to their followers and little else. To German Nationalism Pan-Germanism (ultra nationalism) was not organized as a movement until 1894 by Ernst Hasse. "We want territory," he stated in one of his books, "even if it be inhabited by foreign peoples, so that we may shape their future in accordance with our needs." The Pan-Germans went on to claim large areas of land in today's Russia, Poland, and Lithuania solely because these lands were inhabited by small minorities of Germans. They had no patience with talk of internationalism. They clung to the dream of a Great German Reich where "all men of German tongues" would one day gather. The Pan-Germans also advocated a race program where those Semites and other non-Germans who had not obtained German citizenship were to be expelled from the country--"ruthlessly and to the last man." Those who were citizens were to be treated as foreigners, barred from public office, prohibited from voting or owning real estate, and compelled to pay double taxes for the good of German national life. PanGermanism was not an idea conceived by crackpots and radicals but by intellectuals, writers, scholars and experts. A large portion of its membership consisted of teachers, professors and those working in the news media.* There were also others who were much more radical in their nationalistic fervor. They felt that most of the intellectuals and other higher-ups where out of touch with the general populace. Many of these men, like Richard Wagner before them, promoted "feel" and "intuition" as opposed to "reason" in reaching the masses. Men like the writer, Alfred Schuler, damned representative governments and joined the nationalists in looking forward to a day when a hero/leader--a Fuhrer-- would make Germany the greatest country in the world. Schuler, like Lanz in Vienna, taught that any measures could be justified in dealing with other nations or races for the sake of advancing the German nation. Schuler often gave speeches in the many coffeehouses in the Schwabing and it is possible that Hitler

heard him speak. Although Hitler would also be accused of holding such visions at that time, there is no evidence to support the rumor. "Hitler was then an enemy of any kind of terror," an acquaintance would later state.* Others who knew Hitler at the time make no mention of any outlandish views. He was realistic in his views and appeared content with his life. Even Hitler's art continued to be pleasant, academic and realistic at a time when many artists in Germany considered themselves "free from civilized restraint." Since the turn of the century, changes in the practice of art had battered traditional and academic values of painting. While Vienna maintained its mostly anti-modern stance, Munich (like Paris, Brussels, and Barcelona) had become an art center which was world renowned for its varying experimental art. In large part, because of advances in photography, painting was no longer seen as a mirror to be held up to the world, but a "language." Artists throughout Europe were determined to remake art and wanted to move away from, as they saw it, "European bad taste." Fauvism, cubism, futurism, and other art "movements" followed one another in rapid succession. The year before Hitler arrived in Munich, a Russian, Vasili Kandinsky founded an artistic movement in Munich known as "The Blue Rider." Earlier (1910) Kandinsky came home and saw one of his paintings leaning against a wall but on its side. Not recognizing it momentarily he saw "an indescribably beautiful picture that glowed with an inner radiance ... I could see nothing but forms and colors, and whose subject was incomprehensible..."* He claimed that this was the direction which he had long been groping for and subsequently created one of the first "abstract" paintings--devoid of representational content. He gave many of his pieces titles that did not refer to anything; such as: "Composition VII, Fragment I." Kandinsky and his fellow "nomads" (as the citizens of Munich called the long haired refugees from Russia and the Balkans) caused artists from all over Europe to stream into the Schwabing district looking for "artistic freedom." Many of the new hopefuls, the so-called avant-garde, ran around with "uncut hair and loose cravats to advertise their genius." Excess, accompanied by an unexpected novelty that startled and shocked, often launched those of mediocre or no ability into the limelight. Although some critics would describe the non-objective movement as "the most decisive breakthrough in twentieth-century art," Hitler avoided all tendencies of political expression, forcefulness, experimentation or radicalism. He never accepted the idea that an artist's "feelings," expressed by unrecognizable forms and colors, was art. Hitler's sentiments were not based on ignorance. Because of his many visits to excellent art museums, and his reading on the subject, he had obtained an impressive amount of knowledge in art history. Hitler considered "modern art" nothing but "deplorable smears." He believed that if people like Kandinsky (who attended the University of Odessa and who had been offered a professorship in law ironically) did not have the right connections, their "spiritual" ideas of art would have got them "locked up in asylum." Hitler believed that the art critics who praised such "alien trash" were too "ignorant or insecure" to state their true feelings. He also felt that the ruling "elite" knew absolutely nothing about art and (as he may have put it in English) let themselves be screwed and swallowed all the crap.* Hitler considered such art one of

the "symptoms of a slowly rotting world." He despised all "modern art" whether it came from the authoritarian right or the Marxist left. On the other hand, Hitler's understanding of art history gave him a keen perception into the value of social comment through art. Although, for financial reasons, he seldom painted such works, he did paint one while still in Vienna which depicted a tranquil street scene.* But, he painted in all the advertising posters that were pasted all over the walls in the foreground, reducing the painting to one of contrasts. It is inconceivable that he painted the scene for money; yet, he did an extensive detailed drawing before painting it.* It appears that he was "commenting" on the excesses of advertisers who drew his wrath at the time. He titled the painting Alt Wien, Ratzenstadl. The last word is slang for "rat infested, " or "hot with rats." If one studies the painting and the drawing, it appears that he was not commenting on Old Vienna, but on those responsible for the posters. During the winter months in Munich, as in Vienna, the tourist trade dwindled and Hitler designed and painted commercial posters for business and thereby continued to keep his income at nearly 100 marks a month. He put aside the "artist pride" so many are noted for and even accepted the menial task of using his brushes to paint "signs" of the days bargains in grocery stores and butcher shops.* He had told a friend in Vienna that he was leaving there in order to enter the Academy of Art in Munich (and may have felt the need to since his aunt had bequeathed him money for such studies), but he appears never to have tried since circumstances handed him such an easy lot. Hitler's easy life was abruptly shaken on Jan 18, 1914. The Munich police arrested him. They had received a summons from the Austrian Government requiring Hitler to show himself in Linz in two days. Hitler was tentatively being accused of leaving Austria to evade military service. If this was found to be true, he could be fined up to 2000 kronen, sentenced to a year in prison, and he would still have to fulfill his military obligations. After being taken to police headquarters, Hitler explained that he was not trying to evade military service. Draft dodgers at that time went to Switzerland, not to Germany, which had an extradition treaty with Austria. The local authorities were sympathetic to Hitler's story and with the help of his lawyer friend, Hepp, Hitler was granted an audience the next day with the Austrian Consulate General. Hitler explained to the Consulate that he had not known that he was required to register for the draft in the later part of 1909, but had registered in the early part of 1910 shortly after moving into the Mannerheim. He stated that he had not heard anything till now and that it was impossible for him to return to Austria in the one remaining day allotted. The Consulate was impressed with Hitler's explanation and advised the Austrians to grant him an extension. The following day (the same day Hitler was to report at Linz) the Consulate received a negative response which stated: "Is to report on 20 January." The Austrian authorities, possibly slighted over Hitler's statement of "Stateless" on his German registration card, wanted Hitler to be taken to the border and handed over to them. The Consulate however, refused to repatriate Hitler and personally acted on his

behalf. Since his lung affliction years before, Hitler had always been a lean and frail person suffering from "bronchial catarrh."* Consequently the Consulate advised Hitler to send a letter to Linz and the Consul himself sent an accompanying letter which stated that Hitler "was suffering from a condition which renders him unfit for military service and at the same time removes all motive for evading it ... As Hietler [sig] seems very deserving of considerate treatment, we shall provisionally refrain from handing him over as requested...."* Hitler's own rambling letter covered almost everything about his hard times in Vienna during the period in question. He noted that he was not one to break the law despite his great need at the time amidst often very "questionable surroundings." He also added: "I have always preserved my good name, am untainted before the law and clean before my own conscience except for that one omission over the military report, which at the time was not known to me."* Although most historians like to point this mishap out as a lie on Hitler's part, his story is more than credible. If he wanted to lie he only had to say that he signed up in the fall. However, by admitting that he did not register till the following spring, he caused himself all kinds of trouble (which was the reason for his lengthy explanation--three and a half pages of 16 x l3 inch paper). Hitler stated that he had reported in Vienna "to the Conscription Office IB Townhall" in February of 1910 and informed the authorities that he was living at the Mannerheim. He was tAlthough most historians like to point this mishap out as a lie on Hitler's part, his story is more than credible. If he wanted to lie he only had to say that he signed up in the fall. However, by admitting that he did not register till the following spring, he caused himself all kinds of trouble (which was the reason for his lengthy explanation--three and a half pages of 16 x l3 inch paper). Hitler stated that he had reported in Vienna "to the Conscription Office IB Townhall" in February of 1910 and informed the authorities that he was living at the Mannerheim. He was told to register in the XX District where the Mannerheim was located. He reported there, he stated, signed the necessary papers and paid one Krone. He further stated, that he was always on the register in Vienna. This without a doubt is the truth since Hitler's registration cards still exist today. With the exception of the short period he spent living in shelters or on the street, he had always filed his address with the local police. Hitler also stated that he had been "in correspondence with the local court in Linz which was my guardianship office. Accordingly my address could easily have been obtained through the latter at any time."* This statement is verified by Hitler's testimony to the Vienna authorities concerning the fallout with Hanisch where Hitler states that his home parish was "Linz." A man who would be trying to get lost in the crowd and evade military service would hardly give as precise information to the police as Hitler did: "Adolf Hitler, artistpainter, born in Braunau, 4/20/1889. Permanent address, Linz. Catholic, single. Now resident [District] XX Meldemann Strasse 27."* A bureaucratic error by the Austrian authorities also had Hitler's name recorded as "Hietler." Even after an investigation that began in August of 1913, to track him down, the error was never corrected. "Law enforcement in Austria was proverbially genial, if not sloppy."* The Consulate General, referring to the summons, and no doubt trying to avoid another bureaucratic entanglement, spelled Hitler's name as "Hietler"* even though Hitler signed all his correspondence in the case with his correct name and on one

occasion wrote "Hitler, Adolf"* as though to clarify the problem. The Austrian authorities, finally seeing their error, dropped their insistence on his immediate return. All fines and all charges were dropped. On Feb. 5, 1914 Hitler reported, not as a guarded deserter but as a regular recruit to Salzburg (to save him the trouble of traveling all the way to Linz) to have a physical for possible army service. Even though Hitler admitted to earning a "100 marks" a month, the Austrian embassy, realizing the fault lay with them, paid for the trip. After a thorough examination which included "mental abilities," the five foot, nine inch Hitler was found to be "unfit" and like a large number of other conscripts, was rejected because he was "too weak" for armed service.* (Although many historians have made much about Hitler's "rejection," nothing was out of the ordinary. Even Marx noted in his book, Capital, that in the later part of the 19th century, after a nine year study in Prussia, it was found that "out of [every] 1000 conscripts 716 were unfit for military service.")* Under Austrian "recruitment law" Hitler would not have to report again for one full year. If his condition had not improved he would still be required to report one more time. Only after being rejected on the third occasion would he be exempt from military service.* Hitler returned to Munich and his comfortable and respectable life style. In April 1914, Hitler turned 25 years old. Like most men leaving their adolescence behind, he had matured and most of the petty resentments of unfulfilled youth were left behind. He visited the many art and technical museums throughout the city and repeatedly visited the German (Deutsche) Museum located on an island in the Isar. He spent some of his spare time at the opera on Max-Joseph-Platz and at the library on Ludwig Strasse. He spent most of his time reading books or magazines and painting each day. He continued to visit the local cafes where he read the daily papers, ate pastries, sold his paintings, and expounded on his views to those around him. Like millions of other law-abiding Germans, he went almost unnoticed among the crowd. On June 28, 1914 Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir apparent to the Austrian throne, and his wife were visiting the Balkans. They were shot and killed in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist. This seemingly local incident would at first appear not to affect Hitler, however, this was not the case. To The Balkans Because it was believed (and later confirmed) that the Serbian secret police played a hand in the murders, the Austrian government worried that the incident would ignite revolts among the other restless "races"* within the Empire. They therefore decided to take strong measures against the "unruly Serbs" and reduce Serbia in power and land. Believing the incident would not go beyond a localized affair, they nonetheless sought the approval of their major ally, Germany. Germany's recent successes, however, had earned her the suspicion and hostility of the other world powers. Germany's determination to build up a navy and compete for colonies, alienated an ambitious Great Britain. Germany's founding of a few minor colonies in the Pacific, threatened the aspirations of Japan, and to some extant the United States. Germany's determination to build a Berlin to Baghdad railroad, threatened the goals of Russia. By attempting to expand in North Africa, Germany outraged

France. All of these "great" nations viewed the newcomer as a threat to their economic, political and colonial self-interest. Compounding matters, France had been Germany's bitterest rival ever since their first battle in the year 1214, and the French were still smarting over the defeat Bismarck had dealt them in 1870--symbolized by Alsace-Lorraine. Since the fall of the Roman Empire the French had always viewed themselves as the new inheritors of the continent and were very resentful of German power. France not only aimed at recovering Alsace-Lorraine but dreamed of controlling the German Rhineland and so destroying Germany as a rival forever. Because Germany had a "Triple Alliance" which included herself, Austria and Italy, in 1902 France signed an agreement with Italy which seriously weakened the Triple Alliance. A few years later, France brought about a reconciliation between Russia and Great Britain. The three formed the Triple Entente. Militarily, Germany was becoming isolated and surrounded by rivals who longed to see her reduced in wealth and power. When Austria inquired as to whether Germany would support her, word was sent from Berlin that the "blank. check" was still in effect (see The Balkans) and promised German backing if Russia, who viewed herself as protector of the Slavs, threatened to support Serbia. But, the German government "favored strictly limited military operations, which were considered justifiable, even in London."* The German leaders also believed the war would not go beyond a localized affair.* However, because of treaties, public and private, events took a different course. When Austria declared war on Serbia on July, 28, 1914, Russia mobilized a large part of its regular armies in support of Serbia. Germany demanded that Russia demobilize. With the encouragement and advice of France,* which "in effect gave a blank check to Russia,"* (At the time, the largest recipient of French loans was Russia--over 11 milliard--over 2 billion U.S. dollars).* Russia answered on July 30 by ordering a "general mobilization" (including reserve forces) of the entire Russian army of 5,971,000 men. In the mind of several Russian diplomats, "this was no war for limited aims but a war for the almost complete elimination of [Germany]."* Since Poland had been swallowed up (by Russia, Prussia(Germany) and Austria) over a hundred years before, Russia rashly began placing troops along the Austrian and German borders. Germany started its mobilization and on July 31st sent Russia an ultimatum demanding that mobilization of Russian forces be stopped in twelve hours. Russia made no reply so Austria called for the mobilization of its entire 3,000,000 man army. Russia's mobilization, combined with knowledge that France was determined to take part in a European war, ended any hope of a localized conflict and to many "forced Germany's hand."* Germany now had to decide whether she was to abandon or to extend the advances she had made into southeastern Europe over the preceding decades. The survival of the Austrian Empire as well as German's position as a great nation were also at stake. Germany had either to fight a war for the mastery of Europe or abandon central and southeastern Europe to independent national states and other world powers. Germany, confident of victory, called for the full mobilization of its entire 4,500,000 man army and declared war on Russia on August first. France (believing she and Russia could destroy Germany as a rival by Christmas) ordered the mobilization of her 4,017,000 man army. The other declarations of war to follow were only a formality. The leaders of all the belligerent nations went to war to settle old scores and conquer new

lands. Among the general population, the fervor of the moment fed suppressed hostilities. The ultra-national dream of "great nations" to fulfill their destinies grew into a vision. In the smaller nations, the dream was that the national political map would be redrawn and each nationality would seek its own destiny. Nearly everyone praised the coming war for one reason or another. Novelists, historians, theologians, composers, poets and other persons of quality led the fervor.* In Germany, when William proclaimed to tens of thousands assembled in the palace square in Berlin that he no longer saw parties or denominations but only "German brothers," the nation's barriers disappeared almost instantly. Considering the growth of the Social Democrats in Germany, some experts predicted "that mobilization could be paralyzed by a general strike, and that social revolution might raise its ominous head."* The opposite proved the case. Even the most leftist of the Marxists in the German Reichstag forgot about their internationalism and voted for the war. The leaders of the far right PanGerman movement (one-third of its 35,000 members were engaged in academic professions at this time) officially proclaimed that "we must gather all men of German tongues into one Reich and one people. An everlasting master race will then direct the progress of mankind." In Berlin crowds marched down the Unter den Linden boulevard in impromptu gaiety, cheering, waving flags, and singing patriotic songs. To the Germans it was a dream come true. A time to carry forward old dreams. To expand. To become the greatest power in Europe. With victory, Germany would unite all the Germans of Europe and be the undisputed master of the continent. Such diverse German elements from the noted poet Rainer Rilke* to Adolf Hitler were overjoyed at the turn of events. In Munich the declaration of war was read to the public on the steps of the Hall of the Field Marshals. Hitler, well groomed and dressed in one of his tailored suits, stood before the Hall among an enthusiastic crowd of thousands of Munich's "best." Like hundreds of other zealous onlookers he waved his hat in approval. Hitler would later state: "I, overwhelmed by emotion, fell upon my knees and from an overflowing heart thanked Heaven for granting me the good fortune of being allowed to live in these times. A fight for freedom had begun, greater than the world had ever seen before."* Before the echo of Germany's declaration of war on France faded that day, the twenty-five year old Hitler, still an Austrian, applied for special permission to join the German army. Even the "father of psychology," the Jewish Professor and psychiatrist Sigmund Freud, who had been studying the human mind for decades, fell under the spell of those primordial forces that lurk near or within the limbic system. A Viennese, he also got caught up in the delirium. At fifty-eight years old, and for the first time in years, he was conscious of being an Austrian.* He was proud that Austria had demonstrated its virility to the world. The Austrian Empire, he believed, torn by dissension and shrinking, would now regain its lost territories and once again become a major world power. He had no doubts about the justification of the war--nor its outcome. He believed Austria had acted correctly and Germany had done the proper thing in honoring its promise to Austria. To an acquaintance he stated that all his "libido" was given to Austro-Hungary.

The nationalistic fervor that infected the Germans also had its counterpart in Russia and France. They also had their nationalistic ideas of fulfilling their destinies. Crowds filled the streets and plazas in Paris, St Petersburg and many other cities. People sang, cried and urged their leaders to "fight." The coming war was viewed (even by such intellectuals as Thomas Mann) as a "purification" process.* Millions of people thanked God that they were alive to witness such a glorious time. One observer would later note that it was a time when "the world went mad." Revolutionary Marxists leaders who had preached resistance to war a few weeks before, now became propagandists for war. The socialists in every European congress voted for war credits except for a dozen disunited socialists in Russia who were promptly jailed.* Throughout France enthusiastic crowds sang the praises of the coming war and woe to the one who voiced caution. In Paris the wildest enthusiasm was manifested on the boulevards. Men formed into companies in ranks ten across and paraded through the streets waving French and Russian flags while singing the Marseillaise and the Marxist Internationale. Crowds lined the streets shouting: "On to Berlin." As the first 6,000,000 troops left for the front they were showered with flowers. This "beautiful...sacred moment" (Thomas Mann) was probably expressed best by the German writer Ernst Junger: We had set out in a rain of flowers to seek the death of heroes. The war was our dream of greatness, power and glory. It was a man's work, a duel on fields whose flowers would be stained with blood. There in no lovelier death in the world...* Western Europe was the industrial center of the world and Germany was directly in the center. Germany's vulnerable position dictated to all military strategists that she not take a defensive posture and be slowly strangled into submission. "All military authorities in Europe believed that attack was the only effective means of modern war, essential therefore even for defense."* The German war plan therefore, was to prod Russia in the east and smash France quickly before the Russian colossus could rumble into full action. Germany could then turn at its leisure to defeat the Russian giant. The French defensives along the French/German border at Alsace/Lorraine were formidable and a long campaign would be required to overrun them. The German government, therefore, asked the Belgians for freedom to pass through their kingdom and promised full payment for any damages done. The king of Belgium, Albert, would have granted the Germans the use of his roads, but fiery opposition by the Socialist Party forced Albert to declare that his country was "not a road." The German Army, whose plans were already made, was hurled against Belgium on August fourth. The Germans expected the British to stay out of the war, but always one to look to their own ambitions, and envious of German industrial competition, the British considered it compatible with their interest that France not be defeated. In addition, if Germany won the war, Germans would be the "arbiter" of Europe and the British habit of always dividing the continent into at least two hostile camps to serve their own purposes would end. Prior secret agreements between the French and British governments had already compelled Britain to come to France's aid, but, for propaganda reasons, the British government needed an

excuse to appease her more passive population. An almost forgotten 75 year old treaty with "Little Belgium," that many believed was no longer in effect, came to her service and war was declared on Germany. Bernard Shaw shocked the British when he argued in his pamphlet, Commonsense about the War, that the German invasion of Belgium was a mere pretext for Britain's entry into the war and the real aim was to destroy Germany as a trading rival. Shaw, nevertheless, supported the war on this principle and became an active propagandist for Britain.* In London, enthusiastic crowds urged their government on while they attacked shops with German sounding names and dachshunds were killed in the streets. The highly educated English poet Rupert Brook praised such a time and thanked the "war God" who had "wakened us from sleeping." As in Germany, France, and Russia, the labor leaders in Britain, who were expected to oppose the war, wholeheartedly supported it. Freud, whose aggression (whether conscious or unconscious) was in full bloom by now, thought the British were driven by an "incredible arrogance." He felt that if the Germans sunk a few more British battleships or landed some troops on British soil that it might open "their eyes."* As German forces flowed into Belgium from the east, French armies poured in from the west to meet the threat. Three days later the British began landing a contingent of 70,000 British soldiers in the ports of Calais and Dunkirk near the Belgian/French border. The Belgians put up a furious resistance but on August 14, the Germans completed their mobilization. Two days later the Belgian Fortress of Liege, one of the strongest positions in Europe, was in German hands. The road to France was opened. On the same day, Hitler received word that his request to join the German army was accepted and he reported to a Bavarian infantry regiment (set up in a large school on the corner of Elisabeth and Gentz) for acceptance. (In peacetime, armies are normally very selective in choosing their recruits, in war time, a different set of standards apply.) A "few days" later the 25 year old Hitler moved into the Oberwiesenfeld Barracks on the outskirts of Munich and began his basic training. Hitler's indoctrination into the army consisted of a two month extensive course in military formalities (saluting, drilling, marching) along with bayonet and rifle practice. Hans Mend, one of Hitler's fellow recruits was impressed by Hitler's "dynamic glance and by his unusual presence," even though Hitler was dressed in his gray-green uniform like the other recruits. Mend stated, "I thought he might be an academic because a lot of them had joined the...Regiment."* On the other hand, Mend almost laughed out loud when he saw the look on Hitler's face the first time he was handed a rifle. Hitler, he said, looked at it with the delight of a woman looking at her jewelry. Although the French attempted to invade Germany through Alsace-Lorraine, they were quickly repulsed and the Germans kept the initiative. The German army drove across Belgium and into France along a front, two hundred miles wide, driving the Belgian, French and English armies before them. Even though the French had known for years that the Germans would use Belgium as a road to France, during one twoweek period the Germans advanced 250 miles. The Germans crossed the French border with hardly a pause. It seemed nothing could stop the Germans. At one point their army penetrated over a hundred and twenty miles into France and was only twelve miles outside Paris. The French government, with the

members of Parliament on their heels, fled. The German high command was so confident of victory they transferred two army corps, over one hundred and twenty thousand men, to a proficient Russian front. Although Professor Freud admired the speed with which the German army pulverized its opponents, he feared that their rapid success, with little help from Austria, would end the war by Christmas and might cause the Germans to become "haughty." Hitler also worried. Like most of the new recruits, he was eager for battle and afraid the war might end before he saw action.* Continue: Top of Page Footnotes:

Part III
This Part("pages" 8 to 15) describes the horrors and waste of WWI while, at the same time, placing Hitler within the action by using historical records, Hitler's own words and those of fellow soldiers and friends. These five-and-a-half years of Hitler's life are usually glossed over by most historians. Yet, he was made into what every upper class citizen would like to see every solider become who is protecting their way of life--a brave, resolute, determined, patriotic and loyal subordinate. When one understands what Hitler, and millions of other unknowns like him experienced during WWI, one can better understand why WWII and its horrors occurred. This Part (pages 8-15), with all supplementary links, is equivalent to about 172 book pages. The narrative follows a chronological order (1914-1920) and is best read in sequence. Access to footnotes (designated by an *) can be found at the top and bottom of each page. Two ** indicate additional information.

Early Months
Chapter 8 Hitler and his fellow recruits did not have to worry that the war would end before they had a chance to do battle. And, professor Freud did not have to worry that the Germans would become haughty if they won the war too quickly on their own. Because of the help of a marvelous new invention called the aeroplane, the French were able to determine the basic, overall German battle plan. In hopes of encircling and annihilating the French forces, the Germans, after advancing across Belgium and into northern France, had unexpectedly turned south just before reaching Paris. The German right flank, therefore, was exposed and within easy striking distance just east of Paris. After being informed of the situation by their flying scouts, the French high command quickly directed their armies in the field to new positions while French reinforcements were called out directly from Paris and delivered in taxi cabs to positions off the German exposed right flank. The French, by concentrating their troops where needed, were able to strike back in force and upset the whole German battle plan. By Sept 5, the German advance was nearly checked and the French, supported by the British, began an all-out attack. The first "great" battle of W.W.I began in the vicinity of the river Marne. Three days later the Germans grudgingly began a limited withdraw. When the First Battle of the Marne ended a few days later, an additional 140,000 German and 160,000 French and other allied soldiers lay dead or wounded. Their loss was only a prelude of what was to come. As the opposing armies fought their way north in an attempt to get around one another, Hitler continued with his basic training. As with many scrawny young men, the disciplined regular hours, good food, exercise and outdoor life brought about a new vitality to his appearance. The five-foot- nine-inch Hitler appeared fit and healthy. At the beginning of October Hitler made a visit to his landlords and told Mr. and Mrs. Popp that his regiment would soon be leaving Munich and he would be sent to the front shortly after. Since his room was his official address, he asked the Popps to notify his sister if a message came that he been killed. He told the Popps that if no one wanted his few possessions, they could keep them. Hitler bid them farewell and as he hugged the Popp's two children in a farewell gesture, Mrs. Popp, aware of the heavy casualties at the front, burst into tears. Hitler, undoubtedly touched by such concern, turned tail and hurriedly took off down the street.* On Oct 8, Hitler, along with the other recruits of the 16th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment, called the List Regiment after its first commander, swore allegiance to Ludwig III, head of the state of Bavaria, and Kaiser William of Germany. Hitler and a few other Austrians were also required to swear allegiance to Emperor Franz Josef of Austria. Hitler would later state in Mein Kampf that he hated the Austrian state at the time and had "left Austria first and foremost for political reasons." It is ironic, however, that he didn't

remember anything about swearing allegiance to Franz Josef when questioned about this day years later. But, he distinctly remembered that his company has served an extra good meal that day consisting of "roast pork and potato salad."* On Germany's Eastern Front, the Russian Army, after some initial advances in the direction of Berlin, was soundly beaten by the Germans north of Warsaw within the first month of the war. Further south, however, the Austrian army was pushed back in some places over a hundred miles with especially heavy losses among "Germanic, as opposed to Slavic units."* "Czechs in the Austrian army deserted in great numbers to the Russians, and the South Slavs fought with great reluctance"* German reinforcements were sent south and the tide began to turn. With the Eastern Front stabilized, most of the new German recruits were destined for the Western Front. On Saturday, October 10, Hitler and his regiment completed their preliminary training and left the vicinity of Munich for training in large maneuvers. After marching around in a cold pouring rain from dawn to dusk, Hitler spent his first night on the road soaking wet in a stable. The following morning his regiment was on the march again. At six o'clock that evening they made camp in the open. "The night was freezing cold," Hitler would later write the Popps, "none of us got any sleep."* By the third day Hitler would write that he and his fellow recruits were "dog tired" and "ready to drop." Hitler's regiment now headed west and after a seven hour march entered Lechfeld where they were to be given additional training in large maneuvers before being sent to the front. "At 1 p.m.," Hitler would later write, "we marched through the French [prison] camp in the Lech valley. They all gaped at us...most of them were strapping lads. They were French shock-troops captured at the beginning of the campaign. Dead-tired though we were, we marched past them smartly. They were the first French I ever saw."* Hitler would describe the next five days of "strenuous exercises and night marches up to 42 kilometers followed by brigade maneuvers," as the "most tiring of my whole life "* Although he considered Lechfeld a "dull garrison" town, he was delighted with his lodging and the hospitality of the German people and would write: "We are quartered in the village of Graben, privately and with board. The latter is excellent. The people are almost stuffing us with food."* On October 17, Hitler's regiment completed its training and the brigade received its colors. It would be only a few days before they were sent off to the front. Like two-million other German volunteers, Hitler was elated at the prospect of facing the enemy. "I am terribly excited," he wrote the Popps, "I hope we shall get to England."* While Hitler was taking his advanced training, the battle lines in France slowly began developing into static trench warfare as the opposing forces dug in. Although the German army had been driven back forty miles from Paris, they had an unbroken front extending 450 miles from Switzerland to the North Sea not far from Dunkirk. Except for a small area in the NW corner of Belgium, centered around the city of Ypres, under German control or within range of their guns was over one tenth of the richest territory of France.

Since the original German battle plan was shattered, the German Generals decided to launch a massive assault against Ypres, push on to the English Channel, seize the port cities and cut the connection between France and Britain. Since the French had lost all of their iron fields, most of their coal mines, and much of their heavy industry, the German general staff hoped the maneuver would bring an end to the war in the west. But, with new large guns able to deliver shells that kept the area above ground alive with shrapnel, and with the addition of new machine guns which were capable of firing up to 600 rounds a minute, anyone caught out in the open was torn to pieces. A whole new kind of warfare was developing, yet, generals on either side carried on as though these new inventions did not exist. On Oct 20th the German Generals launched the first Battle of Ypres. It would be the first of the many stagnant, bloody battles of W.W.I where nothing was achieved except tremendous losses in life. On the same day, Hitler and his Regiment were loaded onto trains and headed for the Western Front. Rumor had it that their destination was Ypres. The recruits were full of enthusiasm, and like Hitler, believed they were going to do battle to protect the Fatherland from "the greed of the old enemy."* As they crossed the Rhine, "the German river of all rivers," as Hitler called it, the recruits sporadically began singing German patriotic songs. Hitler was overcome with emotion and felt his "heart would burst."* While the troop train traveled through the Rhineland, it made occasional stops. Hitler was overwhelmed by "the kindness and spontaneity of the Rhinelanders ... [who] received us and feted us in a most touching manner."* Hitler undoubtedly felt like some heroic knight on a holy mission out of one of Wagner's operas. The memory of the event stayed with him for the rest of his life. A few days later Hitler and his regiment arrived near Ypres. They were unloaded miles behind the front line. As their regiment linked up with hundreds of others and proceeded west, the long column of men, horse drawn and motorized vehicles reminded Hitler of a giant snake inching forward. Hitler was "astonished" by "the amazing industriousness of the Flemish" farmers in gathering fertilizer. "When a mounted column passed through," he would later state, "the children would be on the alert, and the moment it passed, out they would come and pounce on any manure that might have fallen."* Such peaceful thoughts were soon drowned out, for as Hitler would write his lawyer friend: "From the distance we could hear the monotonous roar of our heavy guns." He also added: " ... we encountered more and more horrors--graves."* As Hitler got closer to the front, his letter, describing the events, continued: The thunder of gunfire had grown a bit stronger.... At 9 p.m. we pitched camp and ate. I couldn't sleep. Four paces from my bundle of straw lay a dead horse. The animal was already half rotten. Furthermore, a German howitzer battery immediately behind us kept sending two shells flying over our heads into the darkness of the night every quarter of an hour. They came whistling and hissing through the air, and then far in the distance there came two dull thumps. We all listened. None of us had ever heard that sound before. While we were huddled close together, whispering softly and looking up at the stars in the heavens, a terrible racket broke out in the distance. At first it was a long way off and then the crackling came closer and closer, and the sounds of single shells grew to a multitude,

finally becoming a continuous roar. All of us felt the blood quickening in our veins.** The word was that the English were making one of their night attacks. Anxiously we waited, uncertain what was happening. Then it grew quieter and at last the sound ceased altogether except for our own batteries which sent out their iron greetings to the night every quarter of an hour."* The next morning, Hitler and his regiment marched off in the direction of the enemy. In the previous week of fighting nothing had been gained at Ypres except heavy loses on either side. Nevertheless, on the 29th of October, Hitler and his unit were thrown into the battle as storm (front line attack) troops. In the morning fog they took up positions near the edge of a woods. Their objective was to attack across an open field and dislodge the British soldiers who were dug in on the other side in the trees and beyond. Hitler and his fellow recruits stood eagerly by ready to advance. The area was under heavy bombardment. "Enemy shells splintered trees as if they were straws," Hitler's letter to his friend continued. "We had no real idea of the danger. None of us is afraid. Everyone is waiting impatiently for the command: 'Forward'" At last the command rang out and Hitler writes about his first experience under fire: We swarmed out of our positions and raced across the fields toward a small farm. Shrapnel was bursting left and right of us while English bullets came whistling through the shrapnel .... Good God, I had barely any time to think .... The first of our men began to fall. The English turned their machine guns on us. We threw ourselves down and crawled forward through a ditch .... We kept on crawling until the ditch stopped, then we were in the open field again. We ran fifteen or twenty yards and came to a big pond. One after another we splashed into it, took cover, and caught our breath. But this was no place to lie still. So we dashed out double quick to a forest that lay about a hundred yards ahead. There we regrouped, but it looked like we had really been pared down. We were now led by a mere vice-sergeant .... We crawled on our bellies to the edge of the trees. Above us are howls and hisses, splintered tree trunks and branches flew around us. Shells explode at the edge of the forest and hurl clouds of stones, earth and sand into the air and tear the heaviest trees out by the roots. Everything is choked in a terrible yellow-green, stinking steam. We couldn't lie there forever. If we were going to be killed, it was better to die in the open.... Again we went forward. I jumped up and ran as fast as I could across meadows and turnip fields, jumping over ditches, wire, and hedges .... There was a long trench in front of me and in an instant I jumped in and countless others round me did likewise .... under me were dead or wounded Englishmen .... The trenches on our left were still held by the English .... [so] an unbroken hail of iron was whistling over our trench. Finally at ten o'clock our artillery opened up .... again and again shells burst in the English

trenches. The English swarmed out like ants and we rushed them. We ran into the fields like lighting, and after bloody hand-to-hand fighting in different places, we forced them out of one trench after another. Many of them raised their hands. Those who wouldn't surrender were slaughtered. So it went on from trench to trench .... To the left of us lay several farms that were still in enemy hands so we went through a withering fire. One man after another collapsed around me. Our major, fearless and calmly smoking, came up with his adjutant ...The major took in the situation at a glance and ordered us to assemble ... for another assault. We had no more officers, hardly any non-coms, so everyone of us who had any gumption left, ran back to get reinforcements. When I got back the second time with a scattered troop ... the major lay on the ground with his chest blown open. A heap of corpses lay around him. The major's adjutant was the only officer left. We were boiling with fury. 'Lieutenant, lead us at them!' we all shouted. So we went forward again.... * Hitler then relates the confusion of battle and the horrible toll on life: "Four times we advance and have to retreat.. From my whole group only one remains besides myself and finally he falls. A shot tears off my right coat sleeve, but like a miracle I remain safe and alive. Finally ... we advance a fifth time and occupied the farm."* On November 3, what remained of Hitler's regiment was pulled out of the line for three days of rest and reorganization. Once refitted and reinforced they were thrown back into the fray four miles south of Ypres, at Messines and Wytschaete, where they, along with other regiments, launched another two assaults.* The battle continued until Nov 22, and one of the fiercest, most wasteful, and most tragic battles of the war saw no gain on either side. The toll in dead and maimed was staggering. The British regular army alone, which had been boosted to a 175,000, had 40,000 wounded and 10,000 killed. Frontal attacks against machine guns and artillery brought the German casualties to twice that number. Hitler's regiment of 3600 suffered 722 dead* (including Colonel Von List for whom the regiment was named) and two thousand wounded. Whereas these losses would horrify a soldier of today, Hitler, like most of the soldiers during the early stages of the war, saw it as their duty. To the Popps he wrote: "I can proudly say that our regiment fought like heroes."* Hitler, however, acted more heroically than most and was a good deal more conscientious. He carried out any and all assignments given him without question. He never abandoned a wounded comrade and never wavered in his bravery. Hitler was cautious, sensible, resolute, and quite fearless. As one of his officers would state, he was "an exceedingly brave, effective, and conscientious soldier."* On one occasion when the commander of Hitler's regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Engelhardt, stepped out of a woods to survey the situation, he was detected and enemy machine gunners opened up. Hitler and another soldier leaped in front of the officer and pushed him into a ditch and shielded him with their bodies.*

Hitler's superiors quickly recognized his ability. After fighting at Ypres he was promoted to lancecorporal. After the first two assaults against Messines and Wytschaete, he was attached to the staff as regimental dispatch carrier. While carrying dispatches near the front shortly after, Hitler found a seriously wounded officer and summoned a friend, a fellow dispatch runner named Schmidt. The two dragged the officer out of danger while under heavy fire.* For his actions three officers recommended Hitler,* along with four others in his regiment, for one of Germany's highest military decorations: the Iron Cross, 1st class for "gallant conduct during the fighting."* However, since Hitler was attached to the staff by the time the request came through, his name was moved to the bottom of the list. For that reason alone,* he received (December 2, 1914) the much less coveted Iron Cross 2nd Class. Hitler, nevertheless, was delighted and wrote the Popps: "It was the happiest day of my life," but he added that his fellow recruits who also deserved a medal, "are mostly all dead."* Lt. Col. Engelhardt, whose life Hitler had previously saved,* was also seriously wounded and Hitler would write his lawyer friend: "It was the worst moment of my life. All of us worshipped Lt-Col Engelhardt."* The unsuccessful attempt to take Ypres ended the German offensive. Any thought of a quick victory faded away. Hitler would later state that his "first impression of Ypres was--towers, so near that I could all but touch them."* He, like many of the young soldiers, thought that they would quickly overrun the place. He soon came to realize that "the little infantryman in his hole in the ground has a very small field of vision."* The elan that Hitler felt during his first battles quickly began to fade. Hitler, like the millions of other young men on both sides, began to accustom himself to life in the trenches which would be his home for the next four years. Trench warfare, many intellectuals noted at the time, was a prime example of Darwin's survival of species. If proof of the adaptive quality of the "human animal" were needed, it was born out in the manner in which soldiers burrowed into vermin infested earth and lived under conditions on a par with the lowest of animals. The soldiers frequently endured long deprivations of food, fuel, medical supplies and suitable clothing while under constant bombardments from the ground and air. During the early stages of the war, thousands died from enemy fire but thousands more died as a result of disease and exposure. Thousands of others were incapacitated for life by hideous wounds and "trench foot," a result of exposure to cold and the water which readily flowed through the trenches. Yet in spite of these and other discomforts, in spite of the large rats that fed on the dead, in spite of the constant bombardments, in spite of the filth, lice, disease and aversion, men learned to survive. At first the trenches were comparatively straight, shallow affairs. As artillery searched them out, as machine gunners learned the art of looping their fire so that bullets would drop into hiding places, as sharpshooters zeroed in on anything moving, as night raiding became more sophisticated, it was seen that straight trenches exposed whole companies to enfilading fire and the trenches gradually became more involved. Well protected and fortified positions were constructed and new defenses were presented by zigzagging deep front-line trenches which were equipped with firing steps, sand-bag parapets, concerted pill-boxes, and other pitfalls. Communicating trenches were dug, leading back to second line trenches, artillery stations, third line trenches, supplies, company kitchens, more trenches, field hospitals, and

finally the open road and rest billets beyond. Hitler described the life in the trenches to the Popps: Because of the constant rain...and the low-lying terrain, the meadows and fields are like bottomless marshes while the roads are covered with vile mud. Through these swamps run the trenches of our infantry, a mass of shelters and dugouts with gun emplacements, communications ditches and barbed wire barricades, pitfalls, land mines; in short, an almost impregnable position. In earlier letters: We often spend days on end living knee-deep in water and, what is more, under heavy [artillery] fire.*....The hellish noise begins at 9 a.m .... At 5 p.m. it's all over. What is most dreadful is when the guns began to spit across the whole front at night. In the distance at first, and then closer and closer with rifle-fire gradually joining in. Half an hour later it all starts to die down again except for countless flares in the sky. And further to the west we can see the beams of large searchlights and hear the constant roar of heavy naval guns.* In a letter to his lawyer friend: I must close now and beg you, dear [Hepp], to forgive my poor hand [writing]. I am very nervous right now. Day after day we are under heavy artillery fire from 8 in the morning till 5 in the evening which is bound to ruin even the strongest of nerves.* Of the artillery fire the men in the trenches were exposed to, one of the smallest calibers was on a par with a defensive grenade used by both sides. It was about the size of an orange, made of nearly two pounds of cast iron and designed to burst into a hundred jagged pieces. They wounded or killed within a radius of one-hundred and fifty yards. Bigger shells could not only kill anything in an open area four or five times that area, but also obliterate an area 25 yards across at the point of impact. It was not only the destructive element of the larger shells which caused such fear in men that their nerves shattered, but also the terrifying noises which accompanied their firing. First, there is the explosion when the shell leaves the gun which can be heard for miles; second, is the peculiar rattling noise, like the passing of a freight train, when the shell passes overhead; third, is the explosion at the point of impact which produces a shattering concussion. The combination of all three had a profound effect on many men. The constant exposure to fear and terror resulted in a derangement of body and brain, paralyzing nerve and muscle centers, which frequently produced "shell-shock" (insanity) from which many men never fully recovered. Besides artillery fire, the soldiers also had to contend with the airplane. In an early letter to his lawyer friend, Hitler related that while moving up to the front in daylight for his first engagement with the enemy: "We no longer moved as a regiment, but split up into companies, each man taking cover against enemy airplanes."* As the deadlock dragged on, bombing and machine gunning by air improved and

ultimately changed the whole character of the war. Pilots learned to run parallel with the trenches, bombing and strafing anything that moved. The plane also helped extend the fighting far behind the front lines and brought the horrors of the fighting to supply troops as well as civilians. The constant terror brought on by the continuous fighting took its toll on nearly ever one. Hitler was no exception. There was one period during a heavy barrage, when fellow recruits remembered him pacing back and forth with his rifle in hand and his helmet pulled low over his eyes. Hitler had no illusions about war once the initial bravado and valor faded away and, like any solider, had his bad days. As another of Hitler's friends remarked: "As soon as serious firing would begin on the front, Hitler acted like a racehorse before it has to start. He had the habit of walking around restlessly, buckling on his equipment."* Unlike thousands of others, however, Hitler never cracked. He performed his duties with distinction. The constant artillery bombardments often caused communications lines, to command posts, to be put out of commission. The need for dispatch runners increased. During attacks their job was one of the most dangerous in the war for it was imperative that communications with front-line attacking storm troops be kept open. Only the best and bravest men were chosen for the job since it often required thThe constant artillery bombardments often caused communications lines, to command posts, to be put out of commission. The need for dispatch runners increased. During attacks their job was one of the most dangerous in the war for it was imperative that communications with front-line attacking storm troops be kept open. Only the best and bravest men were chosen for the job since it often required them to cross open areas. Even during quiet times they had constantly to be aware of lone planes, sniper fire or stray shells. The small group of "runners" were chosen from the more educated,* because "it was a job that required a high degree of resourcefulness and devotion to duty."* Because of their high death rate, messengers had certain privileges and were left to do much as they wanted till they were needed. However once given a message, much depended on their getting through because the orders were often critical. They were obligated to deliver their messages no matter what the situation or the obstacles in their way. The heavier the fire the heavier their burden. Shortly after Hitler became a messenger, of the eight dispatch runners on duty in his regiment, three were killed and one seriously wounded during one day of battle at Wytschaete. Hitler and the remaining three, were recommended for a citation (which was another reason why Hitler received his Iron Cross 2nd class). Hitler and his fellow recruits still hoped for a quick victory, but unlike many of the others, the twentyfive year old Hitler had no grand ideas of what the war would accomplish. Since Yugoslavians, Russians, French, Japanese, and British (with Canadians, Indians, Australians, etc.) had already declared war on Germany, and (as Hitler stated), "American-manufactured shrapnel [was] bursting above the heads of [our] marching columns, as a symbol of international comradeship,"* Hitler saw his country in a nationalistic struggle against foreign enemies, foreign influences, and international visions which were intent on destroying Germany. His closing sentences in a Feb. 1915, letter to his lawyer friend give a good insight to his beliefs at the time:

I often think of Munich and every man of us has one wish, that we will come to blows and settle the score once and for all with that gang out here. We want an all out fight, at any cost, and hope that those of us who have the good fortune to see their homeland again will find it purer and less riddled with foreign influences. That through the sacrifices and sufferings which hundreds of thousands of us go through everyday, that through the stream of blood that flows here daily against an international world of enemies, not only will Germany's enemies abroad be crushed, but that our internal internationalism will also be broken. That would be worth much more than any territorial gains.** Considering that "most statesmen and people saw in the war primarily the fulfillment of their national aspirations,"* Hitler's statements are moderate indeed. There were those who had much broader visions. They looked upon the conflict as a means to greatly extend their domains at the expense of other races. "Elements of the extreme right in France cherished the myth of a pure Gallic race, and La Croix [the publication of the French clericals], in its issue for August 15th, 1914, found that the heroic exertions of war are the ancient elan of the Gauls, the Romans and the French resurging within us. The Germans must be purged from the left bank of the Rhine. These infamous hordes must be thrust back within their own frontiers. The Gauls of France and Belgium must repulse the invader with a decisive blow, once and for all. The race war appears.* The coming of Spring saw the continuation of the trench deadlock. Although there were countless efforts to effect a breakthrough on either side, all resulted in insignificant gains of land and tremendous losses of life. The British (in their quest to expand their empire) were shipping many of their troops to other parts of the world; so they wanted to reassure the mistrusting French that they were "pulling their weight." On March 10, therefore, they launched an attack south of Ypres near the village of Neuve Chapelle where they pitted four divisions, 48,000 troops, against a weak point in the German line. Because it was believed at this time that the only method of fighting was to attack the enemy at her strongest point so as to destroy the bulk of her fighting forces, this was an unconventional attack. German troops had recently been drawn away from Neuve Chapelle due to heavy French pressure further south. Only one division, consisting of about 12,000 "Saxons and Bavarians,"* defended the area. One of the Bavarian regiments making up the division at Neuve Chapelle was Hitler's.* At seven o'clock in the morning the British artillery lazily began lobbing shells on the German lines. It was the usual breakfast accompaniment, and Hitler and his comrades took no unusual notice of it. The British however, had air superiority in the sector and had been able to move up a large number of heavy guns in secrecy. The British artillery crews were taking turns bracketing the German important positions and making sure of their range. At 7:30 the range finding ended and suddenly and surprisingly "the first really massive artillery barrage of the war" began.* Instead of

the normal lengthy, preliminary bombardment that went on for hours across miles of trenches, the British laid down a very intense bombardment against a 2,000 yard frontage. It lasted only 35 minutes but was an artillery concentration absolutely unprecedented.* Hundreds of 6-inch, 9-inch and 15-inch howitzers, lobbed their shells upon the doomed German trenches as other field guns, firing at point blank range, cut the barbed wire entanglements defending the German lines. The British in the front trenches were deafened by the continuous roar of shells leaving their own guns. The continuous eruption of exploding shells on the German side flung earth, rock, blood, and hideous fragments of human bodies onto the British troops in the forward positions. The upper half of a German officer, his cap still on his head, was blown into one of their trenches. As one British solider would later comment: "Words will never convey any adequate idea of the horror of those five and thirty minutes."* On the German side a curtain of fire, dust, debris and body parts filled the air. Thousands of shells plunged screaming amid the pillars of smoke and flying fragments while "bombing airplanes" added their high explosives to the fray.* The earth shook and shuttered. The sickening smell of exploded powder filled the air. Suddenly, at 8:05, the shells "lifted" off the German trenches and began to fall upon the village of Neuve Chapelle beyond. In perfect unison the British soldiers leaped out of their trenches and stormed the German front line. The German machine-gunners left alive had not recovered from the shock and the British crossed No Man's Land in almost complete immunity. The German trenches had been blown to unrecognizable pits littered with dead and parts of dead. Most of the Germans left alive were in a state of trauma and there was little resistance. The British advance occurred so quickly that the artillery firing on the village had not completed its work and the British soldiers were held up momentarily. "One saw them standing out in the open, laughing and cracking jokes amid the terrible dim made by the huge howitzer shells screaming overhead and bursting in the village."* The barrage soon moved off the village and beyond to roads leading into the area so as to hinder any German reinforcements from entering the battle zone. The line of roads and streets was all but obliterated. The British soldiers stormed the shattered village and began "working with the bayonet." As one British observer would later comment: "The capture of a place at the bayonet point is generally a grim business, in which instant, unconditional surrender is the only means by which bloodshed, a deal of bloodshed, can be prevented. If there is individual resistance here and there the attacking troops cannot discriminate. They must go through, slaying as they go...."* The British drove forward for over half a mile and for the first and only time during the war broke the German lines.* But, the British were too slow in sending their second wave into the hole and before the day was over the Germans quickly adjusted their line and brought up reinforcements at a terrible cost who plugged the gap. Hoping that there might be a weak point in the new German line the British commanders ordered their soldiers to press on "regardless of loss." For two more days they went on battering against a wall they could no longer breach. With 13,000 dead and seriously wounded British soldiers littering the battle zone, the assault was finally called off.

Rupert, the crown prince of Bavaria and commander of the sixth army in the Neuve Chapelle sector, made a desperate attempt to counterattack and recapture the village. The Bavarian regiments sent into the battle were met by British artillery and machine guns already moved up in position. The Germans were cut to pieces. Before Rupert finally called off his fruitless counterattack the German losses exceeded that of the British. Hitler took part in all phases of the five-day battle and came through it without a scratch. Because the German line had been broken, the British commanders considered Neuve Chapelle a success and took confidence that, with a little better coordination and refinement, they might break through the next time. For whatever reason they drew the wrong conclusion that "mere volume" of shell fire was the key to success. The Germans also came to the same conclusions. For the next two years W.W.I would become primarily an artillery duel. The true lesson, surprise attained by a short intense bombardment followed by numerically superior troops against a weak point, never occurred to them. Considering, however, the "sudden and surprising" tactics Hitler would employ in another time and in another war, it is extremely likely the lesson was not lost on him. A month after the battle of Neuve Chapelle, the Germans made another attempt to break the British and French line. The spot chosen was fifteen miles to the north where a British and French "bulge," five miles deep and four wide, penetrated the German line. It would become know as the Second Battle of Ypres and would have a profound affect on every soldier who served in W.W.I. To prepare the way for the attack, the Germans decided to make use of a new technology; asphyxiating chlorine gas. The gas was prepared and stored in large cylinders weighing ninety pounds each far behind the lines. After being shipped to the front, the gas cylinders were carried to the front line by the infantry.* The cylinders were then buried at the bottom of the front line trench with only a small "dome," which protected the discharge valve, protruding out of the ground. To protect against any leakage, a large flat bag, stuffed with a substance like peat moss and heavily socked with a potash solution, was placed on top. To protect against shells or shell fragments, three layers of sandbags were built up around and over it. "Batteries" of twenty cylinders were strategically located so that once released the small gas clouds would combine to form a large cloud.* After waiting until air currents were moving steadily west, the protective coverings and domes were removed and lead pipes were connected to the cylinders, directed over the parapet and pointed to a sector defended by the French. At 5 p.m. on April 22 (two days after Hitler's 26th birthday). the Germans opened the valves. Being heavier then air, the gas swept slowly forward in a yellow-green cloud about six feet high and flowed into the enemy trenches. Germans troops wearing special masks came with the gas-cloud. Never before had any solider been intentionally exposed to a killing gas. In the French front lines, unprecedented confusion resulted as the chlorine gas attacked the troops lungs and respiratory systems. Some soldiers attempted to hold their breath. Others tried burying their mouths and nostrils in dirt.* Many began coughing and vomiting blood. Others felt pains in their chests and began suffocating. The faces of the dead men "turned a sort of saffron-yellow which after a time changed to purplish blue."* In some sections the gas killed 25% of the men exposed to it.** Panic soon spread among the French forces

and the infantry in the line fled, opening up a four mile gap. The Germans advanced about a half mile and captured fifty big guns. They soon left the wall of gas behind them, which had begun to break up into patches, and it seemed that nothing was in the way to stop them. But, just as with the British at Neuve Chapelle, by the time the Germans sent their second wave through the breach, the French brought up reinforcement and plugged the gap. The advancing Germans were cut to pieces. Two days later the Germans turned their gas on an adjoining section of the line defended by British troops. Though death seemed certain, the British (mostly Canadians) attempted to protect themselves with makeshift "respirators" of handkerchiefs and rags moistened with salt water or experimental neutralizing chemicals. They were able to hold their sector till the gas passed over but suffered appalling causalities. The German drive was stopped. With all hopes lost of obtaining a break-through by using gas as the primary weapon, the Germans launched an all out conventional attack supported by gas. They began creeping forward, but by now, nearly every gas mask to be found in France and Britain had found its way to the front. After four weeks the Germans finally called off the attack. They had failed to take Ypres. To advance roughly two miles along a four mile front, the Germans paid with over 34,900 men killed or seriously wounded. The British, who launched a series of counterattacks and gained nothing, had 10,500 dead and nearly 49,000 wounded. Even though the use of gas did not bring the desired results, out of desperation both sides began using it in hopes of breaking the deadlock. The French and British soon gained the ascendancy and the cumbersome cylinder and gas-pipe system, which depended on air currents, was abandoned in favor of the gas-shell. Besides the first asphyxiating gas, both sides soon developed others more deadly. Soldiers were instructed that the first breath produced a spasm in the throat, the second brought about mental confusion, the third produced unconsciousness and the fourth, death.* There were also "mustard" gases which were designed to blister and burn "moist" parts of the body and produce blindness as an alternative if death didn't occur.** Thirty percent of all causalities during the early stages of the war would be a result of one gas or another. Gas masks, covering the whole face, were speedily perfected and every command had a gong or siren which warned of approaching gas. Masks were worn not only by troops, but by horses, pack mules, company dogs and civilians behind the lines. Because of the mustard gases, soldiers were also forced to wear heavy clothes that covered the whole body even in the hottest weather. When gas was present soldiers not only found it almost impossible to eat or drink but also had to relieve themselves in their pants because "getting caught with ones pants down" brought about excruciating pain and sometimes death.

During the war, front line soldiers on either side of No Man's Land looked like dreamlike figures. Their heads were protected with a steel helmet covered with cloth so the glint of steel would not advertise their whereabouts. Beneath the helmet they wore a close fitting woolen cap pulled down tightly over the ears and sometimes tied beneath the chin. Attached to a dull-colored uniform were the soldiers' belt, brace straps, bayonet, ammunition pouches, grenades, trench knife, and gas mask (which was normally carried on the chest). A cloak, made of rubber without sleeves, was usually worn to keep off the rain. High rubber boots, strapped at the ankle and upper thigh, covered the legs. During attacks each soldier proceeded forward with his rifle, bayonet fixed, thrust out in front of him. Just a few months before, the thought of a man so dressed appearing out of a greenish gas-cloud while peering through an insect-like mask, would have been the stuff of nightmares. Because the British and French succeeded in stopping the nightmarish attack of the Germans at Ypres, their confidence was up. The Germans. they believed, had exhausted themselves and were ready to crack. All that was needed, they believed, was one great combined thrust which would drive the Germans back into Germany. Though the British had consumed large amounts of men and material at Ypres, their plan was to penetrate the German line in a two-pronged attack, one to the north and one to the south of Neuve Chapelle. Each prong was to be a mile wide. The main thrust however, was to be delivered further south by the French army. The French massed nearly a quarter-million men for their assault along a ten mile front north of Arras. They had over 1100 heavy guns to "soften up" the German lines and were predicting victory within weeks. The Germans, having learned from what had occurred earlier at Neuve Chapelle, had prepared a much more elaborate network of well protected shelters, dugouts, and machine-gun emplacements opposite the British and French lines. The Germans manning the lines were nearly all hardened soldiers and knew what to expect. One of the German regiments still defending the area between Neuve Chapelle and Arras was Hitler's.* On May, 8th the British opened up with the same type of preliminary bombardment that had been so effective at Neuve Chapelle. The French opened up the following day with a bombardment that consumed more than 300,000 shells the first day. The German front line trenches from Neuve Chapelle to Arras were reduce to rubble intermixed with human debris. Where aerial photographs the day before had shown perfect geometric patterns of zigzag trenches and an occasional village, there now existed a moonscape. Beneath the carnage however, many of the German strong points were still intact. As the combined Franco-British offensive got under way, the causality count soared as the surviving Germans in their well protected and camouflaged machine gun emplacements sprayed the unprotected attackers. On the first day the British lost 8000 men in the first few hours and their offensive quickly stalled. Although the French were able to advance two miles at one point, the anticipated breakthrough never materialized.

Although the British attacks continued sporadically until the end of May, the determined French threw themselves continually at the German lines for another month until 60,000 German and 120,000 French soldiers had fallen.* During the battle, Hitler's regiment was shifted back and forth where needed and fought against the British south of Neuve Chapelle at La Bassee and against the French at Arras.* Hitler was learning quickly that leaders (fuhrers), whether Autocratic or Democratic, were willing to sacrifice much to pursue their dreams. Continue: Top of Page Footnotes: (One asterisk is for a footnote, two asterisks are for additional information.)

A Born Soldier chapter 9

Like most young soldiers, Hitler had to find justification for the agony, death and sacrifice he observed. He also had to accept the fact that he could die violently for his country. He came to accept the idea that these sacrifices were necessary since he was fighting for a grand ideal. He believed that he and his fellow comrades were fighting for "the existence or non-existence of the German nation."* As the war continued and the causalities soared, the average soldier's life took on a very simple course; the preservation of existence. The many standards, convictions and sentiments that make up such a large part of civilian thinking, and put people at odds, became almost meaningless to the front-line soldier. There was little disagreement among the men in the trenches. There was fellowship, brotherhood, and a feeling of solidarity. They stood together and depended on one another. They shared the same life, the same fear, and the same ideas. They protected one another, belonged to one another and loved one another. One's comrades became the most comforting things in the world.* "In my section there was a spirit of open larking," Hitler would state. "Apart from the runners, we'd had no link with the outside world."* This strong unity greatly impressed Hitler and he would later state: "I passionately loved soldiering."* Although most who knew Hitler observed that he was somewhat "aloof and different from themselves,"* by now "he had earned the respect of his comrades and officers."* Hans Mend, a fellow soldier, described him as a "born soldier."* In the throes of battle he never faltered. He never pretended to be sick to avoid doing his duty and he got his messages through. Although Hitler still worried that "the everlasting artillery fire" would ruin his nerves,* he had proven himself. His fellow messengers noticed a look of determination in his eyes and appreciated his fearlessness. Whether it was the excitement of battle or nervous energy, Hitler developed a ravenous appetite and one of his fellow recruits considered him a "glutton." Even though Hitler received food parcels from the Popps, his lawyer friend and wife, the baker, and members of his own family, he was not beneath "requisitioning" food items from the food supplies when he was on guard duty and sharing them with his friends.* For a nominal cost he also purchased food from the cooks and kitchen help. The sweet tooth he acquired in Vienna hadn't abated and one of his favorite snacks was bread heaped with jam.* "If he found a tin of artificial honey," Mend would later write, "nothing could get him away from it, shells or no shells."* Although Hitler normally avoided trivial conversation, when the talk turned serious, he would be in the midst of it. Ignaz Westenkirchner, a fellow dispatch runner and also a close friend, remembered Hitler as a very serious young man concerned only with serious matters.* "There is almost no subject." said Westenkirchner, "about which he did not talk. He mastered each theme and spoke fluently. We simple fellows were very much impressed, and liked it."* The List Regiment's student and intellectual volunteers* were also impressed with Hitler's knowledge on a wide variety of subjects and considered

him an "intellectual."* Though some considered his beliefs primitive, "there were others whose attention he caught and held."* Mend stated that "almost no one could withdraw himself from Adolf Hitler's strong personality, and his opinions were accepted by most of us."* Hitler was not always serious and would later state: "A sense of humor and a propensity for laughter are qualities that are indispensable to a unit."* He could bring his fellow comrades to laughter by mimicking one of the officers who wasn't particularly liked, and by also reading, in a deadpan manner, "housekeeping" regulations that armies of all nations are so fond of posting in environments where they have little bearing. Most of his fellow soldiers considered him a "levelheaded" companion and his "comradely" manner* earned him the nickname his mother had given him, "Adi."* Unlike the other young men, Hitler seldom joined in any of the conversations about women. Although he felt that the "Flemish girls were most attractive,"* according to Mend he never approached any of the girls they came in contact with. In or near a war zone, soldiers outnumbered available women by a hundred to one and it appears that Hitler never attempted to compete with such odds. As Hitler would later state, "the girls" he observed were always "surrounded, of course, by a horde of soldiery."* It has also long been known that many soldiers, who are exposed to the possibility of death for long periods of time, put their urges to reproduce on the back burner. Hitler may have been one of them. In a war where front-line soldiers stood a good chance of being killed any day, about the only complaints Hitler's comrades made about him was his "constant lectures on the evils of smoking and drinking."* There were also those who resented his dedication and commitment to duty. As dangerous as his position was, if a fellow messenger was ill or unfit, not about, or argued whose turn it was, Hitler would deliver their messages.* When he returned he would lecture them on the value and importance of doing their duty.* Unlike the other recruits, Hitler never applied for a leave,* as though it was imperative to win the war first. Consequently, some of the men considered him "odd." During quiet times in his sector, Hitler, one of his comrades noted, "always had a book spread out in front of him,"* which he carried in his back pack. He still refused to read popular novels or short stories, since he considered them frivolous, and he had nothing but contempt for seedy works. "I hated nothing more than trash literature,"* Hitler would later tell an acquaintance. As in all wars, young men who had never seriously thought about God, and even those who had claimed earlier to be atheists, turned to God for comfort. Hitler was no exception. In an early letter to Mr. Popp, Hitler ask him to "please save the newspaper" that noted his Iron Cross award because he wanted to "have it as a keepsake if the Lord should spare my life."* He also turned to the Bible for comfort and read the "Gospels." Finding little comfort ("turning of both cheeks is not a very good recipe for the front" he would later write), he abandoned the Bible and because as he said, "war forces one to think deeply about human nature,"* turned to philosophy. Hitler's favorite writer during the war was the early 19th century philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. In contrast to the involved idiom of most German philosophers, Schopenhauer's clear and expressive writing style won him a world wide audience. His writing influenced much of the later philosophy of the 19th century. Hitler, like Thomas Mann, was greatly impressed by Schopenhauer's book: The World as Will

and Idea. Hitler read the book over and over again during the war and was greatly influenced by Schopenhauer's teaching. Schopenhauer taught that man lives in inner pain because he is unable to satisfy the wants of his primitive "will." This will included all impulses, strivings, and desires which, Schopenhauer believed, are at the heart of all man's actions. Will is force, will alone rules, all else is illusion. Even intellect, so highly lauded, is feeble in the overpowering sway of will which blindly and unconsciously dominates. Because the will is obstinate, blind, impetuous, unreasonable and irresponsible, most men would never know true reality or peace. Temporary escape could be found in pleasure, art and music when the will is momentarily canceled, but things would never improve. The only exceptions were men who had within themselves the ability to grasp the meaning of life by using their feelings instead of reason and knowledge. Schopenhauer dwelled with the misery of life and the aimless strivings and irrationality that exist on the earth. Consequently he believed that practicality usurps the place of morality, and ethics rests only on man's highest virtue--the "sympathy" one has for the pain of others. In the end, however, Schopenhauer came to the same basic conclusion as all the great religions on the earth--to find true happiness and peace, man must deny his wants (will) and give up all personal worldly desires. So in the end, the "pessimism" of Schopenhauer, in a way, brings with it a means of escape from the worthlessness of existence. Schopenhauer died in 1860, just as the ideal of the "survival of the fittest" was rapidly gaining momentum. "Why is it?" Schopenhauer may have been asking the Darwinists, "that a man will put himself in danger to save another if self-survival is the key?" On one hand, Hitler stated that he "learned a great deal from Schopenhauer," and Mend noted that Hitler was "always extremely thoughtful in his treatment of wounded prisoners and in his dealings with the civilians who were within the battle area."* Hitler, who saw men risk their lives for another and risked his for another on more than one occasion, also had his doubts about the survival of the fittest . He saw the individual as a means of insuring the survival of the nation or people. "It's more important to bring our messages to their destination," Hitler once lectured another messenger, "than for personal ambition...."* On the other hand, Hitler was no pessimist and stated: "Schopenhauer's pessimism, springs partly, I think, from his own line of philosophical thought and partly from subjective feeling, and the experiences of his own personal life."** As Hitler would later state: "Have pity on the pessimist. He spoils his own existence. In fact, life is endurable only on condition that one's an optimist .... what would have happened to us [soldiers] by Heaven, if we'd been a group of pessimists .... One must have faith in life."* As his dreary and sometimes. mundane life as a soldier continued, Hitler resumed his painting. He did over forty paintings during the war and most of them show a marked improvement over his earlier works.* Some were considered "remarkable artistic productions" by later observers.* Although he still possessed a talent for realistic renditions of buildings and churches, one of his best paintings during the war was not of a building, but a painting he titled The Hohlweg [sunken lane] at Wyschaete. He knew the lane well for he had traveled along it many times when it was under heavy fire. On one day alone, 192 German soldiers were killed or wounded while passing through it. He painted the scene with heavy thick

strokes which "suggested the stark horror and menace of the landscape with a minimum of means."* Because of his painting ability and understanding of colors, Hitler was called upon to offer suggestions on repainting the officer's mess at a commandeered villa. Hitler's advice was accepted and he has put to work repainting the room. (This incident along with the fact that Hitler's comrade and friend, Schmidt, was a house painter, would later feed more rumors that Hitler had been a house painter.) To spark a little humor in the drab life of the trenches, Hitler would also draw cartoons and caricatures of the men and their life in the trenches. Many of his rough sketches were sent home and the humor is obvious in them. On one occasion, a soldier going home on leave shot a rabbit and wrapped it up to take with him (probably to make hasenpfeffer). One of Hitler's comrades exchanged the rabbit for a piece of rubble. The victim of the prank was then sent two sketches that Hitler had drawn. One showed the soldier at home opening up the rabbit-less package while the other drawing showed his friends at the front eating the rabbit.* In another drawing Hitler portrays himself and seven other German comrades jauntily marching through the rain. Hitler titled the caricature On the Way to Cannes. Although the background shows the ruins of war, the drawing is comic, bold, full of life and movement. He indisputably had a gift for caricature and his self-portrait, the only one known to have been drawn by him, "admirably conveys the jaunty, irascible, somewhat aloof quality of the man as he was known by his fellow soldiers."* While Hitler was taking a respite in a trench near the front lines one day, a stocky, white terrier leaped into the trench and started chasing a rat. Hitler caught the dog and, although it attempted to get away, it soon accepted Hitler as its new master. The dog obviously belonged to a British soldier and according to Hitler, "didn't understand a word of German."* Hitler soon overcame all the difficulties and not only taught the dog to understand but to perform various tricks. He named him Fuchsl (Little Fox). Fellow recruits marveled at the attachment the dog showed to Hitler. Little Fox seldom left Hitler's side during the day, and slept beside him at night.* "When I ate," Hitler would later recall, "he used to sit beside me and follow my gestures with his gaze. If by the fifth or sixth mouthful I hadn't given him anything, he used to sit up on his rump and look at me with an air of saying: 'And what about me, am I not here at all?'" * With the summer of 1915 the tempo of the fighting increased to a never ending gas and artillery duel. No "major" offense was launched by either side that summer, but both armies attempted to break the stalemate by obliterating opposing trenches. Intense barrages, that went on for hours, regularly broke out along small sections of the line. The "few thousand" troops sent "over the top" and across No Man's Land to see if the artillery had done its work were usually mangled. The heavy shelling put communications out of commission and messengers were now stationed not only at regimental headquarters, but also at the front. Still, no matter how bad the bombardment or how thick the fighting, the messenger's job was to keep the front lines and headquarters linked. During attacks the storm troops, with messengers on their heels, followed so closely behind advancing artillery shelling that it was expected that 5% of the attacking forces would be killed by their own shells. Hitler's job had become more dangerous than ever.

By the end of summer the British had built up their forces to nearly one million men and were determined to break the Germans. On Sept 23 they launched a massive artillery and gas bombardment south of Le Bassee along a five mile front in coordination with a French offensive further to the south. After two days of bombardment the British went forward at 6:30 in the morning. By evening they had overrun the German first line along the whole five mile sector. That night the artillery bombardment was so intense in Hitler's sector around Le Bassee,* that the "English shelling" soon had communications with the front lines and regimental headquarters severed. Since no runners were at the front, or had been lost, Hitler and a companion were sent forward to find out what was going on. Somehow they got through and reported back that their lines had been cut and a British attack in force was expected. Although the barrage continued without letup, Hitler was sent out again to inform the other detachments what was coming.* The German second line held that night and the next morning the British broke before a German counterattack. For the next few days the battle wore on as the Germans tried to retake what little they had failed to reclaim, and the British died for what little they had taken. When the heavy fighting began to die away in October, 50,000 British soldiers lay dead and maimed along with 20,000 Germans.* The French, however, continued with their offensive further south. Hitler and his Regiment, consequently, were shifted to Arras. From Arras south to Champagne, the French pressed their attack. In Hitler's sector the French attempted to take a strong point in the German line known as Vimy Ridge but were stopped in their tracks. "Vimy Ridge," Hitler observed, was dotted with "scars ... shell-holes and all."* When the French offensive finally petered out early in November, 190,000 Frenchmen and 120,000 Germans were added to the casualty list.* Again, Hitler survived both battles without a scratch. After one year in the front lines Hitler had cheated death on numerous occasions. In 1914 Hitler had been standing in a dugout when the arrival of four officers caused the place to be overcrowded forcing Hitler and three companions to step out for awhile and wait. "We had been waiting there for less than five minutes," Hitler wrote his lawyer friend, "when a shell hit the dugout ... killing or wounding the rest of the staff."* In another incident Hitler related how he was eating his dinner with several other soldiers when: "Suddenly a voice seemed to be saying to me, 'Get up and go over there.' It was so clear and insistent that I obeyed mechanically as if it had been a officer's order. I rose at once to my feet and walked twenty yards along the trench, carrying my dinner in its tin-can. I then sat down to go on eating, my mind once more at rest. Hardly had I done so when a flash and deafening roar came from the part of the trench I had just left. A stray shell had burst over the men where I had been sitting, everyone was killed."* Even Hitler's fellow soldiers noted his charmed life and some believed that if they stayed around Hitler, "nothing will happen."* After one notable attack which left the regiment decimated, one of Hitler comrades turned to him and declared: "Man, there's no bullet made with your name on it!"* A telephone operator at regimental headquarters would later relate another incident:: Well, it was the day when the [Brits] attacked and we no longer had any communications to the front. No telephone functioned, the heavy fire had torn all cables, courier dogs and messenger pigeons no longer returned,

everything failed, so Adolf had to dare it and carry a message out in danger of his life. We all said to each other--he won't come back!--but he came back in good condition and could give the regiment important information about everything."* Considering the death toll among the troops of W.W.I, Hitler's "charmed life" was notable. When Ernst Junger, as well as other writers, referred to the young men of W.W.I as a "generation destined for death," it was not idle chatter. Half of the French males who were of military age (twenty to thirtytwo) in 1914 were killed during the war.* The German toll was little better, and Hitler's regiment "achieved a mournful immortality."* Casualties in Hitler's regiment, severe from the start of the war, mounted steadily. The chances that a 1914 volunteer of the List Regiment would be killed or maimed was almost guaranteed. Because of replacements, Hitler's Regiment, which consisted of 3600 men in 1914, suffered 3754 killed before the war. ended.* Mass burials of whole and partial corpses became commonplace. Mead witnessed a mass burial in which corpses sprinkled with lime were placed into a grave in a layer of thirty. Straw was placed over the dead and another layer of bodies was placed over the first until the grave held over 100 bodies.* Thousands of other recruits lost limbs, parts of torsos, sight, hearing and also their minds. "Thus it went on year after year," Hitler would later write, "but the romance of battle had been replaced by horror."* Living under the constant threat of death, all the men in the front lines continued to wrestle with their fears. The soldiers lived under a network of arching shells where uncertainty and hopelessness reigned. When a shell was heard coming in, all they could do was seek some kind of shelter for they did not know, nor could they determine, exactly where it would fall. Soldiers came to see that no place was safe. Men sitting in "bomb-proof" dugouts could be smashed into fragments while another caught in the open could survive a two day bombardment. For a soldier to keep his sanity he had to overcome his fear of death. Depending on his point of view, each put his life in the hands of chance, providence, destiny, fate or God-A soldier can't burden himself with feelings that can "break" him. Every soldier came to believe in fate, and eventually that made him indifferent. War was seen as a cause of death--like cancer, tuberculous, influenza or dysentery. Deaths in the trenches were merely more frequent, more varied, more terrible. Always present, however, was the terror of dying, but most overcame their fear of death.* After witnessing the horrors of war for over a year, Hitler describes the period when he was finally able to cross a mental barrier and put aside his fear of death: The time came when every man had to struggle between the instinct of selfpreservation and the admonitions of duty. I, too, was not spared by this struggle. Always when Death was on the hunt, a vague something tried to revolt, strove to represent itself to the weak body as reason, yet it was only cowardice, which in such disguises tried to ensnare the individual. A grave tugging and warning set in, and often it was only the last remnant of conscience which decided the issue. Yet the more this voice admonished one to caution, the louder and more insistent its lures, the sharper resistance grew

until at last, after a long struggle, consciousness to duty emerged victorious. By the winter of 1915-16, this struggle had for me been decided. At last my will was undisputed master. If in the first days I went over the top with rejoicing and laughter, I was now calm and determined. And this was enduring. Now fate could bring on the ultimate tests without my nerves shattering or my reasons failing.* As the war dragged on, Hitler, now a hardened soldier, felt that the civilians understood nothing of the agony of trench warfare.* The Western Front became a world of its own and Hitler began to find it hard to communicate with civilians back home. He answered his mail less and less, and received few letters and packages from home. When one of his comrades asked if there wasn't anyone to send him packages of food or items, Hitler answered: "No, only a sister, and heaven knows where she is by this time."* But when the baker, Franz Heilmann (who Hitler befriended in Munich), sent him another food package, Hitler sent a note thanking him but insisting that he send no more packages.* The war changed men and many soldiers went through periods where memories of former times became haunted and did not awaken pleasure so much as sorrow.* One of the officers who conversed with Hitler when he had painted the mess, stated later that he felt Hitler "was a serious person who obviously had been through quite a lot in life."* As the holidays approached, Hitler's mates noticed that he became very withdrawn. For three days he hardly spoke a word and took on "extra duty--particularly at Christmastime."* When his friends tried to cheer him up he would abruptly walk away. "I almost wept for him," Mend would later write, "I thought; 'The poor devil is going through plenty....'" When his comrades offered him some of their food or other items they received from home, Hitler declined stating he could not repay the favor.* Then his friends took up a collection which would enable him to buy extra items from the kitchen mess, but he refused to except it.* Once the holiday was over however, Hitler became cheerful again and even smiled about comments on his silence during the holiday.* There can be little doubt that Hitler, with all the death around him, was still haunted by the death of his mother. By the beginning of 1916 the trench systems had become thicker and now extended miles and miles behind the front line. In many instances the front line was expected to be overrun and was held by fewer men while the second and third lines were made stronger since they were easier to reinforce. The areas now targeted for bombardment by attacking forces extended along long and deep "belts." Both sides in the conflict built and perfected heavier and heavier &quBoth sides in the conflict built and perfected heavier and heavier "trench artillery" designed to hurl larger and larger "aerial torpedoes" containing great amounts of high explosives. Their curved trajectories were effective against not only trenches but also reinforced pillboxes and even deep concreted dugouts. Many of the shells were capable of penetrating two feet of protective concrete, six feet of earth and another two feet of concrete. After causing tremendous damage with their weight and speed they were given a "second life" by means of a delayed fuse which would kill and maim those who had come to remove those previously killed and maimed.

The area above ground was continually reshaped into unrecognizable moonscapes. During the bombardments, trenches ten feet deep disappeared, some little by little, others in a flash. Soldiers dug deeper and deeper into the earth with the entrenching shovels nearly every man carried with him. After a barrage lifted, the soldiers left alive quickly dug themselves out of their holes and used the huge craters created by the shelling for cover. When linked by hastily dug temporary ditches, the craters made a fair substitute for the elaborate trench systems just destroyed. Machine guns were quickly set up and the attacking forces were cut to pieces. The deadlock continued and casualties soared. In early 1916, the Germans were making steady progress in Russia but they had not attempted a major offensive in France for a year. The German High Command decided that Verdun, a strong point in the French defenses, would be the next point of attack. In preparation for the attack the High Command ordered six major "feint" attacks to be carried out during January and the first weeks of February in order to draw French and British attention from Verdun. Hitler's Regiment, which had been shifted north, took part in the ruse. At Verdun the Germans began, along a thirty mile front, one of the greatest mass attacks of the war. Although Verdun had no real significance as a military object, prestige was at stake. The French took up the call: "They shall not pass." Just as it became impossible to convince the French leaders that Verdun was not worth saving, it became impossible to convince the German leaders it was not worth taking. Nearly 2,000,000 troops on both sides were thrown into the battle. As attack followed counterattack the slaughter continued for months. During the fighting over 6300 shells were fired by the two sides every hour.* As the war became more and more desperate, the line between soldiers and civilians began to disappear. The nationalistic roots of the war deemed that civilians, who produced the weapons, also were the enemy. The Germans had used long range zeppelins to drop bombs on Paris and parts of England the year before. While the slaughter at Verdun continued, they began bombing London. The British public, who had never experienced war at first hand, demanded reprisals. Before the war would end, 750 German civilians,* over 500 English,* and over 250 Parisians alone* would lose their lives through bombing. The fighting at Verdun continued into June. The French position became desperate when the Germans began to nibble their way forward. In an attempt to draw German troops and material away from Verdun, the British, with French support, decided to open a "great" offensive centered in the region of the Somme. The British had been planning the attack for months and had moved up a large number of heavy guns and stockpiled acres and acres of artillery shells. A fortune would be fired away--the cost of many of the larger shells was enough to raise a child, or send a youth to college, for a year. Although the British commanders had air superiority in much of the area, their habit of keeping their troops "on their toes" with constant raids, alerted the Germans to the huge British buildup. The Sixth German army, the Bavarian (one of the two field armies in the area), had prepared an elaborate network of deep trenches linking concreted dugouts and shelters. Troop strength was brought up and Hitler and his regiment were ordered to the village of Fromelles, southwest of Lille, to take part in the battle.* "On the eve of our setting out for the battle of the Somme, we laughed and made jokes all night,"* Hitler would

later state. "In my unit, even at the worst time there was always someone that would make us laugh."* The British, while aware they had lost all possibi1ity of surprise, were confident of victory. The German trenches were not to be bombarded, but obliterated. Besides thousands of regular artillery field pieces, the British had over 450 super heavy guns. Some were able to fire a shell 18 inches in diameter carrying nearly a ton of high explosives and metal. It would be Neuve Chapelle all over again, but instead of mounting a 35 minute bombardment against a short front, the British would bombard seventy miles of the German lines, from Ypres to the Somme, for five days.* From the Somme southward the French would bombard twenty miles of the German lines. It would be the fiercest artillery bombardment of the war up to that time. Then, at the planned moment, the bombardment would lift along certain sections of the line and go into its "rolling barrage" phase moving slowly deeper into German territory. The British and French hoped that their infantry would simply advance behind, clearing up the "few surviving Germans." In the preliminary bombardment that opened the battle in late June, the British and French fired over 40,000 shells ever hour in hopes of pulverizing the Germans and their defenses.* As the shells came raining down on the German positions, the land itself seemed to burst open and flash. As far as the eye could see fountains of mud, iron and stone filled the sky. Gas moved across the land and filled the valleys and meadows. Talk was impossible for one could not be understood. Men huddled in their shelters as exploding shells cleared away the earth protecting them. Trenches disappeared. Dugouts vanished. Screams were heard between the explosions. Where men had sat only lumps of flesh and bits of uniform remained. In the deeper shelters, old and battle-hardened troops peered through their masks at one another and shook their heads. They all had heard the story of the French regiment at Verdun which fled under a heavy bombardment. The new recruits with big eyes and quivering bodies were watched with apprehension. Some turned green and began vomiting. Some began sobbing. Those with haunted protruding eyes attempted to dig deeper into the earth with their bare hands. Some snuggled up to their stronger comrades and looked out from behind a kindly shoulder like frightened little children peeking out from behind their mother's hip. As the shells tore apart the upper layers of concrete and began working their way toward them, many lost control of their bowels. The smell of putrefaction mixed with the stench of exploding powder. No one condemned them for in war it was a common thing. After a hundred continuous hours of bombardment, even old soldiers experienced wet foreheads, damp eyes, trembling hands and panting breath as spasms of fear fought their way to the surface. Men felt they were already in their graves waiting only to be closed in.* Suddenly, at 9:30 in the morning on July 1, the bombardment lifted along a twenty-eight mile section of the front where the French and British lines met. As the curtain of fire fell behind them, German soldiers, who only moments before seemed ready to crack, sprung into action. There was now something to do other than wait for death. On an 18 mile front, from the Somme River north to Gommecourt, the survivors clambered out of their shelters to greet thirteen British divisions, over 150,000 men, who began to cross No Man's Land in a solid line. On a ten mile front from the Somme south, the Germans prepared to greet 50,000 French soldiers who were crossing in a similar fashion. As German front line troops took up defensive positions, messengers hurried to the rear, passing through the curtain of fire, to inform their

regimental headquarters that the attack had begun in their sector. Though the French advanced with "acceptable losses," the British were torn to pieces. The Germans had constructed some shelters 40 feet deep and new armored machine gun emplacements had been strategically located so as to put attacking forces in a murderous cross fire. When the British bombardment lifted, not only were many of the German machine gunners still alive but many of their armored machine gun emplacements were still useable. Where their fortifications had been destroyed the machine gunners set up their guns in the same areas that had been "scientifically" chosen earlier. The British had also concentrated most of their heavy shelling on the German trenches, and the wire protecting the German line was uncut in many places. Where it was cut, the ground was so heavily pitted with shell craters that an orderly and speedy advance was impossible. As the British picked their way through the wire, the German machine gunners opened up with a murderous spray. British troops fell by the thousands. Many were literally cut in half; the top part of their bodies tangled up in the wire while the bottom part lay on the ground. Within a short time the German messengers did their job and German artillery shells began falling on and behind the attacking British making it as unsafe for them to retreat as it was to go forward. Nearly 20,000 British soldiers were killed or seriously wounded in the first two hours. At the small village of Gommecourt alone, 1,000 British troops died along a 1,000 yard sector of the line. Before the day was over the British suffered nearly 60,000 causalities--40,000 seriously wounded and 20,000 dead.* Although the British had made some small gains in a few areas, they did not attempt to exploit the areas but ordered more uniform attacks along the whole line. For the next two weeks the battle continued with nearly the same results. The British pounded the German lines until it seemed nothing could be alive. But, when the shell fire lifted off the German trenches, men, like ghosts, appeared from out of the ground. As the British troops charged, German artillery, machine guns, rifles, hand grenades, mines, gas and bayonets thinned out their ranks until the inertia of the attack was blunted and it finally collapsed. A British "success" was measured in ''yards." The German Generals showed no more ingenuity than the British and demanded that every yard of territory lost be retaken. With German artillery shells leading the way, counterattacks were launched. So it went back and forth until the German losses began to approach those of the British. As attacks alternated between counterattacks the battle became more and more desperate. On either side, food could not be brought up. Safe water was lacking. Medical supplies were in short supply. Men went for weeks without being able to wash. Clothes became heavily stained. Equipment became caked with mud. Filth, stink, decay, hunger, thirst, dysentery, influenza, and typhus became the soldiers' lot. The shelling never ceased but alternated between scattered explosions and raging crescendos. Because of the constant shifting lines, soldiers were often shelled by their own guns and there was always the shifting gas-a silent, burning, choking, death. Soldiers came to believe they had only two possibilities to look forward to: hospital or the common grave. In the heat of battle they became hunters, thugs, murderers.* "I was boiling over with a fury which gripped me--it gripped us all--in an inexplicable way," Ernst Junger would write. "The overpowering desire to kill gave me wings."* The troops believed that they must kill, not only to save themselves but to be revenged.* It became "a soldiers' battle, where rules and text-books

were forgotten."* By now "the bayonet has used only to kill men who had already surrendered."* After two weeks the only noticeable gain the British had achieved was along a five mile section of their line north of the Somme River where they linked up with the French. With little else to show for their losses, the British decided to "exploit" the area. On the morning of July 14, 20,000 British troops delivered a major assault after a bombardment that lasted only a few minutes. They consequently took the Germans by complete surprise. The British advanced over a mile capturing a five mile sector of the German second line. It appeared it would be a cake walk to break through the third line. It was the moment that all British generals of W.W.I had dreamed of. At seven o'clock in the evening, the British began sending in wave after wave of mounted cavalry. Horses, high off the ground with men on them, offered easy targets. Most of the horses and men were mowed down by German machine guns. "The wonder was that any came back alive."* While the dreamed-of breakthrough was disappearing in a pool of human and animal blood, the British launched attacks and bombardments all along the front to prevent German reinforcements from relieving the area. Anything flammable was burnt black all along the front to a depth of four miles. The effects of the endless gas clouds were felt over seven miles behind the front lines.* That evening, the shelling was so devastating in the Fromelles sector that no one ventured to stick his head out of his hole. All regimental field telephones were out. Hitler and another runner were sent out to deliver messages, according to their officer, "in the face of almost certain death."* The barrage was so intense that every step forward was an act of suicide. After diving, crawling, running, dodging and taking advantage of every shell hole and ditch, Hitler returned dragging along the other man who "collapsed from exhaustion."* The officers were surprised and amazed that they returned alive. On July l9, the Battle of Fromelles intensified and the area became a howling waste. No place was safe and the life of a dispatch runner was "measured in hours rather than days."* During one of the barrages the shell fire was so heavy that it was believed no single runner could get through. It soon became commonplace to send off as many as six runners with the same message assuming "five would probably be wounded or killed."* All through August the British continued their attacks with paralyzing losses and with little to show for their effort except the gains made in coordination with the French. The dream of forcing the Germans back along the whole British front was forgotten. Hundreds of thousands of troops had been consumed. Lacking sufficient battle worthy formations, the British shifted most of the heavy fighting along side the French. Still hoping to gain something, the British set their sights on the town of Bapaume. By sheer weight of artillery and men the British and French stumbled forward until they had extended their advances to four miles in some places. Determined to break through the German line and reach Bapaume the British decided to unleash a surprise on the Germans. Forty-five heavy artillery towing tractors, code named "tanks," had been converted into "landships." With their caterpillar treads, armored plating and mounted machine gun, they would, it was hoped, provide the infantry with the close support needed to break through. On Sept. 15 the

tanks went forward. Only a dozen got near the German line but because of their surprise effect, and the fact that machine gun bullets failed to stop them, a few penetrated the German line. Before the day was over, however, they were all disabled. Undaunted, the British continued to pound the German lines and the Germans hammered back in their turn. Every day in "the fight of man against man,"* as Hitler called it, thousands of men were killed or wounded. The earth itself was twisted, blackened, fluid, dissolved and dripping--an oily and slimy mass, pocked-marked with craters of yellow stagnate water pools topped with red spirals of blood. As the shells decimated the troops, fresh regiments were herded into the area. On Sept 25 Hitler and his Regiment were brought south and thrown into the midst of the heaviest fighting south of Bapaume.* Some of Germany's best divisions were fighting in the sector and "compared with them," Hitler would later state, "we felt we were the rawest of recruits."* By now Bapaume itself had become an unrecognizable flaming abyss. Hitler would later comment: When we went into the line in 1916, south of Bapaume, the heat was intolerable. As we marched through the streets, there was not a house, not a tree to be seen; everything had been destroyed, and even the grass had been burnt. It was a variable wilderness.* The area thundered and flashed--bombardments, barrages, curtain fires, mines, rifles, machine guns, handgrenades--a never ceasing steel net of shattering, corroding death, intermingled with poison gas, flame throwers and plunging bayonets. Corpses lay everywhere. At the entrance to one little village lay "more than 800 bodies, 'horribly mangled by the incessant shell-fire.'"* Because of the constant shifting of the front lines and the heavy artillery bombardments, wired communications between regimental headquarters and the front lines were nonexistent. Through the chatter of machine guns, the roar of exploding shells, the hum of shell fragments alive in the air, and the groans of suffering men, Hitler shuttled back and forth. "Then I saw men falling around me in thousands," Hitler later stated. "Thus I learned that life is a cruel struggle, and has no other object but the preservation of the species. The individual can disappear, provided there are other men to replace him."* Because of the speed at which the men were fed to the guns it often became impossible to bring in the dead for burial. Bodies lay scattered upon the field until the exposed flesh became the same color as their gray-green uniforms.* Strange distorted, taut, dead faces, all alike, revealed terror, anguish and suffering. Gases within swollen dead bellies, hissed, belched and made movements. Bodies and parts of bodies were dumped into shell craters or abandoned trenches where huge gloated rats fattened themselves. Huge shells fell upon the graves and lifted the rotting corpses back onto the earth.* Heads, torsos, limbs, and grotesque fragments lay everywhere scattered among the scorched, torn and pitted earth, rotting and stinking. A miasma of chloroform and putrefaction rose from the piles and shifted back and forth over the living. Old cemeteries were not spared, and the stained bones and skulls of those who had perished centuries before were heaved back upon the earth and scattered among the fresher dead* as though to inquire about the progress of leaders.

For a hundred and fifty miles, from the Somme to Verdun, the land was a giant lunar-scape with dying men, open grave-yards, and rotting corpses. At Verdun the Germans advanced about five miles, while on the Somme the British advanced about the same. For this trade the leaders of the opposing countries sustained over 600,000 casualties at Verdun and over 1,000,000 on the Somme. Even an arch-patriot like Hitler was appalled by the senseless losses.* Like many of his fellow recruits he slowly came to believe that the old leadership that he once thought so highly of, was failing them. Hitler astonished a comrade by stating: "I would make the leaders responsible for these men who have fallen."* There would be few men who fought on the Somme who would ever wash away the memory of what occurred there. Eight years later, at a Christmas party, Hitler could still mimic "the noise of every imaginable gun, German, French or English, the howitzers, the 75's, the machine guns, separately and all at once," a friend noted, "we really went through about five minutes of the Battle of the Somme..."* Although Hitler had already fought in nearly 20 battles, and would fight in 20 more, nearly ten years later he would describe the Battle of the Somme as "more like hell than war."* As one historian noted: "Verdun and the Somme opened the way to Auschwitz and Hiroshima."* Although Hitler had been in the thick of the fighting on the Somme, the only injury he received was a minor shell splinter to the face.* On the night of October 7, 1916, however, his name was added to the casualty list. During a rolling barrage of British artillery in the vicinity of Le Barque (two miles southwest of Bapaume) a shell landed near the spot where he and his fellow messengers were huddled waiting to run messages. They were blown into a heap and Hitler survived with a serious wound to the left thigh. "What is strange," Hitler would later say, " is that at the moment of being wounded one has merely the sense of a shock, without immediate pain. One thinks that nothing important has occurred. The pain begins only when one is being carried away."* Hitler did not want to leave his regiment and attempted to convince his superior to keep him at the front,* however, he was evacuated to a field hospital six miles behind Bapaume at Hermies. There, for the first time in two years, Hitler heard the feminine voice of a German nurse and later wrote: "I nearly jerked in alarm."** Continue: Top of Page Footnotes: (One asterisk is for a footnote, two asterisks are for additional information.)

War Not Peace Chapter 10

The wound Hitler received was serious enough to cause him to be sent back to Germany for treatment. Along with hundreds of other wounded he was loaded onto a transport train heading east. As the train crossed the frontier into Germany, Hitler felt that every soldier "was happy that Destiny allowed him once more to see what he had to protect so earnestly with his life."* It had been two years since Hitler had seen the Fatherland and he was overcome by emotion. He avoided eye contact with his fellow wounded so his teary eyes would not be noticed.* Hitler was taken off the train at a military hospital at Beelitz, 25 miles southwest of Berlin. After two years of living in the mud and filth of the trenches, he was given a "white bed" which he "hardly dared to lie down on properly." It was like a "new world," Hitler would later write, and it took him time to reaccustom himself to such "marvels."* His leg wound was serious indeed and would keep him in the hospital for nearly two months. Hitler believed that the comradeship, sense of togetherness, and unity which existed at the front, also existed at home. He soon found however, that the almost unanimous enthusiasm of the early years of the war had melted away. He was angered to find some "wretched scoundrels" who bragged about their ability to avoid combat and who portrayed front line soldiers as fools. Hitler had seen "brave" soldiers die by the thousands and consequently had nothing but contempt for such "spineless cowards," as he called them. He was further upset to find that the "unprincipled agitators" were not repudiated but were either listened to, agreed with, or at most, ignored.* His leg healed over the next seven weeks and during the last days of his hospital stay he got permission to visit Berlin for a few days. There he found, among the general population, misery, hunger, and discontent. For much of its recent history, Germany had depended on imports to feed its population. The British and their partners had agreed prior to the war that non-contraband goods, like food and medical supplies, would flow freely even in times of war. Like all the belligerents now however, they chose to ignore "international law" when it served their purpose. Soon after the start of hostilities, the British announced a "new international law." They set up a blockade which prevented all sea-born imports into Germany. They were determined to starve the German people into submission. Through a system of quotas they also controlled imports into Germany's neutral neighbors so as to prevent them from selling to Germany. The Germans, for example, took to buying large amounts of fish from the Norwegians. The British, by rationing coal and tin to Norway, forced the Norwegians to stop trading with Germany. The whole system was vigorously enforced by keeping neutral ships from German ports and examining the cargoes of all ships heading for Germany's neutral neighbors. The policy was fruitlessly protested by all "neutrals," including the United States, who demanded "freedom of the Seas."* Although the German navy attempted to break the blockade, their endeavors proved fruitless. Besides

being hopelessly outnumbered in ships, a German naval code book was obtained early in the war by the British who were thus able to decipher every German coded wireless message.* The German navy proved no match against the British. After a few initial conflicts, and one major naval engagement in early 1916, the Germans abandoned any hope of facing the British in open naval conflict. The noose around Germany began to tighten. Turkey had sided with the Germans in the early months of the war and a railroad, from Berlin-to-Bagdad, was established after Serbia was overrun. The Germans however, never drew any supplies of value from Turkey and the Turkish handling of the "Armenian Question" (deporting 600,000 Armenians and murdering another 600,000 would caused the United States to refer to the incident as "one of the most shamelessly brutal race massacres of all time") would later come back to haunt Germany. Because of Britain's control of the seas, most of German's colonies were also overrun or starved into submission and they supplied no support to Germany. Italy, formally allied with Germany, unexpectedly joined Britain, France and Russia in 1915 and the four became commonly known as the Allies. Although Italy's entry into the war was counterbalanced somewhat when Bulgaria sided with the Germans, by 1916 Germany and her allies were surrounded by enemies and experiencing severe food shortages. By the time Hitler visited Berlin. bread and potatoes were scarce and meat was almost unattainable by anyone but the rich. Turnips, once used primarily for animal feed was becoming the principal staple of the working class. Nearly 100,000 German civilian deaths were already attributed to the blockade and things were getting worse. Many among the working classes became disgruntled because the wealthy could get what they needed on the black market. "Food riots" had already taken place in Berlin, Munich and thirty other major cities in Germany alone. Hitler was released from the hospital on the first of December and reported to his replacement battalion in Munich two days later. Hitler found that conditions among the people of Munich were worst than in Berlin. "Anger, grumbling, and cursing met me on all sides." Hitler would later write, "...I hardly recognized the town again."* Hitler was also aghast to find that the general mood among the new recruits in his replacement battalion was deplorable. Besides the grumbling against the food shortages, the new recruits had no more enthusiasm for the war than those at the hospital in Beelitz. As Hitler would later write: "To be a slacker passed almost as a sign of higher wisdom, while loyal steadfastness was considered a symptom of inner weakness and narrow-mindedness."* Hitler believed that conditions in the barracks were made worse by the "clumsy manner in which the soldiers from the front were treated [by the Army]."* Wounded or returning soldiers were under the command of training officers who had never been in battle and Hitler felt it was impossible for them to "establish good relations with the old soldiers." As Hitler saw it: "The returning soldiers could not help but show certain peculiarities which were explicable by their service at the front, but which were and remained entirely incomprehensible to the leaders of the reserve units."* The only good news that Hitler heard came from the East. Russia appeared exhausted by the war.

Because of the Russian army's lack of artillery, machine guns, and its extensive front, trench warfare did not apply. Early in 1915 the German army, supported by Austrian troops in the south, started a drive along an 800 mile wide front from the Baltic south to the borders of Rumania. By December they had driven the Russians back nearly three hundred miles at one point. In one battle alone over 250,000 Russian soldiers were either killed, wounded, deserted or were taken prisoner. The Germans moved through "Russian Poland" and pressed on into Lithuania and White Russia occupying an area larger than France. By the beginning of winter, the Germans took more than three-quarters of a million prisoners and Russia sustained another 2 million in dead and wounded. Only the Russian winter finally halted the German advance. In early 1916 the Russians made an attempt to retake what the Germans had garnered and lost five men to every German lost while barely budging the German line. Fighting against the Austro-Hungarian troops in the south, however, the Russian achieved unbelievable results again. The multinational army of the Austrian Monarchy, which had long since seen the best of its officer corps and most loyal units decimated and destroyed, collapsed along the whole of its 200 mile front. After a three month battle, Austria's army was driven back a hundred miles at one point and suffered the loss of 700,000 men, over half of whom were "captured" by the Russians because of mass desertions. The Rumanian government, sensing the defeat of Austria. and tempted by the promises of huge blocks of land at the expense of its neighbors, declared war on Austria in August. With the addition of a new adversary on its borders, and with the unrest of the minorities within its borders, Austria was from that time on of little worth to Germany as a war ally. Seven German divisions were sent south and the German generals took nearly complete control of what was left of the Austrian army. The Russian's were stopped in their tracks and suffered over one million casualties as the Germans began to advance. Most of Rumania was overrun by the time Hitler returned to the Munich barracks. With one million German troops stationed along its borders, Russia, though a formidable threat, was from that time on incapable of a sustained major offensive. Hitler, like most Germans, attributed the huge gains made in Russia to Lieutenant General Paul von Hindenburg. After the initial Russian advances into Germany in 1914 (which left the German High Command on the Eastern Front nearly hysterical), von Hindenburg was called in to turn the tide. Hindenburg, who came from an old military family, was a man of sixty-seven and on the retirement list, having served in two previous wars. He was brought back because of his calm temperament which could be relied on to hold steady no matter what happened. After one of von Hindenburg's huge victories in Russia, Hitler would close a letter to the Popps with: "long live our great German Field-Marshall."* Much of von Hindenburg's success was due to his chief of staff, Major General Erich Ludendorff who, in the near future, would become a personal acquaintance of Hitler's. Ludendorff came from an impoverished landowning family and at a very early age he was sent off to a military school. He later joined the Prussian Army and climbed speedily up the ranks. To have advanced so far with no von in his name, spoke for his abilities as a soldier. He was a prominent strategist with a quick mind. He could grasp a military situation almost instantly and respond to it in innovative ways. At the very beginning of the war Ludendorff became a national figure while commanding on the Western Front in Belgium. After

a massive assault on the fortress of Liege, it appeared that the Belgian forces were making a withdrawal. Ludendorff, who had taken command of a brigade of infantry after its commander had been killed, believed that the main fort, the Citadel, had fallen. He drove up to the front gate in his staff car and got out. He found that the Citadel had not fallen and was still occupied by enemy forces. Ludendorff, nevertheless, "pounded on the gates" and when they opened, he demanded that the fortress surrender to him. It did. His single-handed feat made him a hero throughout Germany. His and Hindenburg's huge successes on the Russian front only heightened their legend. After the German failure at Verdun and the heavy losses on the Somme, the German Emperor William II appointed Hindenburg chief of staff of the whole German army with Ludendorff as his first quartermaster general. Although, the very reason for a united Germany rested on the shoulders of William, heir of the House of Hohenzollern, his leadership over the military High Command grew less and less as the war went on. With Germany stalled on the western front, discontent simmering at home, and the possibility of victory slipping away, Germany reverted to an ancient custom. Von Hindenburg and Ludendorff established a supreme war command which they headed in the name of the Kaiser. As with the other belligerent nations, the "generals" were soon dictating policy. Because of the food shortages, the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian army, and the terrible casualties on the battlefield, Ludendorff and Hindenburg viewed Germany's position as precarious. Hoping to draw tens of thousands of Polish troops to Germany's side, they issued a proclamation in November calling for an independent Poland. The Poles had little faith in the German proclamation and only 1,400 enlisted in the German army. Since the Russians had dominated over a large portion of Poland, and wanted more, the only outcome was to stiffen Russian resolve. With war weariness infecting both the German army and the general population, Ludendorff lost confidence in Germany's ability to achieve victory on the battlefield.* Since there had been a German proposal for a "negotiated peace" a few months before (which the French turned down because Germany would not "recognize herself as vanquished),* Ludendorff and Hindenburg hoped their huge victories against Russia and Romania would bring the Allies to the peace table. A week after Hitler returned to the Munich barracks, the German Chancellor (chief minister of state), announced to the world in the German Reichstag (congress) that "Germany and her allies offer to negotiate for peace."* It came as a relief to many Germans. Those who had applauded so enthusiastically for war 28 months before now applauded just as zealously for peace. A "peace note" was issued informing the Pope and all neutral powers concerned that Germany desired "to avoid further bloodshed and make an end to the atrocities of war."* The note, asking "for a conference of the warring powers for the purpose of securing peace," was to be transmitted to the Allies. Six days later President Wilson of the US, who had been trying for over a year to seek a peaceful solution to the European struggle also issued a peace note and agreed to mediate between the belligerents in hopes of securing "peace without victory." Although the Germans agreed to "a meeting of delegates to

discuss terms," Wilson's attempts were deeply resented by the Allies.* Even though the German note listed no demands whatever,* "discussion of a compromise peace was automatically ruled off the agenda" by France, Britain, Russia and Italy,* and they "rejected the offer of negotiations out of hand."* In Russia, the Duma was "unanimously in favor of refusing .... to enter into any peace negotiations with Germany." France declared that "it is impossible to take [the] request for peace seriously." In Rome, Germany was accused of "boastfulness and the lack of sincerity."* In England, the new head of Government, Lloyd George, called the German proposal, "a trap baited with fine words,"* and "asserted that Great Britain, with its new cabinet, was not making peace, but war."* If the Allies had waited for the Germans to list their demands, they may have found everlasting and world wide justification for their refusal since the German initial expectations were ludicrous. The reason, however, for the hasty and abrupt refusal was that the Allies were determined to win the war by military force. With the German Army so deep in French, Russian and Rumanian territory, the Allies could not impose their own terms, which was nearly the complete destruction of Germany. To Allied Dreams: The Allied generals and political leaders were now more confident of victory then ever. They saw the German offer of peace as a sure sign of weakness. The Allied Generals began predicting victory in the "next few months" or "sometime in 1917."* They began making plans for another "great offensive." The failure of the peace proposals "to arouse any response" in the Allied countries induced Hindenburg and Ludendorff to press for an "unrestricted submarine campaign" against Britain.* Since the British navy was attempting to starve Germany into submission, Hindenburg and Ludendorff hoped to starve Britain out of the war. Beliving the submarines would soften Allied resolve, Hindenburg and Ludendorff also discontinued offensive action on the French battlefield for 1917 (because the toll in life was always more in attacking than in defending). Hindenburg and Ludendorff's power would continue to grow until it was almost unlimited and they were effectually heading a military and political dictatorship in hopes of rallying the Germans to victory. "Constitutional procedures and civilian influences were shunted aside and virtually ignored."* Nearly everything in Germany was subordinated to the needs of the war. All unessential consumer production was converted to war production. Labor was directed to munitions factories. Committees supervised the growing of food. Government sponsored collections were conducted to eliminate shortages. The momentary euphoria for peace died away. In its place appeared a stern determination. Although Hitler might have sat out the remainder of the war in safety, in January (shortly after the peace proposal was rejected) he wrote his commander that he was fit for service and stated that he longed "to return to my old regiment and old comrades."* Around the end of February he received word that his request was granted and he could rejoin his regiment which was again stationed near Ypres.

At the beginning of March, Hitler was back at the front. His comrades were delighted to see him and Little Fox ran around in circles while jumping up and down. "It was crazy how fond I was of the beast,"* Hitler would later remark. The company cook prepared a special meal in Hitler's honor* and for dessert there was one of his favorites: jam and cake. Shortly after Hitler returned, his regiment received orders to march to the coast for special training at the naval base at Ostend. Hitler would later comment: The Regiment arrived there in a most deplorable state. Any Russian regiment, after a. fivehundred mile retreat, would have looked [better]... in comparison. While in Ostend ... the sailors, smart, efficient, turned out always as if for a review, were magnificent! It made one ashamed to be seen in their company.... .... We had to cut up our greatcoats in order to make puttees, and we looked like a bunch of tatterdemalion ballet-dancers! They, on the other hand, looked frightfully smart in their belts and gaiters; and we were not sorry when we escaped to the decent obscurity of our trenches once more.* During Hitler's absence, Hindenburg and Ludendorff began a huge withdrawal along a seventy mile front from Arras south to the Aisne River. In some areas they withdrew up to 25 miles. The "retreat," as the Allies called it, was meant to straighten out the German line so it could be defended with fewer divisions. In the thousand square miles of territory the Germans left behind, nearly everything not already destroyed by the fighting was intentionally destroyed. Mines were flooded, houses demolished, orchards chopped down, farm land flooded and wells poisoned. Every movable article that could be of use to the Germans was systematically packed up and carted away. One Allied witness thought that it signified "the abyss in ideals that exists between the two races."* The German army took up new positions behind an elaborate network of trenches and tunnels connected by light railways. Although the new defensive position would became popularly known to the Allies as the Hindenburg Line, the Germans called it the Siegfried Zone after the great hero of Germanic and Wagnerian mythology. Hitler undoubtedly considered the name of the new position a good choice, but he considered the withdrawal foolish. As he would later state: "The soldier has a boundless affection for the ground on which he has shed his blood."* The withdrawal demoralized the troops and Hitler began giving lengthy speeches to "croakers" or "Calamity Janes," as he called them, who talked of defeat. Hitler believed the Allies were only concerned with "distributing other people's property"* and felt the Germans had to fight on to victory. Although Hitler raged against the Allies, he blamed most of the defeatist talk and organized discontent at home on the Marxists.* The new replacements coming up consisted of a number of Social Democrats and Hitler lectured them on the evils of their ways. "It was like in the Reichstag,"* Mend would later

remark when Hitler took the floor . Over a year before, a small minority of anti-war Marxists had met in Switzerland and called upon the working classes everywhere to end the war without annexations or indemnities. Although they had no immediate affect on most socialists in the belligerent countries,* their influence grew among the more radical elements. When the war was going well for Germany they went along with the leadership or abstained from voting. When things took a turn for the worse they spoke out openly of their displeasure. Certain members of the Social Democrats in the German congress, who had expected a quick victory, voted against war credits in early 1916. After the failed peace proposals, Hitler considered such acts treasonous and felt that such men should be "put behind bars, brought to trial, and thus taken off the nation's neck."* He lamented about the evils of the Marxists who he believed were hurting the war effort. There were soldiers who listened and found substance in Hitler's views and he even turned a few Social Democrats over to his beliefs.* A month before Hitler's 28th birthday, his regiment headed for Arras in expectation of another British and French offensive. On its arrival, the List Regiment was held in reserve behind the lines and Hitler had leisure time to do some painting. On April 4, the front along a 20 mile sector north and south of Arras erupted into fire and thunder of exploding shells. As the British shelling continued over the next two days, the men of the List Regiment knew that it was the expected preliminary bombardment. It would be only a matter of time before they were rushed where needed when the Allies launched their new "great offensive." Hitler's job as messenger had evolved into a somewhat safer profession, in some respects, since the early years of the war. As Hitler would later comment: Men were uselessly sacrificed by employing them as runners on missions that could have been equally well accomplished by night with less danger. How often I myself had to face a powerful artillery barrage, in order to carry a single post card.* Hitler's regiment now had a commanding officer who put a stop to such practices and there were other changes which cut down on the loss of messengers. Because of the high death rate among runners during battle, and the slowness in getting messages to the far flung rear in times of emergency, a system of colored rockets and flares had been developed to signal observers in the rear of the general situation on the front in times of heavy bombardments. The runners however, were still required to deliver messages containing more detailed information no matter what the situation. Even far behind the lines there was a constant possibility of death. There were the occasional barrages from long range naval and land guns, and there was always the threat of gas. Nightly, British flyers dropped "tons of bombs" behind the German lines,* and during the day there were constant air attacks by enemy flyers who pounced on anything moving. To give the messengers a better chance of dodging bullets, shells and bombs, Hitler and his fellow runners had turned in their rifles for side arms. Since the Germans knew a British attack in force was coming, it was important they conceal their

activities. Some of the most desperate air-battles of the war took place when hundreds of planes fought for mastery of the air space over Arras.* In one day's fighting alone over fifty planes on either side were observed being shot down. Protecting the air space over Hitler's sector was a squadron led by one of Germany's greatest aces--Baron Manfred von Richthofen. Because of the squadron's brightly colored (especially red) airplanes it was known to the Allies as the "Flying Circus," and Richthofen was known as the "Red Baron." Hitler would later state: ...in 1917, at the battle of Arras, the situation was such that the Richthofen Squadron was able to clear the sky of all enemy aircraft...I myself witnessed part of an engagement in which the last remnants of a formation of ten aircraft were shot down. We had the sky to ourselves.* Hitler was learning the importance of air superiority and spoke highly of German pilots. He also spoke admiringly of the courage of Allied air men. He approved of full military honors for dead enemy pilots who fell into Germany territory and attended the funerals of British flyers.* He was also bHitler was learning the importance of air superiority and spoke highly of German pilots. He also spoke admiringly of the courage of Allied air men. He approved of full military honors for dead enemy pilots who fell into Germany territory and attended the funerals of British flyers.* He was also bothered that German propaganda portrayed the French and English flyers and soldiers as contemptible and cowardly foes who ran away at the first sign of danger. He knew they stood and fought till overwhelmed* and he had great respect for his adversaries. As the British preliminary bombardment continued into its third day, word arrived that the United States had declared war on Germany. Although Hitler saw the "American Union" as a "sibling" coming to the aid of its "former parent," the choice had not been an easy one for most Americans. With dogmatic patience and the right amount of propaganda, however, those who favored the Allied cause silenced all their opponents. President Wilson was forced to declare war, but he questioned the morality of the Allies and never completely tied America to them. The United States would remain only an Associated Power throughout the war. To America's Entry into W.W.I Although America's entry into the war succeeded in supplying the Allies with moral support, there was no immediate affect on the battlefields. Although America had a large navy, she had virtually no army. Millions of men had to be drafted and trained. She had few tanks, planes, field guns, or even rifles. Although huge loans were extended to the Allies, what munitions factories there were had to stop delivery to Europe so as to equip American forces. America would not be ready for war for a year. Her entry into the conflict was but a promissory note for the future. Two days after America's declaration of war, Easter Sunday was celebrated on the battle fronts of

Europe. In little villages behind the lines, bells in churches rang and priests recited words of faith. German soldiers did what they could to brighten their spirits and Hitler used his artistic talents to paint eggs "and placed them in the garden of the regimental commander, spelling out: 'Happy Easter 1917.'"* There was little to be happy about though, for to the west the British preliminary bombardment thundered into its fourth day. Using heavy guns of all calibers, the British continued to pound the German front lines along the whole Arras sector. The bombardment was as fierce as that of the Somme. Huge spurts of blood-red fame hurled tons of earth, masonry and debris into the air. As one correspondent would write: "All the sky was on fire with it." The British, along with the French who were preparing to launch their own massive offensive 70 miles south, were convinced that they could achieve a huge "pincer movement." The British, after hopefully breaking through the German lines, were to head south while the French, who also expected to break the German lines, would head north. Their hope was to link up, cut off hundreds of thousands of Germans, break into the open plains to the east and force the Germans out of France. They were confident of victory again and were sure the Germans would then seek an armistice on their terms. After five continuous days of bombardment, the British shells lifted off the German front line. British soldiers stormed across No Man's Land along a twenty mile front north and south of Arras. With news of America's entry into the war the spirit of the British troops was high and hundreds of thousands went forward almost in a lively step. Before the day was over, Canadian troops stood on the top of Vimy Ridge to the north of Arras, a position the Germans had held for two and a half years against all comers. In the next few days British troops advanced up to four miles along a 10 mile front. As always the resistance stiffened as German reserves, including Hitler's Regiment, were shifted where needed. British losses skyrocketed as they continued their advance at a snail's pace. Toward the end of April the British paused momentarily to lay down another heavy bombardment. Hitler's regiment was in the thick of it.* On May 1, 1917, in glorious spring sunshine, the British bombardment lifted and the second phase of the battle of Arras was on. The attack was most intense along a twelve mile front still centered on Arras. Above the flashing turmoil of bursting shells, mines and machine gun fire, German rockets shot up, discharging red, white, green and orange bursts informing those in the rear that the attack had begun and asking for support or a protecting barrage.* By using mass formations of men, the British overran the forward German defensives and surged forward. Although the "Prussian and Bavarian troops" in the area were outnumbered two to one they fought desperately and launched countless counterattacks trying to recapture the ground lost. On May the 15th they attacked in mass formations in hopes of pushing the British back. British artillery opened up on the ground they attempted to cross and turned the area into a "mushroom-farm" as bulbs of shell smoke sprouted up thickly over the entire area.* The German regiments sent into the fray were decimated but they recaptured much of the ground they had lost. For miles around nothing was left standing. Hitler would later describe the area as just a mound of earth pitted with shell holes.

Over the next five days the battle sporadically drew to a close as the supply of material and men were consumed. Although the British were able to hold on to a few square miles of completely destroyed territory, the only achievement of the battle of Arras was "a fresh butcher's bill: 150,000 British casualties, 100,000 German."* Hitler survived the battle unscathed and, the day after the heavy fighting ended, was shifted a few miles north to Artois. British propaganda portrayed the offensive at Arras as a "great gain," claiming that only 30,000 British soldiers had been killed and 70,000 wounded. The French in the south, however, received one of the bloodiest repulses of the war which even the best propaganda could not conceal. Using 1,200,000 troops, 7000 heavy guns and 200 tanks, the French had launched their attack on the Aisne River along a 40 mile front between Soissons and Reims. Like the British, their main objective was also a ridge of heights; this one was known as the Chemin des Dames. Like the British they also started off in a lively step, but the Germans had expected the attack and were well prepared. They had strengthened their defensive positions and also moved into position hundreds of fighter and spotter planes which were equipped with short-wave radio. Within a few hours of the French attack, the German pilots drove all of the French spotter planes out of the sky and the French artillery was forced to fire "blind." The Germans pilots on the other hand, kept their artillery informed of every French move, and German artillery gunners racked the advancing French troops and tanks. Many of the tanks were knocked out while still on approach to the battlefield and troop divisions were unmercifully pelted with high explosives and gas of all types. The French also stumbled into a trap as the Germans skillfully withdrew in certain places causing the French to move forward into areas where they were exposed to fire on three sides. French losses numbered 180,000 men in the first ten days.* After three weeks of fighting, and with little to show for their losses, even the commonest French soldier knew that the attack had failed, but their officers ordered them on. The French soldiers knew they were being herded into a bloodbath. One regiment passed their commanders bleating like sheep on the way to slaughter.* The suicidal attacks continued for another two weeks. The French army was reaching its breaking point. The general condition of the common soldiers during W.W.I was deplorable. Armies were such that the gulf between officers and common soldiers was as wide as the gulf that existed between the upper and lower classes in civilian life. Of the men fighting in W.W.I the soldiers serving the French Republic were in some respects worse off than anyone. Among the leaders of the French, the common soldier barely qualified as a human being. The political philosophy held by the elite of the French "republic" was that it was a citizen's "privilege to serve" his country. After all, the soldier was fighting to defend "liberty and freedom." The French ruling strata, however, felt no obligation to the common soldier, or his family, while he did the fighting. Even outside the trenches, common humanity for the soldier barely existed and his misery was barely disturbed. There were few rest areas or leave facilities where he could rekindle his humanity. He was forgotten by his superiors unless he failed to report back on the date specified. If a soldier was lucky enough to get a long enough leave that he could return home, he often found his visit consumed by the time required to get there. Once there he often found his family destitute since the

French leaders made nearly no provisions for his family while he was away fighting. Although the republic paid him, what he received failed to cover the cost of a day's bread.* Once back at the front he was herded around from one filthy holding pen to another till it was time to return to the slaughter in the trenches. Many French soldiers saw themselves as nothing but "gun meat" or "cannon fodder." Spurred on by some newspapers which called for peace negotiations as the Germans had suggested, thousands of French soldiers simply lay down their guns and started walking home. Mutiny followed and rapidly spread behind the lines. By the end of May, French troops and officers of the lower ranks turned on their commanding officers and took control of four towns behind the lines. Nearly three quarters of a million men were involved in the mutiny. Though they refused to go on any more suicidal attacks, the French soldiers in the front lines continued to hold their positions. The Germans, consequently, never learnt of what was going on and never took advantage of the revolt. The mutinies nonetheless, were officially blamed on paid "German agitators and newspapers" supported by German funds. When the revolt was finally crushed by loyal French forces, over a hundred thousand French troops were courtmartialed, over 20,000 were found "guilty" and "many" were shot--though only "55" were "officially shot." By mid-June the front between Arras and the Aisne lay quiet. When the opposing armies counted up their losses, "not less than 600,000 casualties measured the cost of the battles of Arras and the Aisne."* These great losses, like those on the Somme, convinced many that the Allies had embarked on a new scheme--attrition.* Since no sensible military strategy appeared to be able to break the deadlock, the French and British leaders believed they could wear their opponents out by constant attacks. Even though the Germans, in their defensive positions, were experiencing losses of only two men to every three Allied losses, the Allied leaders believed attrition would work. The British, French, Russians and Italians alone could put 35,000,000 men in the field, while Germany and all her partners could scrounge up only about half that. The Allied leaders thus believed that, in the long run, they could "bleed the Germans white." In reality all that attrition was accomplishing was "an obliterating of the able-bodied manhood of Western Europe."* Hitler remained stationed in the area of Artois until the last part of June. His regiment was then given orders to head north where another British attack was expected. "Marching along the roads was a misery for us poor old infantrymen," Hitler would later say, "again and again we were driven off the road by bloody gunners, and again and again we had to dive into the swamps to save our skins!"* Continue: Top of Page Footnotes:

Slaughter & Honor Chapter 11

At the beginning of July Hitler and his regiment found themselves back in the same area of Ypres where the List Regiment had fought its first battle nearly three years before. Hitler would later write: There, in October and November, 1914, we had received our baptism of fire. With the love for the fatherland in our hearts and with songs on our lips, our young regiment had marched into battle as to a dance. Valuable blood gave itself up joyfully in the belief that the fatherland's independence and freedom would endure. In July, 1917 we stepped for the second time on that soil that was sacred to us. For under it there slumbered the best comrades, some little more than boys....The older soldiers among us, who had been with the regiment from the beginning, were deeply moved as we stood on this sacred spot where we had sworn 'Loyalty and Duty unto Death.' Three years before the regiment had taken this position by storm: now it was called upon to defend it in a grueling struggle."* For months the British had been preparing to launch their largest offensive for 1917. The Third Battle of Ypres (as it became popularly known) was to become "the blindest slaughter of a blind war."* The British Generals were determined to bolster the lagging French morale and kill Germans. There were those among the British officer class who were determined to achieve victory on their own before the Americans arrived. The British preliminary bombardment began on the 16th of July and continue for a full two weeks. It would be one of the longest continuous bombardments of the war. The Germans had been forced, by the water soaked soil in the region, to abandon deep dugouts in favor of small concreted pillboxes which held machine gun crews and twenty to thirty men during heavy shelling. As the men huddled in their shelters the bombardment continued and churned the wet soil. Between the rounds of exploding shells, the British also began hurling their latest inventions--new deadlier forms of gas and "cylinders of liquid fire." Although the pillboxes could resist the shells of light artillery, many were engulfed by the early form of napalm or torn to shreds by the heavier shells. For some of the lucky soldiers, death came quickly. Those in the area of an exploding shell, simply vanished.* For others, all that was left behind were a few body parts. Most men however, did not die so easily. Men who survived saw friends with half their legs missing running to the next shell hole on splintered stumps. Between bursting shells they saw burning men running in circles. They saw men running with their entails dragging twenty feet behind them. They saw living men without legs, without arms, without jaws, without faces. They saw opened chests, opened stomachs, opened backs and opened skulls. Clumps of flesh that no longer resembled anything human continued to breath. Mercifully some men never knew how badly they were hit and died in the middle of a sentence. Others died slowly as they looked on in shock at a large part of their body laying yards away. Some looked at their deadly wounds in bewilderment and their long faces seemed unable to accept the fact that it had happened to

them. Others gasped in horror, looking and longing for help they knew would never come. Hitler's regiment, incredibly, was moved up in the line during the bombardment to make up for those already lost. For the next ten days he and his comrades lived under the net of arching shells. As Hitler would later write: "The regiment dug itself into the mud, clung to its shell-holes and craters, neither flinching nor wavering, but growing smaller in numbers day after day. Finally the English launched their attack on July 31,1917."* As the bombardment lifted off the German forward positions that morning, the British went forward. The fighting was fierce along fifteen miles of front. The British never broke the elastic German line but they made some advances here and there. The next day it began to rain. As the shells and bombs churned the ground, the soil dissolved and the whole front became a slimy, sinking pit, dotted with shell holes filled with murky water. As the British attack continued, so did the rain. More shells turned the mud into an all consuming, semi-liquid slime. Movement became almost impossible as guns, supplies, horses, and even tanks sank into the muck. Men carrying their heavy packs slipped off hastily made wood covered pathways and disappeared. Bodies and parts of bodies became part of the trench-works. A German soldier at a related site would later write: We did not bury our dead [anymore]. We pushed them into the little niches in the wall of the trench [that we earlier had] cut as resting places for ourselves. When I went slipping and slithering down the trench, with my head bent low, I did not know whether the men I passed were dead or alive; in that place the dead and the living had the same gray faces.* Gas attacks caused additional burdens on the troops and the living were forced to keep their suffocating gas masks on twenty-four hours a day. With no objective, and for no other purpose but to "kill Germans and shake their morale,"* the British soldiers were ordered to press on. The British leaders would sacrifice 325,000 of their soldiers before calling off the senseless attack. Mathematically, however, attrition was working--the Germans would suffer 200,000 casualties defending their positions. Hitler's shattered regiment could no longer sustain is losses and was relieved. "The regiment had been reduced to a few companies," Hitler would later write, "these now made their way back, stumbling and encrusted with mud, more like ghosts than human beings."* The Regiment was loaded onto a train and shipped to a quiet section of the front south of Colmar,* Alsace for a months rest.* During the fighting, at either Arras or Ypres, Hitler had been recommended for another citation. While stationed in Alsace the decoration came through--the Military Cross for Merit, 3rd class with swords.* "All Hitler's commanding officers agreed that he was a brave and exemplary soldier,"* with an "upright and honorable nature."* Yet, it was surprising to many that he still remained a lance corporal. With the high casualties among the lower officer class, there had been more than one discussion among Hitler's

superiors about promoting him* to a rank equivalent with Sergeant. Although most biographers have accused Hitler of joining the army to satisfy his "cravings for prestige" he never requested a promotion. He was content with his job as runner and never applied for promotion to the rank of non-commissioned officer let alone a commission.* As Ignaz Westenkirchner, his fellow runner and friend, would later state: "He never wanted to be anything more than the others."* This may have been the reason for Hitler's "unmilitary manner,"* and his refusal to snap heels at the approach of an officer,* that later caused an adjutant to remark that he found "no leadership qualities in him."* The army, therefore, never voluntarily promoted him and he remained a lance-corporal throughout the war. A more likely reason why Hitler was not promoted was that he had made himself indispensable to regimental headquarters and they didn't want to lose him. As one finds in any big organization, people are apt to get pigeon-holed if they excel at their job. Advancement becomes almost impossible except for the well-connected. The officers of W.W.I soon learned which soldiers were the most reliable and Hitler's commanders considered him the best. As one of Hitler's officers, Reserve-Lieutenant Horn, would state: "If Adolf Hitler had been promoted to the rank of sergeant, he could not have remained a battle orderly and the regiment would have lost one of its best dispatch carriers."* On the other hand, armies, since the beginning of time, have always had an aversion to men who "think" for themselves, and "a bright button is weightier than four volumes of Schopenhauer."* Consequently, it could have been as Erich Remarque stated in his novel, All Quiet on the Western Front, when he referred to one of his front line characters as "the clearest thinker among us and therefore only a lance-corporal."* Hitler's position as a dispatch runner, nevertheless, gave him a very unique position in the war. As neither an officer nor a common soldier, he was continually moving between the two He came to understand both points of view and, as in Vienna, was able to observe at first hand the wall that separates one class from another. He also "gained inside knowledge of the way a regiment is commanded and accumulated insights and a fund of experience such as no General Staff officer could hope to acquire in peacetime."* In the course of his years on the battlefield he came to view military matters on the level of one who leads a regiment. For the rest of his life "he always remained at heart a regimental commander who thinks it incumbent on him to know all, miss nothing and decide everything, down to the smallest detail himself."* While Hitler was still stationed near Colmar someone rifled his knapsack and stole his case containing his art equipment and other personal items. Hitler was furious and the incident did nothing to diminish his feelings against "criminals" and their "lack of morality." To make matters even worse, Hitler's dog, Little Fox, disappeared. Although Hitler was "desperate" and did his best to locate Fuchsl he never saw him again. Hitler was convinced that a "slacker," a railroad official who had offered him two hundred marks for the dog, had stolen it. "The swine who stole my dog doesn't realize what he did to me,"* Hitler remarked. It may have been because of the loss of his dog, or that he had time to "wind down" after being out of harm's way for two weeks, but Hitler's comrades finally convinced him to take a furlough. Hitler was

given eighteen days to do what he wanted. It was his first furlough in three years. Towards the end of September, Hitler and his friend Schmidt boarded a train for Dresden where Schmidt had relatives. Between stops along the way they went sightseeing in some of the German cities. When they arrived in Dresden they visited its art galleries and Schmidt pointed out the city's famous landmarks. Hitler was eager to attend an opera but three years of war can magnify the triviality of most of man's entertainment and Hitler found nothing worth attending. He then went on to Berlin where he stayed with another comrade, named Arendt. Before heading to Spital for a visit to the family farm,* he sent a postcard to Schmidt, postmarked October, 6 (Saturday), 1917: Dear Schmidt: Did not get here until Tuesday. The Arendts are very kind, couldn't have wished for anything better. The city is marvelous, a real world capital. Traffic is still tremendous. I am out and about almost the whole day. At last I have a chance to study the museums a bit better. In short; I am lacking nothing. My regards. Yours, A. Hitler* Considering the misery on the battle front, it is not surprising that Hitler's letter appears upbeat. Conditions, however, were not as rosy in the 2nd Reich as Hitler's letter suggested. When the United States entered the war, an American admiral said to the British Foreign Secretary: "You will find that it will take us only two months to become as great criminals as you are!"* True to those words the United States forgot all about "freedom of the seas" (which was supposed to be one of the main reasons America went to war). The US adopted, in full, the British naval policies that Americans had condemned so vehemently before entering the war. America began enforcing the blockade far more ruthlessly than the British had ever done. In Germany, prices soared and the working classes suffered. Working class children went barefoot in summer and wore shoes of wood in winter. Cloth was scarce and they wore clothes made of rags. Rubber for rain gear was nonexistent. Medical supplies were lacking. Milk and meat were almost unattainable and horse meat was becoming a luxury for the working classes. Turnips, mixed with other foods to "stretch" them, became the principle staple at every meal. Bread made of wheat was a luxury, consequently, potato peelings, at times mixed with sawdust, was used in its place. Birds, cats, and dogs were consumed whenever they could be caught or bought. People roamed the streets looking for anything edible at any price. For the year of 1917, 260,000 additional civilian deaths would be attributed to the blockade. As the war dragged on an increasingly belligerent attitude began to take shape within the German Social Democratic Party. Earlier in 1917 the more left-leaning members formally broke away and formed the Independent Social Democratic Party. They openly started agitation against the war and the German government. Some of them worked alongside the more radical factory workers in Berlin and other large

cities to further revolutionary agitation.* Within the Independent Party was an even more radical group calling itself the Spartacus League (Spartakusbund) which would help finance its activities by robbing civilians on trains. The Spartacus (or Spartacists), were headed by two fanatical communists named Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg. Karl, whose father had been a close friend of Karl Marx, co-wrote the Spartacus Manifesto in tribute to Marx's Manifesto. Karl's co-leader, Rosa, a pole, was a tiny but explosive revolutionary agitator and a veteran of German and Russian prisons. Like many of the Independent Socialists, Karl and Rosa did not hold the "moderate" socialist view of a patient steady progress toward change. They believed in the Marxist view that any action was acceptable if it promoted their ideas or helped them grasp power. Their actions, and those of the Independent Socialists, had a tendency to pull the moderate Social Democrats further to the left. Unrest reached new heights in the Reich. Earlier in 1917 the Independent Socialists called on strikes to protest food shortages and the war. The Social Democrats, afraid of further loss of membership, supported the action. Karl Liebknecht rose in the Reichstag and shouted: "Down with the war!" The first great munitions strikes got under way. In Berlin alone, 200,000 men and women stayed away from their jobs. Munitions factories and transport facilities nearly ceased to function. In seven major war factories, striking workers were informed by the government that they would be arrested and shipped off to the front if they didn't return to their jobs. The strike was put down in a few days but beneath the surface the discontent was greater than ever. The war was also having its impact in Bavaria and discontent was especially pronounced in Munich. Berlin was blamed for the set backs at the front and the hardships at home. Long standing rivalries between Bavaria and Prussia were "aggravated to a degree damaging to the whole war effort."* At one point a delegation of noblemen and prominent citizens advocated the wresting of the leadership of the Reich from Prussia so as to make Bavaria the determining voice in the conduct of the war and the goals of the nation. Munich soon became the gathering place for extremist opposition from the left as well as the right against the established order. Hitler detested the "accursed feud between the German tribes,"* and with his rigid belief in nationalist principles he regarded all the Marxists actions, especially the strike, as treasonous. "What was the army fighting for if the homeland itself no longer wanted victory?" Hitler would write. "For whom the immense sacrifices and privations? The soldier is expected to fight for victory and the homeland goes on strike against it."* Hitler returned to his regiment which was stationed south of the Ailette River (seven miles north of the Aisne River) on October seventeen. On the same day the French began a bombardment of intense fury in preparation for a "minor offensive." Their point of attack fell on the Chemin-des-Dames, the scenic chain of heights between the Ailette and the Aisne Rivers where suicidal attacks a few months before had led to the French army mutiny. Held by the Germans, the hills were honeycombed with caves, grottoes, and tunnels created by centuries of stonecutters extracting limestone. Since many of the caves were 30 to 40 feet beneath the surface it was thought by the Germans to be an impregnable position.

Watching the French bombardment get underway was none other than John J. Pershing, Commander in Chief of the first American forces which were just beginning to arrive in France. The French were determined to show their new partner how it was done and were intent on victory. The French general staff had provided the attacking forces with a number of batteries of their heaviest 15 and 16 inch siegeartillery which fired a one ton shell with an armor-piercing point. When the bombardment started the German soldiers fled to the caves expecting to sit out the fire storm. The French, however, began firing salvoes with their heavy guns on the same spot over and over until the rock over the Germans began to clear away and finally collapsed in some places. The caves became death traps as shells found their way into the grottoes and their killing power was increased by their containment. The men above ground in their trenches and pillboxes fared little better. Besides being deluged with all calibers of shell fire they were also bombarded with gas-shells to an extent never before experienced. The whole Ailette valley lay under an almost unbroken cloud of poisonous gases. In one four day period it was hardly possible for men to take off their masks or protective clothing in order to eat, drink or relieve themselves. The once beautiful spot of nature became a dreary, forbidden expanse of monotonous mud, pock-marked with craters and ragged ramparts. After six days, the bombardment lifted and the French went forward along a five mile front. When the surviving Germans crawled out of their holes to meet the attack they were greeted by a new tactic. The attacking French infantry was supported by aviators who, flying all over the German positions at an altitude of only 150 feet, used their machine guns against any German who poked his head out of the ground.* With such close support the French drove the Germans from the heights and advanced so quickly they took thousands of prisoners and captured 25 heavy guns within the first few hours. The French drove forward over the next four days until the whole plateau was in their hands down to the meadows bordering the Ailette. The hole they punched into the German line threatened the German flank on either side. When German attacks failed to recapture the lost ground, the Germans began to retreat to the north bank of the Ailette along a 15 mile front. Hitler and his regiment fought a fierce rear guard action as the main body of Germans crossed the river. On November third, what remained of the List Regiment also retreated to the north bank of the Ailette.* The effectiveness of planes used in close support of troops was an innovation Hitler would never forget. The German retreat to the Ailette was one of Germany's greatest defeats of 1917. Around 12,000 Germans were captured and another 30,000 lay dead or seriously wounded. In proportion to the battle front, this "minor" engagement was one of the heaviest losses Germany had sustained in a single military action. The "heights," which had been considered impenetrable two weeks before, were now in French hands. The retreat not only reduced German moral but the loss of the heights jeopardized the whole of the German defensives in the south. The French, however, had consumed a horde of men and supplies and were forced to pause and replenish their loses. As the French attack sputtered down, 50 miles to the north at Cambrai, the British attempted for the first time to use tanks as they were meant to be used, on hard ground and in mass formation.

On November 20, 400 tanks went forward without a preliminary bombardment and took the Germans by complete surprise. The tanks drove a gap in the German front four miles wide, broke three German lines, and advanced five miles. At a cost of "only" 1500 men the British captured 200 German big guns and 10,000 prisoners. It was the greatest success the British had achieved in three years of war in France; but, no one knew how to take advantage of it. The infantry could not keep up with the tanks, and the cavalry that had been standing by for two years to take advantage of another breakthrough was easily mowed down by the German machine guns. A wide gap developed between the tanks and infantry. The closely interlocking mutual support required between infantry and tanks was lost. Unhampered by the British infantry, the Germans easily knocked out the tanks one at a time. They plugged the gap, counterattacked, and after ten days of fighting recovered nearly all they had lost and in some sections captured ground. Because of the sacrifices of the German infantry at Cambrai, the German High Command failed to appreciate the significance of the tank which heralded a new era of warfare. No one knew it better than the German front line soldiers who opposed them. The tanks not only broke the German lines but their spirit. As Hitler would later state: In 1917 the military authorities refused to make available the men required for the manufacture of tanks. In this the High Command committed a fatal error...for the decisive factor in any war is the possession of the technically superior weapons....If during the war...technicians had been released from the army at the appropriate moment--say after the battle of Cambrai--for the construction of armored fighting vehicles, and particularly of tanks, [they could have saved] the soldiers untold loss of life....* The fact that there was no recognition of our side of the need for tanks, or at least for an anti-tank defense, is the explanation of our defeat.* The situation on the Western Front appeared bleak to the Germans in November of 1917. A ray of hope, however, glittered again from the east. In the previous months, another 2,500,000 Russian troops had either been killed, wounded or captured as the Germans slowly continued to advance. Only the logistics of transporting German supplies and troops kept Russia from falling apart. Four days after Hitler and the German army retreated across the Ailette, a group of radical Russian socialists, Bolsheviks, effected a coup and toppled the short lived previous revolutionary socialist government. They were led by the rigid Marxist, Lenin. To Lenin: Though the Bolsheviks had only 115,000 Russian adherents (in a population of 150,000,000), Lenin acted quickly. A congress of soviets pronounced a new government led by a council of "People's Commissars," and Lenin put Marxist ideology into action. Backed by Trotsky, Stalin, revolutionary sailors, and a newly organized armed Red Guard, the "progressives," "intellectuals," "constitutionalists," "bourgeois democrats," "Liberals" and other "leftists," were either absorbed into Lenin's party,

imprisoned or shot. Shortly after, the Bolsheviks renamed themselves the Communist Party. Lenin's most pressing problem after taking power was to end the war. By now Russia was in complete turmoil. The army was disintegrating, transport had broken down, farm production was at a standstill, food shortages were worse than in Germany and the Germans were advancing. Civil strife was tearing the country apart and Lenin's second in command, Trotsky (who unquestionably read his Marx) was threatening to use the "guillotine" against any Russian who opposed them.* In early November Lenin decreed at the Soviet Congress that there should be an immediate peace among all the belligerents without annexations or reparations. The German government, with their armies occupying foreign lands in the east, south and west, responded favorably. France, Italy and Britain, on the other hand, still had big expansionist dreams and "peace without victory," was again, unacceptable to them. A few days later Trotsky began to publish openly the secret deals made between the former Russian governments and the Allies. The Allies were outraged and turned their back on Russia. The Government in London saw "victory in unity, without Russia." Italy urged America to "declare hA few days later Trotsky began to publish openly the secret deals made between the former Russian governments and the Allies. The Allies were outraged and turned their back on Russia. The Government in London saw "victory in unity, without Russia." Italy urged America to "declare her solidarity...by declaring war on Austria."* France claimed that her only policy was to "wage war." President Wilson (although embarrassed and angered to find himself linked with such immoral and obstinate allies) urged American leaders that "victory alone spells peace."* Lenin's and Trotsky's "vain attempts to induce the Allies to consent to peace without annexations or indemnities," failed.* On Nov. 27, therefore, three Russian envoys, under a white flag, crossed the German lines to begin negotiations with the "Teutonic Allies." On Dec. 5, Germany recognized the revolutionary Russian government. Ten days later an armistice (cease fire) was signed and negotiations for peace between Russia and Germany began. Although the Allies and the Americans were invited to the talks in hopes that they would lead to a general peace conference, the Allies and America declined. Wilson chose this time (Jan 9, 1919) to announced to the world "Fourteen Points" which he hoped would persuade Russia to continue the war on a defensive basis, and also to show that he did not support the Allied expansionist dreams. Although much of Wilson's Fourteen Points outraged the Allies ("the Lord God had only ten," remarked the French leader), the Allies took comfort in the fact that the entire address rested on the defeat of Germany. As one American official pointed out, Wilson's address "was an outline of war aims, not a peace address."* Wilson's address also called for revolution in Germany. As with all the leaders of the western "democracies" (they're really republics), America's leaders were also intent on forcing their political system on others. The fact that Germany, while under a "monarchy," had placed herself among the world's greatest powers while at the same time offering its common citizens abundant social programs,

made many prominent Americans nervous. How could the leaders of the "democratic" nations keep telling their less fortunate citizens how glorious their form of government was if those living under a different system had it bountifully better. From the day Wilson committed himself to the war, "his speeches were one prolonged instigation [for Germans] to revolt. He and Lenin were the champion revolutionists of the age."* In one of his speeches, for example, Wilson addressed the dissatisfied elements among the German people and asked for whom their rulers spoke, for the "majority" or "for the military party and the men whose creed is imperial domination."* Wilson's address, along with the British and French unwavering position that "no fair or even tolerable peace was possible until Germany had been defeated,"* effectively forced the German government into a corner. All attempts at ending the struggle by negotiated compromise with the West ended again. From the German standpoint, the only way to win the war on the fields of France, was to end it on the steppes of Russia. (Hitler would take the same deadly course in W.W.II when Britain refused to mediate.) With over a million Germans on the Russian border it became clear to Lenin and Trotsky that if a peace was not reached with Germany soon, the armistice would end, and there would be nearly nothing to prevent the Germans from overrunning all of Russia. During the past winter the German Army had not only made great gains in Russia before the peace talks began, but the Italian front had also collapsed when the Austrians (backed by six German divisions) inflicted 900,000 casualties on the Italians and drove almost within shell shot of Venice. Von Hindenburg and Ludendorff were in no mood to be conciliatory. The price Russia was to pay for peace was colossal. Since the Allies had shown that a peace without annexations and indemnities was unacceptable to them, Hindenburg and Ludendorff would let Germany's greatest dreams concerning the East run wild. Besides turning over large chunks of land to Turkey and accepting the loss of Finland, Russia was to give up the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia), Poland, the Ukraine, and parts of White Russia. These areas represented 15% of the Soviet Union's land, 30% of her industry and 32% of her population. Besides an indemnity of six billion marks, the Germans also wanted large amounts of raw materials and industrial goods. When the Russians were presented with the harsh terms they refused to sign. Hindenburg and Ludendorff would not be put off. They terminated the armistice and began to advance. They met almost no resistance and drove deep into Russia. German soldiers joked that to advance, one boarded a train, went to the next stop and fired a shot; as the Russian army retreated, the Germans got back on the train, went to the next stop and repeated the procedure over again. In the north, it seemed Petrograd itself would fall. The communist government headed east and later moved their capital to the safety of Moscow. Lenin and Trotsky believed that after the communists rose to power in Russia, revolution would break out in the other belligerent countries. Like Wilson, they especially appealed to the dissatisfied elements in Germany. In support of their communist brothers, the Independent Social Democrats demanded peace with Russia "without annexation or indemnities." With their organization now reaching all over Germany, a renewed wave of strikes broke out. Supported by the Social Democrats, 400,000 strikers left their machines and work stations in Berlin alone.

Although nearly a million workers were involved in the strike nationwide, Lenin's unveiling of the Allies' intentions to tear Germany apart galvanized most other Germans. They viewed many of the Communists and Socialists as defeatists, pacifists or outright traitors. Ludendorff and von Hindenburg decreed a state of siege. The military moved into the cities and took control of the factories. Strike leaders were arrested and sent to the front regardless of their condition or draft status. The strike was over in a week. In Russia, Lenin was ready to sign the peace treaty. Although Trotsky did not want to sign, Lenin believed no matter what Russia gave up she would have back when the workers came to their senses and revolutions in the other countries broke out in earnest. Although Allied and American forces occupied sections of Russia in an attempt to force her back into the war, on March 3, 1918 Russia signed the treaty with Germany. The Germans took away all the conquests the Tsars had gobbled up in Europe in the last 200 years. The Baltic states, Poland and the Ukraine became "independent" states under German domination. The Germans would moved east and south and linked up with the Turks on the east side of the Black Sea and surrounded it like a German lake. With 12,000,000 Russian soldiers no longer available as cannon fodder, the war of attrition lost its glamour for the French and British. All Allied offensives were abruptly and "reluctantly" broken off. As Hitler would write: "At the front sleepy silence prevailed. Suddenly their high mightinesses lost their effrontery."* Hitler added: Since the September days of 1914, when for the first time interminable columns of Russian war prisoners poured into Germany...it seemed as if the stream would never end but that as soon as one army was defeated and routed another would take its place. The supply of soldiers which the gigantic Empire placed at the disposal of the Czar seemed inexhaustible; new victims were always at hand for the holocaust of war. How long could Germany hold out in this competition? Would not the day finally have to come when, after the last victory which the Germans would achieve, there would still remain reserve armies in Russia to be mustered for the final battle? And what then? According to human standards a Russian victory over Germany might be delayed but it would have to come in the long run. All the hopes that had been based on Russia were now lost.* A few days after Russia came to terms, Rumania, which had for the most part had been overrun by the Germans, also came to terms. Germany now had only one front to contend with--the Western Front. The German attitude concerning the war changed overnight. Germany appeared within sight of victory which would make her undisputed mistress of Europe. Supplied with the corn and mineral wealth of the Ukraine, the oil of the Caucasus, the inexhaustible supplies of iron ore from the Baltic, additional heavy industry, and with her command of the Adriatic and the Aegean, with her dominant position in Turkey penetrating to the Persian Gulf and to Suez, Germany would soon be in a position to break the British naval stranglehold and if necessary to conquer Egypt and North Africa.* Talk of peace in the Second

Reich almost stopped except for the Communists. Even most of the Socialists were mute. If Germany could break the French and British now, before America's millions could be brought into play to make up for the loss of Russian bodies, might not a glorious victory, never seen in the modern technical age, be hers? Hindenburg and Ludendorff were generals and, like the Allied generals, were inspired to aim at complete victory. They chose to have their showdown in France. They moved one million German soldiers, 52 divisions, out of Russia. After learning what France and Britain were planning to do to Germany, the thought of victory appealed greatly to them. They called the task ahead "the greatest in military history." German strength was brought up to the same level as that of the French and British for the first time during the war--3.5 million German soldiers in 200 divisions. In equipment and arms, however, the German army was still inferior. They had no new offensive weapons, no tanks, no mechanized transport, nor a superiority in artillery. Although the Germans had 14,000 heavy artillery pieces, the Allies had 19,000. Because of the blockade, the British and French soldiers were also better equipped and fed. Ludendorff believed, nevertheless, that what the German soldier lacked in material could be made up in determination and innovation. Unlike the Allies, who had thousands of men and boys to squander before Russia deserted them, Hindenburg and Ludendorff were less prone to sacrifice their soldiers so readily. They developed new tactics and brought back the art of surprise. There would be few lengthy preliminary bombardments and attacking forces would take up their positions secretly by night. Selected light companies of Storm Troops were to go forward undercover of a barrage to find weak spots to be attacked instead of mass infantry throwing themselves against strong points. If resistance proved too stubborn, the area was to be by-passed or the attack was to be broken off. Ludendorff declared that for Germany it was to be "victory or doom." While the Austrians and Bulgarians guarded the fronts with Italy and Greece, the millions of German soldiers in France "were exulting over German power and burning with impatience for the attack." After occupying their defensive positions against superior forces for three years, troop morale was high. The decisive battle was about to be fought. At stake was the conquest of Europe. They were "intoxicated with the fever to fight."* They believed in peace, striving, and brotherhood no longer, they believed in the war.* One solider would later write that war and the hope of victory is to man what childbirth is to woman--a burden, a fount of suffering, and yet in the end, glory. As Hitler would later write: A sigh of relief went up from the German trenches and dug-outs when finally, after three years of endurance in that inferno, the day for the settling of accounts had come.* At 4:40 in the morning of March 21, six thousand German heavy guns opened up with high explosives and gas shells along a 100 miles of front as the first of five massive assaults was about to be launched. Over a million German soldiers eagerly awaited the word to attack. Five hours later, under cover of fog, specially trained Storm Troops led the way. The German army drove forward on a front nearly a hundred

miles wide and overran the British forward machine gun posts almost unobserved. Within hours the whole British line began to crumble. In two weeks the Germans advanced up to 45 miles across much of the old battlefields of the Somme driving the British and French armies before them. They inflicted over 160,000 casualties on the British alone and captured 1,500 square miles of territory. German troops were advancing so quickly they began outrunning their ammunition, guns, food, and everything else. Excited by success, Ludendorff broke his own rule and went on attacking when the resistance stiffened. Hitler's regiment, which had been pulled out of its position on the Ailette, was in the thick of it again. In the first week of April they were thrown against Fontaine, one of the furthermost advance points two miles west of Montdidier.* During the fighting they came under a heavy bombardment and could neither advance or retreat. Their ammunition carts and field kitchens were lost and the soldiers were not only in danger of running out of ammunition but of dying of starvation.* Rations were almost nonexistent and the troops were forced to eat anything they could find, including cats and dogs. Possibly because of Little Fox, Hitler's comrades recalled that he preferred the meat of cat to dog.* One dark night Hitler and one of his comrades, Westenkirchner, decided to find something suitable to eat. They crawled out of their trench and after stumbling around the shell holes for sometime, they found a dead horse that didn't smell too bad. While Westenkirchner cut out a large chunk of its quarters, Hitler found some drinkable water and filled a large gas can he was carrying. They returned unscratched and handed over their find to the cook.* Although the world looked for a German breakthrough any day the German advance gradually began to run down. Allied reserves arrived faster by train far behind the lines than attacking German infantry could move forward on foot over broken terrain. Ludendorff and Hindenburg shifted their main attack north in hopes of finding another soft spot while Hitler's regiment endured another three weeks of bombardments and gas as it pushed on toward Cantigny. At the end of April Hitler and his regiment were pulled out of the line and sent back to their old position on the Ailette to be refitted and reinforced. On May 9, 1918 Hitler received his third citation for a feat performed at Fontaine:* the Regimental Decoration for "outstanding"* "bravery in the face of the enemy."* A week later he also received his Medal for Wounded (Category Black, for those wounded once or twice) for his previous leg wound.* Since the British and French appeared ready to crack, Hindenburg and Ludendorff continued their attacks in quick successions. Near the end of May, Hitler and his regiment, along with thousands of others, was brought into position along the Ailette for an attack meant to retake the Chemin Des Dames with hopes of pushing on to Paris.* "We started our marching on the evening of the 25th." Hitler later stated. "We spent the night of the 26th in a forest."* At 1a.m. on May 27, over 5000 heavy guns opened up on a front forty miles across. For the first ten

minutes many of the guns fired gas shells to create panic and fear among the British and French forces. Shell fire was then concentrated on the crest of the Chemin des Dames and was unprecedented in previous German bombardments. Within moments French and British counter fire began to slacken. For the next two hours a equal combination of gas and high-explosive shells were fired on the Allied positions. At 3:35 a.m. all German guns abruptly concentrated on the Allied front line. Five minutes later the exploding shells began to creep back up the Chemin des Danes. Within minutes German stormtroops swarmed across the Ailette and began climbing up the steep side of the ridge. Right behind them, "at 5:00 A.M.," Hitler later recalled, "we attacked."* The Germans quickly overran the Allied forward positions and arrived on the top to find the trenches in complete shambles with resistance sporadic. The French and British soldiers were completely broken by the intensity of the barrage. Any soldiers putting up resistance were quickly cut down. Shortly after sunup ten miles of the Chemin des Dames was back in German hands and over it poured the German regiments. They marched down the reverse slope and rolled up the British flank on the left and the French flank on the right. By noon the Germans were strutting across the bridges of the Aisne. By dusk they crossed the Vesle. The next day they passed through Soissons and were two miles from Reims. On June 4 they were on the Marne which had not seen German troops for three years. In Paris, panic reigned as thousands fled the city. Hitler took part in all phases of the massive offensive: at Soissons, Reims, and in the Champagne; on the Rivers Ailette, Aisne, and on the Marne. For three months his regiment was shifted from one position to another in the giant salient. With a war of movement, as opposed to static trench warfare, the lines were constantly shifting and messengers found themselves at double risk since one never knew exactly where the lines were. In June, while running a message, Hitler spotted what appeared to be a French helmet moving in a trench. He drew his pistol and crawled forward like a cowboy he had read about in one of those "westerns" he fondly used to read. There were four French soldiers of the avant-garde in the trench and they had not noticed Hitler's approach. After making sure there were no other French in the vicinity, Hitler began shouting orders as though he had a squad of men. He convinced the "surrounded" French to lay down their arms and surrender. Hitler led his four prisoners back behind German lines and personally delivered them to Colonel Anton Freiherr von Tubeuf.* The esteem that Hitler's comrades felt for him reached new heights. The story was repeated so many times over the years that the four French prisoners grew to eight, twelve, and even twenty, who were sometimes describe as Englishmen. During the same campaign a breakdown occurred between the German forward positions and the heavy artillery in the rear. There had been a small German advance and German artillery was shelling their own positions. In addition to the heavy bombardment, the area between the forward positions and the artillery was under heavy English machine gun fire. Someone was needed to get a message to artillery telling them to advance the shelling off the German positions. With the area above ground alive with sheets of flame, shrapnel and bullets, the dispatch runner who crossed the area would have to be a very courageous

man indeed. Hitler volunteered and carried out his almost suicidal feat without a scratch.* LieutenantColonel von Luneschloss would later say of him: "Hitler never let us down and was particularly suited to the kind of task that could not be entrusted to other runners."* Although Hindenburg and Ludendorff were on the attack, their new tactics had created a war in which their casualties were about even with the Allies. Few front line infantrymen, however, survived three and half years of combat and much of Europe's manhood had been consumed in the fighting. Many divisions on either side had been so decimated they were disbanded. For those destined to be rebuilt, young German and French boys, fresh from school, were being conscripted and sent off to the front. Even the British were sending hurriedly trained conscripts who had previously been rejected as physically unfit.* The new conscripts were fitted out with large boots, gray trousers and coats which hung on their frail limbs. It was these newer, younger recruits who had not learned to take advantage of the terrain or use their "instinct," that suffered the worst. They accounted for the overwhelming number of those killed or maimed. Although the older soldiers showed them "all the tricks" that could save them from death, when the bombardments and fighting began, excitement and fear overwhelmed their thinking processes and the younger ones did everything wrong. Surprise gas attacks also carried off a lot of them for they had not learned to act quickly, or they took off their masks too soon, had their lungs scorched, and slowly choked to death. Their blue faces and black lips spoke for what happened.* As the attacks continued, the "meat wagons" never ceased hauling the bodies and fragments to a common burial dump. There were those who were aghast at the price the belligerents were prepared to pay for victory. The American ambassador in London wrote: There are perhaps 10 million men dead of this war, and perhaps 100 million persons to whom death would be a blessing. Add to these, many millions more, whose views of life are so distorted, that blank idiocy would be a better mental outlook; and you'll get a hint, and only a hint, of what the continent has already become--a bankrupt slaughter house. Hitler saw the List regiment decimated, rebuilt and then decimated time after time. His "charmed life" slowly began to solidify his long-held conviction that "fate" was watching over him. Every soldier who survived the List Regiment "could consider himself fortunate, enjoying the special protection of Providence,"* and Hitler became convinced that he was being spared for a reason. "You will hear much about me," Hitler told a comrade, "Just wait until my time comes."* When another comrade asked him what he was going to do after the war, Hitler was letting fate decide the issue when he answered: "I'll become an artist or go into politics." When asked which political party he liked, he quickly answered, "none." By mid-July the Germans had inflicted 600,000 casualties upon the Allies during their massive offensive and as many on themselves. By throwing in most of their reserves they drove forward another ten miles in the direction of Paris and within view of the Eiffel Tower. With over half a million American troops now in France and tens of thousands arriving every week, the British and French officers ordered their

men not to retreat and to "fight to the end." These men sacrificed themselves as they absorbed the brunt of the German offensive. On July 14 the German armies launched an offensive that was supposed to carry them from the Marne into Paris. They were met by French and fresh American troops. For the first time since the beginning of the offensive the Germans were halted. Ludendorff's overall strategy from a military point of view had been "brilliant but hopeless."* Technology had not given the generals what they needed most at this time--speedy, mechanized vehicles carrying men and guns over open and torn country, vehicles that could push on through weak defenses before enemy reinforcements could arrive by rail far behind the lines and plug the gaps. Although Ludendorff's strategy had pushed the Allies back, the hoped for breakthrough, which alone could bring victory, never materialized. What Ludendorff had acquired was a number of dangerous bulges. The artillery duels between the adversaries reached a crescendo in July as the Germans attempted to break the stalemate. The Allies and Americans hammered back. Civilians in Paris 40 miles away were awakened from their sleep by the magnitude of the exchange. During the fighting south of Courthiezy, seven miles east of Chateau-Thierry, Hitler "saved the life of the commander of 9 Company when, having found him severely wounded by an American shell, he dragged him to the rear."* With US forces now up to battle readiness and adding moral support, the Allies were ready to take the initiative. On July 19th, French and American troops launched a series of counterattacks on, and north, of the Marne. The Germans were caught by surprise and many of their divisions were decimated or badly mauled. Backed up by French tanks, and copying many of Ludendroff's tactics, the Allies began to creep forward. As always the fighting was tremendous and the List Regiment was in the thick of it. In August, Hitler received his fifth and sixth medals. One was the Military Service Medal, 3rd class, for outstanding service. The other (recognizing his special mission to notify the artillery to advance their fire plus other previous acts of bravery) was "one of the highest distinctions to which a common soldier in the German army could aspire."* On Aug 4, Hitler was awarded the Iron Cross, 1st Class,* "for personal bravery and general merit."* This was an uncommon decoration for a soldier of Hitler's rank since it was normally reserved for officers. "Hitler was one of the very few common soldiers of World War I to be awarded the Iron Cross, First Class"* Of the 11,000,000 men mobilized for the German army during W.W.I, only 163,000 first class crosses were awarded during the war* and only a handful went to enlisted men. Colonel von Tubeuf, the officer Hitler delivered his captives to, commented about Hitler: There was no circumstance or situation that would have prevented him from volunteering for the most difficult, arduous and dangerous tasks, and he was always willing to sacrifice his safety and life and tranquillity for his fatherland and for others.* Shortly after the war, when there was no reason whatever to refer to Hitler in glowing terms, one of his officers, Colonel Spatny, would also recall:

Hitler set a shining example to those around him. His pluck and his exemplary bearing throughout each battle exerted a powerful influence on his comrades and this, combined with his admirable unpretentiousness, earned him the respect of superiors and equals alike.* Major-General Friedrich Petz, a former commander of the List Regiment would also state: Hitler...was mentally very much all there and physically fresh, alert and hardy. His pluck was exceptional, as was the reckless courage with which he tackled dangerous situations and the hazards of battle.* The recommendation for Hitler's Iron Cross First Class was signed on July 17, 1918 by LieutenantColonel Michael Freiherr von Godin and read: As a runner his coolness and dash in both trench and open warfare have been exemplary, and invariably he has shown himself ready to volunteer for tasks in the most difficult situations and at great danger to himself. Whenever communications have been totally disrupted at a critical moment in a battle, it has been thanks to Hitler's unflagging and devoted efforts that important messages continued to get through despite every difficulty.* Even biographers who hated Hitler wrote that there was no disputing the fact that "Hitler was a brave soldier,"* and that "he was entitled to the honor."* The awarding of the Iron Cross was initiated and presented to Hitler by his battalion adjutant, First Lieutenant Hugo Gutmann.* The Iron Cross was to be worn on the left side of the chest and if one had been awarded a Medal for Wounded it was to be worn under the Iron Cross. Hitler seldom wore any of his other four medals but when he wore these two, he wore them with pride for the rest of his life--he knew he had earned them. Continue: Top of Page Footnotes:

Hate and Defeat Chapter12

Four days after Hitler received his Iron Cross, the violent attacks of the Allies began to have more than a limited effect. There were now over one and a quarter million American soldiers in France with thousands more arriving each day. Their moral was high and they thought of nothing but victory. They looked at themselves as "liberators" or "crusaders' who had come to save the world. Harry Truman, future president of the United States, thought of himself as "Galahad." General Pershing was portrayed as a "knight" on a white horse (holding a huge flag in one hand and a shield embossed with a cross in the other) "crusading for a new world." (Hitler authorized a painting of himself portrayed in a similar fashion during W.W.II. Historians have used the painting to "prove" that Hitler was "demented.") The American presence reinvigorated the French and British troops and gave them back their hope that victory was just around the corner. On Aug 9, "the black day of the German Army," as Ludendorff called it, the German lines began to give way as never before. The Germans fought a skillful rear guard action and when conditions favored them they stood and struck back hard. In most cases they could only be dislodged by vicious, close-in fighting. When withdrawing, they did their demolition work well and greatly slowed the Allied advance. Although the German line was never broken, the retreats continued. After being pushed back 20 miles from the Marne and Chateau Thierry, Hitler and his Regiment were shifted north between Arras and Bapaume.* The failed offensive and the retreats shattered the German Armies' belief in victory as never before. Much of the fighting spirit passed out of the German troops. The leaders of the strikes in Germany, who were forcibly sent to the front, were now using their organizational abilities to rouse the men in the trenches. The new replacements were especially vulnerable to their rhetoric. Most of the new soldiers, unlike their Allied counterparts, became convinced that their position was hopeless. Disaffection grew in leaps and bounds. Many soldiers refused to risk their lives for a cause they saw as lost and took the position: "Better a coward for three minutes than dead for the rest of your life."* Old front line soldiers like Hitler were scorned as fools. Hitler and his old comrades were devastated by the withdrawals. Four months earlier the Germans had been on the threshold of conquering Europe and had marched toward the front lines with the cry, "'Deutschland uber alles in der Welt,'" (Germany above all in the world). Now they were nearly back where they had started. Hitler believed that the army should have stood and fought to the end. He was convinced that the High Command's custom of constructing fortifications and defensive positions in the rear had an unsettling effect on fighting troops who were drawn to them like a magnet. He believed that huge withdrawals demoralized the troops as well as the civilians at home and built up the morale of the enemy. "In 1918," he would later state, "victory was as nearly in our grasp as it was in that of our adversaries. It was a battle of nerves."* Hitler also believed that propaganda played a large role in the German failure. While he considered German propaganda "a complete failure," he considered the "propaganda of the British and the

Americans" superior, highly skilled and truly inspired. When the Germans had forced Russia out of the war and transferred their "undivided forces" to the Western Front, the Allied troops "faith in victory gave way to fear," Hitler would later write, but, he continued: At the very moment when the German divisions were receiving their final orders for the great offensive a general strike broke out in Germany....All of a sudden a means had come which could be utilized to revive the sinking confidence of the [Allied] soldiers...revolution...in the Fatherland. British, French and American newspapers began to spread this belief among their readers while a very ably managed propaganda encouraged the morale of their troops at the front. 'Germany Facing Revolution! An Allied Victory Inevitable?' That was the best medicine to set the staggering [French and British troops] on their feet once again. Our rifles and machine-guns could now open fire once again, but instead of effecting a panic-stricken retreat they were now met with a determined resistance that was full of confidence.* Hitler knew, as he put it, that the "munitions strike had...broke down too early to...sentence the army to doom," but he lamented about the "moral damage which now had been done."* He would never forget that it was the "Reds" and "Marxists" ("Socialists" and "Communists"), who had organized the munitions strike. After the failed offensive he became argumentative and "talked at length of the swindle perpetrated by the Reds." He considered them "cowards," "traitors," "pacifists and shirkers," and unlike most men was not afraid to voice his feelings even though the overwhelming numbers of the new replacements disagreed with him. One day he "became furious and shouted in a terrible voice that the pacifists and shirkers were losing the war."* Hitler got into a fist fight with one of the new recruits who thought Germany should capitulate. After taking a lot of punches, Hitler finally won the fight. While the older soldiers respect of Hitler reached new heights, the new recruits despised him more than ever.* As one would later comment: We all cursed him and found him intolerable....There was this white crow among us that didn't go along with us when we dammed the war to hell.** Early in September, Hitler's Regiment was once again shifted north to their old killing ground around Ypres and held in reserve. Hitler, took this time to take his second and last furlough. He and his friend Arendt traveled to Berlin together and Hitler went on to visit his family at the farm in Spital. His younger sister, Paula, who was now 21, and his stepsister Angela, found him quiet, withdrawn and incapable of small talk.

After witnessing the horrors of war for years, many soldiers had trouble dealing with their civilian relatives and friends. Those who had never experienced war at first hand could never comprehend what life was like in the front lines. Most people had a tendency to ask about the conditions "out there" and most soldiers found their curiosity stupid and distressing. What could a soldier say? Would their family ever comprehend living under a gas and artillery bombardment for weeks? Would their friends understand the overwhelming fear that makes one dirty his pants? Would they really want to hear about the heaps of torn and pitted carcasses that once were human? And, if someone changed the subject, what was there to talk about? What civilians consider important means almost nothing to a soldier who must return to the killing arena. Life behind the lines had become a foreign world to many soldiers. They belonged at the front.* Hitler spent only a few days visiting his relatives. Before returning to the front he stopped in Berlin. He found the Capital seething with unrest. The cornucopia the Germans had expected from the conquered Russian lands had not matched expectations. The conquered territories were ravaged by war and revolution. It would take time to supply the bounty dreamed of. In Germany everything from fuel to medicine was almost nonexistent. In the hospitals, newborn babies were wrapped in rags and bandages were made of paper. But, it was the food shortages that were still the most pressing problem. Potatoes had become a luxury and turnips were now the principle ingredient of every dish from sausages to marmalade. Before the year would end the death toll caused by the blockade would surpass that of the previous year. Because of the recent setbacks on the front and the suffering at home, the Socialists in the Reich had switched back to their previous positions and came out in ever larger numbers against the war. They were inspired, egged-on, and in many cases, financed by Russia. They began spreading rumors that the only reason the war was continuing was because rich arms producers were bribing the high command to keep the war going. By now the war had become a "subversive operation," with the most respectable Allied and American statesmen calling for revolution in the lands of their foes.* Using Allied and American propaganda the German Socialists and Communists appealed for the overthrow of the government. "At home one quarreled," Hitler would later write. "...The people no longer had an interest in holding out any further..."* When Hitler returned to the area of Ypres at the end of September, even the normally placid Belgians were beginning to show signs of animosity. "In 1918," Hitler would later say, "the population adopted a hostile attitude towards German troops going up into the line. I remember a Town Mayor who urged us to continue on our way when we wanted to chastise some blighters who stuck out their tongues at us."* When Hitler rejoined his regiment in the front lines he found that the German army had abandoned all of their gains made in their great offensive and more. Hitler would write: Now in the autumn of 1918 we stood for the third time on the ground we had stormed in 1914. The village of Comines, which formerly had served us as a base, was now within the

fighting zone. Although little had changed in the surrounding district itself, the men had become different, somehow or other. They now talked politics. Like everywhere else, the poison from home was having its effect here also. The young drafts succumbed to it completely.* Except for the initial stages of the war and the recent German offensive, the Western Front had stayed much where it was during the course of the war. The Germans had held out against all comers and had never given up an inch of land without taking a greater toll on the enemy. With the renewed offensive by the Allies, and with American strength now at one and a half million, the fighting spirit of the German soldier reached a low point. They began to retreat from the positions they had held for four years. By the end of September, Germany's loss seemed imminent and Bulgaria asked for an armistice and withdrew from the war. The incident had a great psychological effect and hastened the German breakdown. Thousands of German soldiers surrendered to the Allies at any opportunity. Many refused to follow orders which might put them in any kind of jeopardy. Where once soldiers, individually or in small groups, refused to follow orders, they now revolted in mass. There were incidents of officers being beaten, stoned, and even shot. By the beginning of October the German army was falling back slowly along its front from Verdun to the coast. Americans, Englishmen and Frenchmen alike could not believe their newspapers as day after day they reported the capture of thousands of German prisoners with their weapons and big guns. In one week alone, 60,000 German soldiers were "captured" by the Allies. No one was more surprised than the Allied and American military experts who had all been predicting a few weeks before, in optimistic fashion, that a German collapse was unthinkable anytime sooner than the summer of 1919 when the United States would bring five million men and enormous resources into the conflict. They now saw that they had clear superiority in material, troops, and troop quality. Instead of following the custom of winding down the fighting as the weather turned foul, they pressed vigorously on. After smashing through the Hindenburg Line east of the old battlegrounds of the Somme, the Allies turned their attention northward where Hitler and his regiment were stationed. Because of the growth of American forces in France, a French army was moved north to join the British for a combined attack against the Germans around Ypres again. On September 29, the Allies opened up with a barrage of high explosives shells intermingled with mustard gas. Short of troops, Ludendorff had been forced to take men from one part of his line to protect another and there were now only five divisions left to defend the area. The Germans had no choice but to fall back. After a few days of fighting along a twenty-mile front, the Germans were forced back in some places eight miles and another 10,000 prisoners were taken along with scores of heavy guns. The Allied soldiers advanced steadily but this time their most difficult opposition was the rain. It rained nearly as hard as it had during the Third Battle of Ypres the year before. The troops moved across an eerie, fogshrouded wasteland.* "I remember well," Hitler would say, "that we had some very hard fighting [in] October 1918, and then...came the rain, and everything was washed out."* The Allies paused for a few days to consolidate their positions and on the night of October 13th began

lobbing high explosives and a new form of mustard gas on the German lines in preparation for a another attack the next day. Hitler was near Werwick (today's Wervik), two miles northeast of Comines, when the shelling began. He would later write: In the night of October 13, the English gas attack on the southern front before Ypres burst loose; they used yellow-cross gas, whose effects were still unknown to us as far as personal experience was concerned. In this night I myself was to become acquainted with it. On a hill south of Werwick, we came on the evening of October 13 into several hours of drumfire with gas shells which continued all night more or less violently. As early as midnight, a number of us passed out, a few of our comrades forever. Toward morning I, too, was seized with pain which grew worse with every quarter hour, and at seven in the morning I stumbled and tottered back with burning eyes; taking with me my last report of the War. A few hours later, my eyes had turned into glowing coals; it had grown dark around me.* "Yellow cross gas" (like "green cross," "blue cross" or "white cross") was a German shell-marking since the German gunners did not need to know the content of his gas shell so long as he could identify the cross.* The German soldiers soon learned the effects the different "cross" colors had on their enemies and naturally gave that name to Allied gases, though the Allies used a different name and their compounds were somewhat different. "Yellow-cross gas" represented "mustard gas" to the English and "Yperite," after Ypres where it was first used, to the French.* It was a "highly persistent type" (meaning the substance (dichlor-diethyl-sulphide) remained active for days, weather permitting, on any object it settled on).* It was capable of penetrating thick clothing, boots, and some masks,* and produced vesicant--severe shin burning and blistering--especially on the eyes and throat which put a man out of action but only irregularly produced death* (an incapacitated soldier is more of a hindrance to the enemy then a dead one). When exposed, there is no immediate effect on the eyes and throat, but within seven hours of exposure, total (though usually temporary) blindness sets in* and talking becomes almost impossible. For those exposed to "Yellow cross," the rate of death was two and a half percent* while permanent blindness, for those who lived, was about the same. Hitler's description of the effects are fairly exact except for his omission of the smell, which was something like horseradish. Blinded, Hitler was evacuated 25 miles behind the lines to a field hospital at Oudenaarde for initial treatment* and then to Ghent.* Within a week he was loaded onto a train with hundreds of other wounded and shipped to a military hospital eighty miles north of Berlin, at Pasewalk. He would lay in a bed for weeks, his eyes swathed in bandages, fearing whether his eyesight would ever return. The recent defeats on the battlefield and the growing unrest at home convinced Ludendorff that the war could no longer be won by military operations. He was finally able to convince a reluctant Hindenburg, and they informed William II and the Reichstag in Berlin. Ludendorff was so alarmed over conditions at

the front that he suggested an immediate armistice with negotiations for peace to follow later. The apparent reasonableness of President Wilson's Fourteen Points persuaded the German government that their only chance for a fair peace was to be found through the United States. Because of Wilson's insistence on a democratic government, William II found himself forced to sign a decree granting a parliamentary government on the British lines. A liberal, Prince Max of Baden, was appointed Chancellor and the Social Democrats entered the ministry to join the Liberals and Centrists in forming a peace cabinet. The President of the United States was informed that a government of the "people" was ready to seek a cease fire and negotiations began. The British and French leaders, who had never accepted Wilson's Fourteen Points were outraged. They believed they were going to be cheated out of the fruits of their victory at the last moment.* The French still hoped to carry off the German Rhineland and the British were determined to "squeeze the German lemon until the pips squeak."* They had no wish to negotiate. They were determined to dictate. Because of Allied pressure, and fears that Germany might use a cease fire to rebuild its shattered forces, Wilson's terms for an armistice were stern. On October 16 he demanded that all German submarine operations cease immediately and unconditionally (which would allow the Allies to improve their war situation while offering no offsetting conditions whatever to the Germans). Ludendorff, consequently, had a change of heart and wanted to reject the proposal. Even the eminent German, Walter Rathenau (Jewish industrialist & statesman) suggested a "'levee en masse'" so as to continue the war.* The new government, on the other hand, felt that further resistance would make matters worse and on October 20, agreed to Wilson's conditions. The subs were called off. Three day later, however, it became apparent that Wilson wanted more. He was determined to destroy the German monarchy and made it plain in a note that he and his democratic Allies "do not and cannot trust the word of those ["military masters and the monarchical autocrats"]* who have hitherto been the masters of German policy."* Wilson's note was the death knell of the German monarchy. When Ludendorff and Hindenburg were presented with the new condition they were outraged. They reevaluated their position on the battlefront and, as with their own offensive a few months before, saw that the Allied offensive was also winding down. Although the Germans had been pushed back as much as forty miles from the Hindenburg Line, the German field commanders had not panicked "even while the country behind them collapsed into chaos."* With the German line still holding on French and Belgium territory, it now appeared possible to continue with a solid defense until an "unconditional armistice," as Ludendorff wanted, could be worked out. On October 24, a telegram was sent to all army group commanders denouncing the terms demanded by Wilson and ordering the troops to stand and fight to the finish. The new German government, however, was so fearful that Wilson might call off the negotiations that they rejected the idea of further resistance. There were also those who felt that if Ludendorff was dismissed, Wilson might be satisfied and the Kaiser might survive the war. On October 27, Ludendorff was forced to resign although von Hindenburg had been more insistent on continuing the fighting and had written and signed the last "stand and fight" telegram.

By now Germany was in complete chaos and the entire country began to dissolve. Wilson's notes and speeches fed the revolutionary fervor and inspired the more radical Socialists and Communists. They saw the country as up for grabs to any party that could forcibly take it. Propaganda and revolutionary agitation reached new heights. Two days after Ludendorff resigned, Turkey withdrew from the war and the German navy, which was bottled up in the Black Sea, joined the revolutionaries. As in Russia the previous year, Communists, Independent Socialists and their sympathizers had spent months organizing secret action committees of sailors and stokers on ships. Before the mutiny was over only one ship, the Koenig, failed to raise the red flag. The mutinous sailors forced a return to Kiel, the country's largest naval port, and went ashore to join thousands of other navy personnel and shipyard workers. Organized into Workers and Soldiers Councils, "on the approved Russia lines,"* they began a takeover of the city. Officers were locked up or killed, armories were looted, and the food supply was brought under their control. Most of the troops sent to suppress the uprising, deserted or joined it. By November 3, the Reds had the city firmly under their control. Thus was sounded the first military trumpet blast for armed revolution. Communist and Socialist deserters and workers now moved inland and used the roads and waterways to smuggle revolutionary propaganda throughout Germany. Activists and saboteurs went into action and sank cement barges in canals to block the transport of war materials to the front. Political agitators at the front and at home openly preached armed rebellion. With the police watching closely for dissenters, the Socialists organized school boys to disrupt patriotic meetings with itching powder or stink bombs and to sabotage the collections of metal, glass and other collections that helped in the war effort. The children were taught to draw caricatures of the Kaiser hanging from the gallows. Stones and dead rats were hurled at policemen and police stations. Disrespect for law was condoned. One of the favorite songs taught to Socialist children was: Death! to hangmen, kings and traitors, Give the people bread. Freedom! is the people's slogan, Free we'll be or dead. Soldiers', Sailors' and Workers' Councils were formed throughout North Germany and revolution broke out on a large scale. The naval revolt soon spread on to Wilhelmshaven, the second largest port, then to Lubeck and Bremen. In Hamburg, Germany's second largest city (and the most Red), sailors and workers were joined by army reservists. Officers were overwhelmed and murdered for almost no reason. Policemen directing traffic or trying to keep people from riding on the sides of streetcars were beaten or killed. Within a few days all the ports on the North and Baltic Seas were under the red flag. Hitler, who was still recovering in the Hospital at Pasewalk, not far from the Baltic, would write: During November the general tension increased. One day suddenly and without warning the disaster came upon us. Sailors arrived on trucks and called out for the Revolution....Now they put up the red rag here.*

Revolution also swept Austria-Hungary. Vienna became a hot bed of Socialist unrest and rebellion. Street battles between the Marxists and the Catholic right were fought every day. Mutinous troops on the front with Italy blew up ammunition dumps and so disrupted military morale that when the Italians, with British help, launched an offensive it succeeded as never before. Within a few days they nearly pushed the Austrians completely out of Italy and were soon bombing Munich from the air. Austria had also asked Wilson for a cease fire on the terms of his Fourteen Points but Wilson refused since he had already urged the Czechs, Poles, South Slavs, and Rumanians to free themselves from "monarchical autocrats" and gain independence. His refusal was the signal for all out revolt. The 635 year old Hapsburg ruling house toppled and the empire fragmented into "republics." By November 4, the former "oppressed nationalities" became Allies. Germany stood alone. On Nov 7, one year after the Communists seized Russia, revolution swept through all parts of Germany. Using the date as inspiration, Communists and Socialists, with the help of workers and soldiers (who seldom knew whose cart they were pulling), took control as government after government collapsed throughout the cities of Germany. The "red rag," as Hitler called it, went up in Hanover, Cologne, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. In Hitler's adopted city of Munich, a Jew named Kurt Eisner, an Independent Socialist and a drama In Hitler's adopted city of Munich, a Jew named Kurt Eisner, an Independent Socialist and a drama critic by trade (who had spent nine months in prison for his wartime strike activities), led an insurrection. By dusk his supporters had seized every major military post, hoisted their red flag and proclaimed a new Reich--a Bavarian People's Republic. It was to be, as Eisner saw it, a "Reich of light, beauty, and reason," a "communism of the spirit."* Hitler saw it a different way and wrote: "I could not imagine that the lunacy would break out in Munich also."* With all-out civil war threatening and its southern flank nearly unprotected, the German government held that it had no other choice but to agree with any Allied and American demands. On the evening of November 7, a government Armistice Commission, deliberately lacking any military representatives who might raise difficulties and prolong the talks, crossed the fighting line to begin negotiations. It soon became apparent that Ludendorff's dismissal was not enough and the negotiations stalled. Because of "Wilsonian propaganda"* the Kaiser was regarded as an obstacle to peace and the new German government was led to believe that they could obtain speedier and better terms if Germany became a "republic."* Socialists in the government threatened to withdraw and end the government's representative nature unless the Kaiser stepped down.* William II had no choice and his abdication was announced on November ninth. Prince Max handed over his post as Reich Chancellor to Friedrich Ebert the head of the Social Democrats. Ebert, as head of the new Socialist Government, was immediately confronted with a major problem. Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg had united with elements of the Independent Socialists and along with Soldiers and Workers Councils succeeded in capturing a few posts and buildings in Berlin. Liebknecht

was about "to proclaim a German Soviet Republic on Lenin's [and Trotsky's] model."* Ebert wanted no part of Liebknecht's Red Republic and while he sat in the Reichstag building pondering what to do, one of his assistants, believing the Social Democrats had to show they were in charge, quickly stepped outside and proclaimed a "German Republic." Wilson and his supporters finally got what they wanted. So ended the Second Reich of the Hohenzollern kings which Bismarck had pulled together in 1871 and which brought Germany to the forefront of the worlds greatest powers in not only military strength but social progress. The next day, on November 10, in a special train in the Compiegne Forest in France, the triumphant "democracies" finally agreed to an armistice.(Because of formalities the slaughter at the front would not stop till 11 a.m. (French time) the following day.) Although much of Hitler's eyesight had returned by this time, he was not able to read newspapers and was exposed to more rumors than ever. He knew however, that the end was near for, as he wrote: "Even in the hospital, people were discussing the end of the War which they hoped would come soon, but no one counted on anything immediate."* "On November 10," he would later write, "the [local] pastor came into the hospital for a short address....In utmost excitement I, too, was present during the short speech. The dignified old gentleman seemed to tremble very much when he told us that now the house of Hohenzollern was no longer allowed to wear the German imperial crown, that the country had now become a 'Republic'....the War was lost..."* Hitler was crushed. Although he knew the loss was coming, the news that the Kaiser had been ousted was a complete shock. The reign of William II had begun the year before Hitler was born and William signified Germany. To the small group assembled at the hospital, William's resignation brought about the "deepest depression." As Hitler would write: "I believe that not one eye was able to hold back the tears."* That the Kaiser had been replaced by Marxists, had to Hitler, no justification.* Like most people of his day who did not support Marxists ideology, Hitler saw the Social Democrats, Independent Socialists and the Communists as one and the same. He believed that this "gang of despicable and depraved criminals" had fomented revolution and sacrificed the lives of "two millions," and "the Germany of the past" for no other reason than "to lay hands on the Fatherland."* As he summed up his beliefs: Kaiser William II was the first German Emperor to hold out a conciliatory hand to the leaders of Marxism, without suspecting that scoundrels have no honor. While they still held the imperial hand in theirs, their other hand was reaching for the dagger.... In these nights hatred grew in me, hatred for those responsible for this deed.* "Something clicked in the Pasewalk Hospital"* and Hitler found an outlet for his hate. To Hitler, "Marxism" became "synonymous with 'Jewry,'"* and his "deadly hate for 'the Jew'...can be dated quite precisely from his hospitalization of October-November 1918."*

Because of heavy Jewish participation in the Socialist and Communist parties of Russia, Austria and Germany, large number of Jews held leadership roles in the Marxist movements. As Heiden (who's mother was Jewish) pointed out: "The relatively high percentage of Jews in the leadership of the Socialists parties on the European continent cannot be denied."* Joachim Fest also notes: "It is characteristic of a minority outcast for generations that it will incline toward rebellion and dreaming of utopias. Thus Jewish intellectuals had indeed flung themselves into the socialist movement and became its leaders."* The heavy Jewish involvement in the revolution had a tendency to turn many Germans, who were indifferent or even benevolent to the Jewish cause, against the Jews. Anti-Jewish fervor was spreading all over Germany. "Hitler was only one among millions of other patriots who learned to fear Jews and Reds (almost as a single unity) during this period."* Although many historians like to state that Hitler was a Jew hater during and before the war, the evidence is to the contrary. His comrades at the front, including Schmidt, never heard Hitler make any serious antiJewish remarks.* In discussions with his other messenger friend, Westenkirchner, about the great influence the Jews had in Vienna politics, Hitler never spoke about it with "spitefulness,"* even though Vienna was one of the first places where strikes broke out against the war and which had a large Jewish participation. As for other people, like Hans Mend, who accused Hitler of being anti-Semitic during the war, their comments came much later when they had some political advantage to gain.* The only reliable negative comment Hitler ever made to his comrades about the Jews during the war concerned a Jewish telephone operator named Stein whom Hitler considered not too bright and said: "If all Jews were no more intelligent than Stein, then there wouldn't be trouble."* Such a statement shows that Hitler was well aware of the large part that Jews played in the leadership of the Socialists and Communists parties. He, nonetheless, did not single out the Jews at that point or rail against them. As Lieutenant Wiedemann stated later: "It really seems impossible for me to believe that Hitler's hatred for Jews dated back to that time."* As Dr. Rudolph Binion wrote: "On balance, the evidence that he was not an anti-Semite until after World War I, despite his own account in Mein Kampf, is compelling."* Hitler also served side by side with Jewish soldiers and was often under Jewish officers; yet, no one of Jewish decent ever came forward to state that Hitler was "anti-Semitic" during the war. Hugo Gutmann, the officer who initiated and presented Hitler with his Iron Cross First Class was a Jew.** Besides the ousting of William II, there were two other incidents of Jewish involvement in the revolution that also triggered Hitler's "hate." The first, was the day Red soldiers raised their "rag" over the hospital. Hitler is literally dripping with hate as he recounts further: A few Jew boys, however, were the 'leaders' in the fight that now started also here, the fight for 'freedom,' 'beauty,' and 'dignity' of our people's existence. None of them had been at the front. By way of a so-called 'gonorrhea-hospital' these three Orientals had been sent home from the base behind the front. Now they pulled up the red rag here.* That both Rosa and Karl were Jewish and were the two most visible persons behind the revolt in Berlin

only heightened his hate. Hitler considered Karl to be nothing but a "shirker"* and, like those associated with Karl, "ripe for the rope."* The second incident, and the one that Hitler would never forget, was Kurt Eisner's takeover of Hitler's adopted state of Bavaria and the setting up of the "Jew-Republic" as many Germans and Hitler called it. "The loyalty towards the honorable... [old government] seemed to me to be stronger than the will of a few Jews," he would later write.* He considered the act "high treason" and would also write: "It was the duty of a prudent government...to root out without pity the instigators....If the best were killed on the front, then one could at least destroy the vermin at home."* To Hitler the "instigators" were the "Jews," and the vermin was: "Marxism, the ultimate aim of which was and will always be the destruction of all non-Jewish national States."* As Hitler summed up his feelings: "With the Jews there is no bargaining, but only the hard either--or."* Hitler would always "remember a Jewess who wrote" at the time in the Bayrischer Kurier:* "'What Eisner's doing now will recoil upon our heads.'" Twenty-four years later (1/31/42), shortly before the first gas chambers went into operation, as Hitler repeated the women's words, he could not resist adding: "A rare case of foresight."* Nine days after the war ended most of Hitler's eyesight had returned and he was discharged from the hospital. He was twenty-nine years old and had spent the last four years under some of the worst conditions ever known in warfare. Of the millions of German young men who had marched off so confidently to do battle for the Fatherland, nearly two million were killed in action or would later die of wounds. Germany's allies: Bulgaria, Turkey and Austria, lost an additional million and a half troops while the Allies lost nearly five million. Three million more on both sides were reported as "missing" since enough pieces of them were never found. Four million others were totally disabled either physically or mentally while another sixteen million suffered wounds of one degree or another. It was the most indiscriminate slaughter that ever occurred on the earth. Hitler, who had roamed where the bullets and shells flew the thickest, was spared. The gas would slowly vanish from his lungs and eyes, but its traces would remain. "A strange hoarseness of the voice" was "an inheritance the war...left to Adolf Hitler."* Continue: Top of Page Footnotes: (One asterisk is for a footnote, two asterisks are for additional information.)

Revolution Chapter 13
Although the army failed to give Hitler his back pay, he had only a few days to return to his replacement regiment in Eisner's new Bavarian People's Republic. When Hitler arrived in Munich two days later, he checked in at the List Regiment barracks on Turken Strasse. He was immediately repulsed by the mostly younger and rebellious soldiers in the replacement battalion. His hate for "democratic principles" reached new heights by what he saw of the newer recruits and their "Soldiers Council" which had little or no control over them. Hitler teamed up with a few old front-line comrades, including Schmidt, and for the most part they kept to themselves. Most of the new recruits had been drafted and never saw combat. They had no respect for army tradition and treated seasoned soldiers like Hitler with contempt. They had been the first to join Eisner's Red revolution and were under "voluntary obedience." Many of them only remained in the barracks to take advantage of the food and shelter. Hitler felt that the "best human material....volunteers" had been "sacrificed" during "four and half years' blood-shedding" while "a society of pimps, thieves, burglars, deserters, duty shirkers, etc....elements of baseness, depravity, and of cowardice....had meanwhile preserved itself in the most wonderful manner." Hitler felt that "this well-preserved scum" had followed the Jews and other Marxists leaders and "made the revolution."* As Schmidt would later comment: "The place was full of laggards and cowards."* Hitler had other reasons to be disgruntled when he learned of the humiliating armistice terms the new government had agreed to. Since a peace treaty had not been signed, the "conditions" were designed to make sure Germany would be in no position to resume a defense should the peace terms be unacceptable to her. The Germans were forced to turn over nearly all of their operational big guns, airplanes, machine guns, and other heavy ordnance along with 5000 locomotives, 150,000 rail cars and 5000 trucks, all "in good order." The treaty the Germans had signed with Russia was renounced. All Allied and American prisoners of war were to be released "immediately," but German prisoners were to be held till the peace treaty was signed. The blockade that was starving German civilians by the thousands was also to remain in effect till the treaty was signed. The winter of 1918-19 would consequently be the worst of the war with "widespread starvation, particularly in the large cities."* (A British war correspondent reported from Cologne: "Although I have seen many horrible things in the world, I have seen nothing so pitiful as these rows of babies feverish from want of food, exhausted by privation to the point that their little limbs are like slender wands, their expression hopeless and their faces full of pain."* In Vienna also, one out of four babies died as a result of the blockade. The Germans, and the children growing up during this period, would not forget.) Hindenburg and the German generals also had the almost impossible task of getting their huge armies out of Austria, the Balkans, France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Alsace-Lorraine, the German Rhineland and three 25 mile deep bridgeheads on the east bank of the Rhine in 31 days.

As the German troops returned from the front, there were no flowers to greet them as when they had departed. Hitler's reception in Munich was mild in comparison to what greeted the soldiers in the more heavily socialist and communist cities in the North. Where the Reds, including organizers from Russia, were strong, the returning troops were scorned and harassed (by "loafers and deserters for the most part").* In Aachen, Cologne, Essen and other Red strongholds, Socialists and Communists insulted, spit on, or stoned the returning troops. Officers and soldiers were grabbed and held while street thugs and "Red soldiers," who had never been at the front, cut or ripped off their insignias, shoulder bands and medals. In Bremen, soldiers returning home found themselves surrounded by Reds entrenched in machine gun nests on roofs and balconies. The officers and troops were disarmed and if any of them failed to praise the "glorious revolution" they were treated savagely. The Reds also fell upon civilians who appeared in any way to support the old government. Anyone wearing a combination of red, white and black, the colors of the old government, were insulted, spit on or beaten, including children. Many of the soldiers coming home saw Germany on the brink of chaos with its social structures crumbling. Order and discipline had been the rule when they left, now, nothing but disorder reigned. Russians, who had lost on the battlefield, were now within the leadership ranks of the revolutionaries and in charge of large sections of the country. Everywhere, Soviets and Workers' Councils were in control. Millions of returning soldiers saw the "Red scum" who joined the revolt as traitors who had turned on their country in its hour of need.* Many saw the revolutionaries as the reason for Germany's defeat. Within a few weeks of returning to the Munich barracks, Hitler, like the rest of the soldiers, was forced to wear the red brassard of the revolutionary army. As Schmidt remembered later: "[Hitler] hadn't much to say about the revolution, but it was plain enough to see how bitter he felt."* At the beginning of December, in an attempt to get away from the "cowards and traitors," Hitler, Schmidt and a few other soldiers volunteered for guard duty at a Russian prisoner-of-war camp near the Austrian border at Traunstein. Although some of the younger draftees also volunteered, they were sent back to Munich when they refused to follow orders. Hitler and his friends were kept on. Soon after their arrival in the sleepy little town, Hitler and Schmidt were given the duty of guarding the main entrance to the camp. A full twenty-four hours of duty followed twenty-four hours of off-duty. Hitler had ample time to wander about the camp and converse or observe the Russian prisoners who were always looking to beg or barter for extra food. Although German propaganda had portrayed the Russians as cruel and murdering Mongols,* Hitler took a liking to his charges and would later remark: "We knew, during the first World War, a type of Russian combatant who was more good-natured than cruel."* Hitler kept up with the political situation throughout Germany by reading two or three day old newspapers. He brooded over what he read and wrote a few poems. In one he lamented over Germany's plight while in another he scorned the German people for believing that Marxism, with its ideas of class warfare, held any answers for them.*

In Berlin, Friedrich Ebert, the head of the new German Republic, was also becoming disillusioned about what was occurring in Germany. Ebert was a moderate Social Democrat and the thought of Reds in control of German cities was as unacceptable to him as it was to Hitler and the majority of German citizens. Ebert was the son of a Heidelberg tailor and had been a saddle maker by trade. Raised a Catholic he had a natural tendency to view socialism as a way to bettering conditions for the general population. Marxist ideology, however, and its demand for the total destruction of the established order was foreign to him. He would do his best to undo what was done by the more radical elements. For his Executive Council, the body set up as a control over government, Ebert succeeded in gathering mostly moderate members. Understanding that the more radical members within his party were now a small minority, Ebert refused to call up the last Reichstag which had been elected in 1912 (before the Independent Socialists split from the Social Democrats). He succeeded in fixing a date of Jan 19, for elections for a National Assembly. With most of the more radical Socialists going over to the Independents and the Communists, Ebert was able to moderate the Social Democratic program to appeal to Germans of a less radical nature. As the leaders of the United States and most of the allied leaders wanted, he was determined to establish an essentially "bourgeois republic" (like the U.S. and France) with a minimum of socialist trappings. Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg, however, had tightened their grip on much of Berlin. They knew they could never win an election and were determined to overthrow the Ebert government, set up a dictatorship of various revolutionary councils, and proclaim a German Soviet Republic in tune with Russia. Karl and Rosa had formed a "Council of Deserters, Stragglers and Furloughed Soldiers" to be used as Red Fighters for their revolution. On Jan 6, 1919, Liebknecht and Rosa openly called for revolution and publicly proclaimed the new name of their organization--The "Revolutionary Communist Workers' Party of Germany." Angered with Ebert's moderate stand, the independent Socialists had resigned from the government the week before and although they fell short of publicly joining Karl and Rosa, many members participated in the revolt. With their organizations tightly controlled and operated, Workers' and Soldiers' Councils sprang up throughout Germany. Armed soldiers drove around in trucks flying red flags with the hammer and sickle while revolutionary civilians shouldered rifles. Hundreds died as radical Socialists and Communists (Red) fought against their more moderate Socialists (White) counterparts. In Berlin, Karl and Rosa prepared their putsch. They had over a 100,000 supporters and in Spandau fortress alone they had no less than two thousand machine guns and thirty pieces of artillery. At first they carried everything before them and took most of city's government buildings. They also managed to capture the Vorwarts, the newspaper of the Social Democrats, and declared the Ebert government overthrown. Ebert and his government, along with a few followers and loyal troops, barricaded themselves in the Chancellery. Ebert knew if the Capital fell, other inspired Communists would take all of Germany. He and his minister of defense, Gustav Noske, were determined to save their leftist government from the

extreme left. They fled the city and appealed to the army for help. Rather than see Germany fall to the communists, Hindenburg had earlier gave assurances to Ebert that the army would support the new government, and in return, the army had got assurances that the government would support the Officers Corps. By now, however, the disbanding army was in total disarray and so infiltrated with Reds that few of the detachments available were trustworthy. The only troops the army could provide were the "Free Corps." The Free Corps were formed from returning army veterans who, like Hitler, opposed the idea of Germany going Red. As the discharged soldiers began coming home in larger numbers, many were angered over the treatment they received from the Reds in the northern cities of Germany. They began joining bands for protection. In a short time the bands grew until they formed a strong opposition to the Reds. Their models were Free Corps troops operating in the Baltic area where Trotsky's new Russian Red Army was attempting to stamp out claims of independence, and in the border areas with the new independent Poland which was attempting to encroach on German territory. Since the armistice restricted the German Army in many areas of the Baltic and Poland, the slack was taken up by the Free Corps who were financed secretly by the army along with landowners, businessmen, and other conservative organizations. Just as the conservative element in Germany saw it as imperative to support the Free Corps on Germany's eastern frontiers, they believed it imperative to support the "young patriots" within Germany. Led by a Fuhrer, the Free Corps consisted of tough veteran officers and troops. Many of them had fought the greatest and bloodiest battles the world had ever seen. Many had gone off to war in their late teens and early twenties and knew no other way of life. They considered themselves professionals, preferred army life, and after years of battle, took a stern pleasure in being soldiers. Like the "Red Council of Deserters and Stragglers" their ranks were often swelled by citizens who also shared their ideals. The "anarchic weaponry" of the Free Corps, including a wide assortment of rifles with varying cartridge sizes,* left much to be desired; but, unlike their Red counterparts, they were well-disciplined and well led. By the second week of January, Karl and "Red Rosa," or "Bloody Rosa," as she was now called, had nearly complete control of Berlin. With the support of additional numbers of Berlin workers, their ranks had swelled to 200,000. Confident of their swift and easy victory, they expected little opposition. Their communist revolution seemed about to succeed. They sat back waiting for the rest of Germany to follow in their footsteps. On the morning of January 10, with little warning, ranks of field-gray attired Free Corps "troops" appeared on the outskirts of Berlin. Led by Noske, 30,000 ex-soldiers, trained in street fighting and supported by a variety of machine guns, howitzers and armored cars, swiftly entered the city. The "Red Army," even with all their weaponry, was no match for the highly disciplined Corps. With rapid and brutal proficiency the Corps easily broke the communist ranks. With the hoard of Reds in full retreat the Free Corps professionally deployed throughout the city. In a matter of days they retook all the key buildings and crushed the Red uprising in a most brutal manner. Cheered on by a population aching for the restoration of peace and order, the Free Corps hunted down many of the leaders and shot or bayoneted many on the spot.

On January 13, Rosa and Karl were captured and turned over to a body of regular troops which had been placed in charge of the city. Rosa, defiant with a forward thrusting chin, denied nothing. Karl, broken by failure and fear, denied everything, even his name. Two days later, after being brutally beaten, both Rosa and Karl were finished off with a bullet to the head. Karl was dumped off at a morgue and Rosa was dumped into a canal. The Communist/Spartacist revolution in Berlin was over in less than a week. The new Socialist government, shored-up by an alliance with the Army and Free Corps, was in complete control. Because the police could not be counted on to keep Germany from falling to the communists, the rightist Free Corps were given reign to operate throughout northern Germany with the blessing of the infant leftist Republic. A recruiting poster outside of Berlin at Potsdam read:

COMRADES! The Spartacist danger has not yet been removed. The Poles press ever further onto German soil. Can you look on these things with calm? NO! What would your dead comrades think? Arise! Prevent Germany from becoming the laughing stock of the earth. Enroll NOW in the HUELSON FREECORPS. Recruiting Offices Bauer Cafe, Potsdam Beer Gardens.*

In the election that followed that January, thirty million of the eligible thirty-five million Germans voted

(first time for women). The Democrats, supported by the liberal left capitalist class, won almost 19%. The Center, Catholics representing all classes, won 20%. Ebert's Social Democratic Party, city working classes for the most part, won 38%.* The three groups (capitalists, Catholics and workers) formed a coalition and assembled the first parliamentary elected German government. On the other hand, the "far right" anti-republican parties, including one that wanted to bring back the Kaiser (supported for the most part by peasants and rural laborers) won 15% of the vote. The big surprise to many people however, was the "far left" (represented primarily by the Independent Socialists and supported by workers and so called "intellectuals" and "progressives") which won only 7.6% of the vote.* The election pointed out to Hitler and the Germans how a small group of vocal, violent, radical leftists had nearly taken control of the country. Because of the voting results (and that new Free Corps and Nationalists units were forming all over Germany) most of the "Red governments" collapsed. Unrest, nevertheless, lay right beneath the surface in many German cities. Communists fought Social Democrats and in many cases, both fought Nationalists and Free Corps. Since Berlin was a hotspot of communist activity the new Government assembled in Weimar, 100 miles away, to draw up the new Republic's constitution and make peace with the Allies and the United States. With the government and most Free Corps units absent from Berlin, the left rose up again. The Free Corps' victory had taught them nothing and the election the month before meant nothing to them. The Communists were well aware that their counterparts in Russia had been supported by only 5% of the population, yet they had taken control of the country after taking Petrograd and Moscow. What worked in Russia they believed, could surely work in Germany. Lenin and Trotsky were determined that Germany should follow in their steps. Trotsky believed that, unless the victorious Russian revolution was followed with revolutions in other countries, the Communists in Russia would not be able to retain power in the face of a conservative Europe. With Russian insistence, money and agitators, the new revolt in Berlin was soon on the verge of success again. Reinspired by the Berlin revolt, communists groups throughout Germany rose again. Saxony fell, then Dresden and other major cities came under Red control. Noske, and his 30,000 Free Corps, were ordered back to Berlin. A government order was issued proclaiming that anyone caught resisting was to be shot immediately. The Free Corps entered the city again on March the 5th and repeated their previous action. Fifteen hundred Reds were killed while thousands more were seriously injured. Although Reds were still in control of large parts of Germany, Berlin was back in government control in a week. In Bavaria, recent state elections had nearly duplicated the results of the National election. Eisner's version of "communism" won him only 2.5% of the vote. By refusing to step aside, by doing almost nothing but talk, and by claiming that Germany was solely responsible for the war, he alienated nearly everyone. By condoning the Allied policy of delaying the return of German war prisoners, he brought on himself the hate of all those waiting for their sons and loved ones--including fellow Jews. The moderate and conservative press became increasingly violent in its attacks on the "dictatorship" of Eisner. He and his fellow "utopians" were classified as "strangers, carpetbaggers, Jews." The battle cry of

the press became "Bavaria for the Bavarians!" The Frankischer Kurier went so far as to print arguments justifying the act of killing a tyrant.* As with Rosa and Karl, political murder was seen as an acceptable political tool in dealing with the opposition. On February 21, 1919 Eisner was gunned down by army lieutenant, Count Anton von Arco-Valley who, like Hitler, was an Austrian who had adopted Germany as his home. Arco-Valley was one of those decorated and wounded soldiers who returned from the front and was attacked by Reds in the street. Although his mother was Jewish, his killing of Eisner made him a champion to almost all Bavarians. Students at the University publicly proclaimed him a hero. Eisner on the other hand, was made a martyr and glorified by his followers who were still in control of Bavaria. On orders of the Workers' and Soldiers' Council, Christian church bells throughout Munich tolled his passing and official mourning was proclaimed throughout Bavaria. The University was shut down. Prominent citizens were arrested and held as hostages. Banks, public buildings, and the best hotels were occupied by Red troops and armed workers. Leftists broke into conservative newspapers, hauled hundreds of bales of paper into the street, set them on fire and "danced wildly amidst the flames."* Reds, on trucks with mounted machine guns, roamed the streets looking for vengeance.* In the midst of this turmoil, on March 7, Hitler and Schmidt returned to Munich.* The prisoner of war camp where they were serving was emptied at the end of January 1919 and it took a couple months to shut it down. Soon after checking in at the Munich barracks of the 2nd Infantry Regiment, they were assigned to sorting mountains of old army equipment. One of their jobs was to examine old gas masks. They had to unscrew the mouth pieces, determine whether they were operational, and tag them.* Schmidt became bored with army life, got discharged, and resumed his life as a house painter. Over the next few months he occasionally met Hitler and they visited the local cafes in the center of town or attended the opera on Max-Joseph Platz--which continued to carry on in such circumstances. With the war over, Hitler believed that his days in the army were also numbered. Schmidt, as well as other comrades, were convinced that Hitler had artistic talent and urged him to continue painting. Hitler now made a further attempt to realize his youthful ambitions of becoming an artist. He resumed his painting in his spare time and his old army buddy, Hans Mend, sold the pictures for him.* Hitler also made contact with a successful local artist and asked for an opinion on his work. Despite getting a very favorable judgment he could not be persuaded to leave the army.* In keeping with the new revolutionary era, troop pay had dramatically increased and Hitler was now being paid three Marks a day. Since the army provided lodging and food, Hitler had enough money, by purchasing the cheapest seats, to attend the opera nearly every night. When Schmidt came along, he observed that Hitler wasn't aware of anything but the music.* As for the political situation in the barracks, it had moderated because of the return of large numbers of front-line soldiers and the flight of the more leftist soldiers to the Red cause. Outside the barracks, however, Hitler felt that conditions were still moving "towards a further continuation of the Revolution."*

Two weeks after Hitler returned to Munich, word arrived that the Hungarian government had been taken over by left wing Socialists and Communists that were supported and financed by Russia. The group was led by a Jew named Bela Kun who set up a Soviet-style dictatorship with 25 of his 32 commissars also being Jews. Using terror to subdue the population, Kun** called for all the states of Europe to join in the rebellion. The London Times called him and his gang the "Jewish Mafia."* Bela Kun's success rejuvenated the far left and inspired the Reds throughout Germany as never before. Surely what Kun had done in Hungary, they believed, could be done in Germany. Although Red revolts broke out all over north Germany, what occurred in Bavaria would not only turn millions of Bavarians against the Reds but against the Jews. "Eisner's death," as Hitler saw it and would later write, "only hastened developments and led finally to the Soviet dictatorship, or to put it more correctly, to a passing rule of Jews, as had been the original aim of the instigators of the whole revolution."* The government Eisner left behind was temporarily taken over by the moderate Socialists who received 32% of the vote in the recent election. The new government however, had no Free Corps troops to shore it up and within three weeks it fell into the hands of a group dominated by two Jewish Independent Socialists*-- the "Toller-Landauer regime."* Ernst Toller, a twenty-six year old dramatist, sat at the head of government, but Gustav Landauer, a theater critic and anarchist, wielded the most power. Landauer was determined to follow the Russian example and decided to "conform to the will of the masses" ( 2.5% of the population) by proclaiming a "Bavarian Soviet Republic." The first proclamation of the new government, was to state that "the dictatorship of the proletariat has become a reality," a red army would be organized, the press would be socialized, and a revolutionary court would "ruthlessly" deal with all who opposed them.* The University was permitted to reopen but it was to be run by a Soviet of Students (and there would be no more examinations or awarding of degrees). Because the new government believed that all written history reflected the views of the upper classes, traditional history courses were foThe first proclamation of the new government, was to state that "the dictatorship of the proletariat has become a reality," a red army would be organized, the press would be socialized, and a revolutionary court would "ruthlessly" deal with all who opposed them.* The University was permitted to reopen but it was to be run by a Soviet of Students (and there would be no more examinations or awarding of degrees). Because the new government believed that all written history reflected the views of the upper classes, traditional history courses were forbidden until they decided on the right teaching. All church connections with government were discontinued, but when the new "Bavarian Soviet Republic" was proclaimed, Christian church bells were ordered to toll the great event. The new Foreign Affairs Deputy, who had been confined to more than one insane asylum in the past, became unhinged again and promptly declared war on Switzerland "because these dogs refuse to lend me sixty locomotives."* The new government then wired their cohorts in Hungary and assured them that "Germany will soon follow in your footsteps." They also wired Moscow to inform them of the political situation. Lenin and Trotsky had already poured millions of marks into Bavaria to turn it into a communist satellite.

Lenin, who wanted to know how his new Soviet Republic was doing, responded himself. A week later, Eugen Levine, a Russian Jew--who had been sent to Bavaria by the new head of the Communist Party of Germany, Paul Levi--took charge. The Communist Party was now in charge of Bavaria.* Levine was a hard-core Marxist who like Lenin and Trotsky saw socialism as a joke. Almost every one of his top deputies were affiliated with Moscow to one degree or another, and only one was a Bavarian.* Their ultimate aim was the complete destruction of established society. One of their first acts, ordered by Levine's right hand man, Max Levien (another Russian Jew* who called himself a "German Lutheran"*) was to shut down the Munich cathedral (Frauenkirche) and transform it into a revolutionary temple--"presided over by a woman dressed as the Goddess of Reason."* They also shut down all schools until they decided what should be taught. A second "genuine" Bavarian Soviet Republic was proclaimed and they called for all of Bavaria to join them and their "Russian and Hungarian proletariat brothers." Since the Levine regime "rejected" all aspects of "bourgeois society," they rejected any links with the regular army and never established any authority over the troops garrisoned about the city. Instead, they began forming their own Red (Workers) Army. Volunteers were offered eight times the amount paid to the regular army troops.* Thousands of factory workers, the unemployed, and deserters flocked into the Red ranks to enjoy the easy life in the new Red Army barracks. There, food and shelter were assured and long duty-free hours were often enlivened with free liquor and free prostitutes.* Convicts were set lose from the prisons and 52 remaining Russian prisoners of war, from a nearby camp at Puchheim, were released to form a special unit.* The Bavarian Red Army soon numbered 20,000 volunteers. A "class struggle" was proclaimed and all enemies of the new regime were threatened with death. Levine introduced a program of ruthless nationalization and expropriation to pay for his "social programs" and "army." Sweeping decrees were passed to allow for the confiscation of private and corporate property. Armed patrols fanned out through Munich looting and plundering to fill the coffers of the new government. Grim workmen and thugs, with red arm bands and rifles, stood on every street corner while truckloads of armed rabble drove up and down the streets flying red flags to show who was in charge. Anyone possessing so much as a fruit cart or shabby store front was considered an enemy. Any home that looked above the proletarian (wage earner) type was broken into at will. A state of panic gripped the upper, middle and lesser middle classes along with nearly everyone else not associated with the new government. People cowered in their homes behind barricaded doors. At night the dark city became silent.* The stillness was broken occasionally by Red Army trucks roaring up and down the streets with "trigger-happy communist militia" firing at shadows.* The Socialists (Whites) in Bavaria were finally moved to act. They called all Bavarian citizens to arms and began assembling troops and volunteers at Nuremberg to overthrow the "Levine dictatorship." (Rumors have persisted that there was a time when Hitler considered joining the "Socialist" cause. If the rumor has any validity, this must surely have been the time.) Civil war in Bavaria began in mid-April as a hastily assembled force of 9000 "White Guards of

capitalism," as the Reds called them, left Nuremberg and moved on Munich. They were met at Dachau, ten miles north of Munich, and were solidly defeated by Levine's Red Army which was under the command of Ernst Toller. The Red victory at Dachau had a profound effect on Hitler and he would never forget that a Jew sat at the head of government while another Jew led the victorious forces. (Nuremberg would later become the gathering point of Hitler's Party. Dachau, would become the site of the first concentration camp.) Hitler's hate for Reds and Jews was reaching new heights and while sorting through the pile of gas masks he began "wondering whether there was a dark Jewish plot to seize power all over the world."* Hitler sat out the period of "Soviet" rule in complete obscurity, but it was now that "his resolve to become a politician and somehow shatter a system he loathed was hardened."* "At this time," Hitler would later write, "plans chased themselves through my head, one after the other. For days I pondered what could be done, if anything at all. But at the end of every deliberation came the sobering thought that I, in my utter obscurity had not even the slightest basis for any practical action."* Throughout Germany many had become appalled by what was taking place in Berlin and other north German cities. In Bavaria however, an entire state seemed to be "swept by turmoil that no longer was merely revolutionary but was carrying disorder to the point of madness."* With Russian Communists in command, proclamations of Soviet Republics, and a Red Army victory, something, even the Social Democrats believed, had to be done before the whole of Germany fell to a small group of radicals. When the ousted and defeated Social Democrats of Bavaria, who were seen as the only legitimate government, finally appealed to north Germany for help, their request fell on receptive ears. "The Munich insane asylum," stated Noske, "must be put in order."* Moderate and right wing Socialists, nationalists and Free Corps were called upon to assemble in the state of Thuringia at Ohrdruf 400 miles north of Munich. The assembling force, along with trustworthy regular army detachments, was placed under the command of a Prussian major general. The tactical plan for the move south and the conquest of Munich was promptly concluded. When the ranks of the Free Corps neared 20,000, the force headed for Munich. Along the way no one opposed them and they picked up additional numbers of anti-left volunteers, including some newly formed Bavarian Free Corps. (One of the volunteers was Fritz Braun, father of (at the time) seven year old Eva Braun.) As the Free Corps neared Munich, a state of alarm seized the Levine government and they began issuing orders of such lunacy that Toller himself resigned. Chaos reigned among the remaining Red commanders and most of them cursed Levine for bringing them to this point in the name of class warfare.* Levine, undeterred, instituted a Red terror program.* Hundreds of middle and upper-class Bavarians--"enemies of the new Soviet"--were rounded up and held as hostages. Dachau fell to the Free Corps after a disorganized and disorderly resistance by the "Red Army." Since it was reported that the Reds shot forty hostages* during their retreat from Dachau, the Free Corps detachments were more brutal then normal. They showed no mercy to their captives and many were shot out of hand. Scores of citizens, some completely innocent, were shot simply because they were thought to favor the Red cause. By the end of April the Free Corps had Munich surrounded.

The Red Army in Munich was urged to prepare for "a battle to the death." In the face of defeat, it began to melt away. Panic sized the Levine regime and they began looking for support. Red Workers and Soldiers committees were dispatched throughout the city in hopes of getting anyone to join them. In desperation, and counter to all their ideals, they even implored the detested troops of the regular army to turn out for a last ditch battle. Their appeals fell on deaf ears. There was virtually no response from the regular troops. At Hitler's barracks (as in a few others) the soldiers were called together to vote on the appeal. There was a loud debate between those who favored joining the Reds and those who wished to remain neutral. Hitler, who had turned thirty a week before, had recently been "elected" as one of the barrack's representatives. Surprisingly, he hadlittle to say. The debate went on for some time.Finally, Hitler, wearing his Iron Cross First Class (in defiance of the Red cause),* climbed on a chair and shouted: "Those who say we should remain neutral are right. After all, we're no pack of Revolutionary Guards for a gang of vagrant Jews."* The soldiers were persuaded and the barracks remained neutral.* With all avenues of escape cut, the Levine regime, in a last bit of vengeance, ordered the murder of their hostages. Red sailors, who had joined their leaders in Munich, went about fulfilling their orders. In one school building, Luitpold High, there were a number of hostages from rightist elements, including some from the upper class and some captured Free Corps soldiers. Two by two, the hostages were taken out. Some were placed up against a wall in the courtyard and shot. Others were "killed by having their heads smashed in with rifle butts."* Levine's men succeeded in killing ten at Luitpold High before they were stopped by Ernst Toller. Among the victims were three Free Corps men and a young and pretty Countess, Heila von Westarp, who was a secretary for the Thule Society--a volkisch anti-Semitic group whose symbol was the swastika.* Angered by Toller's actions, "someone of higher authority" ordered the killings to resume. Munich school boys however, sneaked through the Red lines and informed the Free Corps about the killings. Although not completely in position, the Free Corps launched their attack on the first of May. Over 20,000 men stormed the city as Rightist sympathizers within the city engaged the Red units in guerrilla skirmishes. The communists outer ranks were quickly overrun. Parts of the city came under artillery fire. In the Schwabing area, Hitler's old stomping grounds, there was vicious fighting. Flame throwers were used in house to house fighting. The Free Corps soldiers were in a state of fury because Russians, who had been defeated on the battlefields of Russia, were now operating in Bavaria. The unit of Russian war prisoners were rounded up and slaughtered in a stone quarry. The Bavarian Soviet Republic was doomed. The next day the city was secured and the Munich Revolutionary temple became the Munich Cathedral again. Cheered on by relieved citizens, one brigade of Free Corps, wearing swastika designs on their helmets and armbands, goose-stepped through the city. The Free Corps, along with vengeful Munich citizens, hunted down and murdered hundreds of "suspected" Red leaders or resisters. Lucky ones were shot. In retaliation for the murders of the hostages (especially the Free Corps men) Landauer and most of the other members of the "Soviet" government were beaten to death. Levine was captured, tried and shot even though the government in Berlin attempted to save him. Toller was captured but because of his actions in stopping the "Soviet executions,"

he was sentenced to five years in prison. (Toller would later depart for the United States. He committed suicide in 1939 while living in New York city.) Within a week it was all over. When the Free Corps were fighting their way into Munich, they had been greeted by gun shots from the barracks where Hitler was quartered. Only a few shots had been fired by a few Red sympathizers who hoped to draw the barracks into the fray, but the anger of the Free Corps troops had been aroused. The "neutrality" of the regular army detachments in Munich during the political crises did not fare well with the Free Corps and they distrusted the Munich garrison. The short tempered troops stormed the building. Everyone in it, including Hitler, was arrested and marched through the streets, hands above their heads, and imprisoned at a local high school. The officers of Hitler's regiment, who were forced to flee Munich during the Soviet period, returned with the Free Corps and were soon in control of the city. An investigation was started to determine who had sided with the Reds. When they began to investigate the incident that occurred at Hitler's barracks, some officers recognized Hitler, testified to his character and war record, and ordered his release.* Hitler, nevertheless, was worried. Investigators were beginning to ask why the soldiers in the regular army, who claimed to be loyal to the rightist cause, did not join the guerrilla skirmishes within the city, or earlier flee Munich and join the rightist forces. "A few days after the liberation of Munich," Hitler would later write, "I was ordered to appear before the Inquiry Commission."* Hitler's unwavering hostility to Marxism and his cooperation with the Commission soon placed him above reproach. Because many of the leaders of the revolution had been imprisoned at one time or another for their political activities, Hitler felt the revolution "was in no way a manifestation of a great idea," but was "a vast riot, inspired above all by a scum that had only recently left the prisons and penitentiaries." He felt that if anyone looked closely they would "realize that this so called popular rising was characterized above all by lootings and extortions."* His account, consequently, to the commission about officers and troops sympathetic or supporting the Red cause was "mercilessly exact."* Hitler's cooperation during the investigations caught the attention of his superiors. He subsequently joined the investigating commission and appeared repeatedly as a witness against the accused. "On one occasion," Hitler would later say: I was called as a witness in a case against an army deserter--a first class swine named Sauper. The [lawyer] rose and asked me a few questions, to which, like a silly fool, I answered quite frankly. "You have just returned from the front? You have. I see, a woundstripe and the insignia of the Iron Cross, First Class--what is your opinion of this deserter?" I told him in unmistakable terms what I thought of the swine. The [lawyer] smiled. "I object to this witness on the score of personal prejudice," he declared solemnly. The objection was upheld and the filthy Sauper got off scot-free. When the case ended, an officer who was in the public gallery came up to me with outstretched hand. 'For God's sake, let's get out of here!' he cried."* The officer had reason to worry about Hitler. The Reds had been driven from the streets but there was still

a teeming underground opposition. Those like Hitler, who had the courage to testify against the Reds, were often badly beaten or died mysteriously. Schmidt, who met Hitler shortly after he began giving testimony, stated that Hitler looked haggard and nervous.* Hitler nevertheless, continued to give testimony until it came to the point where he lost nearly all faith in the legal system and would later state: "I had no idea that a [lawyer] is a private individual who makes his living by defending scoundrels."* He felt that lawyers were "irresponsible and useless" in obtaining justice, and that they shared a "kinship" with criminals because of their mutual need for one another.* Hitler, nevertheless, continued to supply information and give additional testimony. He also supplied information on the whereabouts of soldiers and officers who had taken part in the soviet regime. As many as ten Reds were executed because of the information Hitler supplied.* As one admiring officer, A.V. von Koerber, would state: "After joining the investigating commission, [Hitler] produced indictments which threw a merciless light on the unspeakably depraved military betrayals perpetrated by the Jewish dictatorship at the time of the Munich Soviets."* As Hitler would later write: "This was my first more or less purely political activity."* "A few weeks later," Hitler would write, "I was given orders to take part in a 'course' which was being held for members of the army."* The "course" lasted for about two months and was conducted by General staff Officers who attempted to instill within the students a political philosophy favored by the Right. Socialist and Communist agitators had been spreading their gospel ceaselessly and the army was infected with it. The program came under a branch of the army known as the Information Section (also known as Press and Propaganda, or Educational Section)* and was meant to counteract the Red propaganda. Hitler and his fellow students were also obliged to attend lectures and studies, held during June and July, at the University of Munich on Ludwig Strasse. The classes were conducted by professors, doctors, writers, journalists, and bureaucrats. The studies were meant to give the students a foundation on which to build their political views. Some of the courses Hitler attended included: German History After the Reformation. Germany from 1870-1900. Bavaria and the Unity of the Reich. The Political History of the War. The Significance of the Army. German Economic Conditions and the Peace Terms. State Control of Production. Price Policies in the Economic System. Russian and Communist Rule. Socialism in Theory and Practice. Foreign Policy. Correlations Between Domestic and Foreign Policy.*

All of the lectures and studies combined were meant to train students in political instruction and propaganda, and "were intended for specially picked officers and men"* who would be trained as "reliable soldier-speakers."* Because the majority of the troops the students would be speaking to were of the "less educated," without University induced "sophistication and depth," the students were taught to deliver their talks in an easily comprehendible form which could be understood by everyone. They were taught to appeal to nationalistic and patriotic feelings held by the majority of Germans. Hitler was being trained to fashion clear and inventive dialogues, dialogues which liberate what is already in most people's minds. Shortly after the classes began, one of Hitler's lecturers, Professor Karl Alexander von Muller, would be the first to notice Hitler among the crowd. Von Muller later described his first impression of Hitler: My lecture and the lively discussion that followed it were over and the students had already begun to leave when my attention was caught by a small group of people in the hall. They were standing spellbound round a man who was vehemently haranguing them in a curiously guttural voice and with ever mounting passion. I had the peculiar feeling that he was feeding on the excitement he himself had whipped up. His face was pale and thin, his forehead partially concealed by an unmilitary lock of hair. He wore a close-cropped mustache and his striking large, clear-blue eyes had a cold passion in them."* At the next class, Captain Karl Mayr, the General Staff officer in charge of the soldier-speaker program, was present. The Professor asked Captain Mayr if he was aware that he had among his students "a naturalborn speaker." The Captain asked who the person was, and the professor pointed to Hitler. "That's Hitler from the List Regiment," the Captain said and called out, "You Hitler, come up here." The Professor remembered that Hitler, still ill at ease among superiors, approached the Captain "awkwardly, with a kind of defiant embarrassment."* Nothing came of the talk between Mayr and Hitler immediately, but Hitler was beginning to attract attention. During the last days of June, Hitler sat in class listening to von Muller's version of history in which the German's were exalted as a "master race." Because Hitler had been exposed to such teaching in Austrian schools, and since Europe was alive with nationalistic fervor, he took offense when after von Muller's speech, a student delivered a speech protesting the professor's negative version of the Jews. Hitler, therefore, entered his name "as wishing to take part in the discussion,"* and when he got his turn to speak, he defended the professor's opinion with such passion that he held his audience and swayed it. This was Hitler's first and self admitted "anti-Semitic" speech, and as he would later write: "The overwhelming majority of the students present took my standpoint."* Because of the large part the Jews had played in the Bavarian Soviet regimes, and their high profile in top leadership roles of the Socialists and Communists parties, it is not surprising that Hitler was able to sway

his listeners. "Once the Soviets had been overthrown, 'saviours of the Fatherland' appeared all over Germany, rallying to the standards of antisemitism [sic] and anti-Bolshevism."* By the time Hitler made his first public "anti-Semitic" speech, nationalist, conservative and moderate newspapers were flooded with stories that the Communist (Bolshevik) Party in Russia had fomented the revolution in Germany. The top leadership of the Bolshevik party was reported to be made up almost entirely of Jews. The Times on March 29, 1919, reported that of the "leaders who provide the central machinery of the Bolshevist movement, not less than 75 per cent are Jews." Winston Churchill would shortly call for action against Lenin, Trotsky (Lev Davidovich Bronstein), "and the sinister gang of Jewish anarchists around them."* Such reports caused many Germans to believe that a dark sinister Jewish plan was afoot. What also bolstered Hitler's stance was that the gruesome details of the "hostage murders of Munich" had been well publicized as early as April. Anti-Jewish sentiment, fired by moderate and conservative papers, swept Bavaria. The incident provided fuel for a fierce anti-Jewish campaign which "now was assured a sympathetic hearing by the people of Munich....against the deposed 'racially alien government.'"* Leaflets were distributed by newly organized propaganda centers of the Right, which depicted the unpopular short-lived Soviet "revolutionary government as a pogrom against the German people staged by Jews."* "Angered and embittered citizens were now willing to ascribe all evils to the Hebrew race."* The anti-Semitism that was always there, "particularly among the German Bourgeoisie,"* now came pouring out. Hitler simply climbed on the bandwagon, and echoed the popular sentiment. Continue: Top of Page Footnotes: (One asterisk is for a footnote, two asterisks are for additional information.)

A Star Pupil Chapter 14

Shortly after Hitler delivered his speech, the anti-Jewish wave sweeping over Germany was halted momentarily--The new German government signed and ratified the Versailles Peace Treaty. Germans of every class and occupation were stunned. "In 1919," Hitler would later state, "I stood for so little."* The Allies had now given Hitler something to stand for--a "fight against 'Versailles.'"* Considering that the Germans had got rid of their Kaiser, declared a republic, and signed a surrender when the German Army stood well outside of Germany, they had expected the terms of the Treaty to be reasonable. Most Germans thought they had surrendered on the basis of President Wilson's Fourteen Points--a new Europe based on fairness and national aspirations--but it soon became obvious that the Allies, especially France, sought retributions. As though the victors were completely innocent and sinless, Germany was to accept full responsibility for the war and acknowledge her "war guilt." Under the terms of the Treaty, the Germans were to be forced to admit their "war crimes" by turning over to the Allies those designated as "war criminals" for judgment. Because of "German aggression," she was also to be made defenseless and was allowed no air force, no submarines, no tanks, no heavy guns, virtually no navy, and her army was forbidden to number more than a 100,000 men. All of Germany's principle inland waterways were to be internationalized. The Allies also expected Germany to pay for all "war damages" and though the Germans offered to repair all physical damage in Belgium and France caused by the war, their proposal was rejected. The Allies, keeping in tune with their earlier dreams, came up with a unique scheme. Since the idea was to keep Germany from ever experiencing a revival, the cost to the Germans would not be set, but would function along a sliding scale. Anytime in the future that it appeared the Germany economy was gathering strength, a new payment scale would transfer more money to the Allies. If Germany was incapable of paying, goods would be demanded. As a first payment, Germany was forced to turn over to the Allies every merchant vessel over 1600 tons, half of her merchant fleet between 1000 and 1600 tons, one fourth of her fishing fleet and one fifth of her canal and river fleet. German shipyards were ordered to start building 200,000 tons of ships a year for the Allies. All property owned by German businesses abroad was seized. Huge amounts of coal and other raw materials were to be delivered to the Allies at German expense. Even though Germany was unable to feed herself, she was also to turn over much of her livestock and raw foodstuffs. The Allies also demanded land. France and Britain took most of the German colonies. Because "little Belgium" had suffered, she got a few German towns along her border. Denmark was allowed to extend her border forty miles into Germany. France got Alsace, Lorraine and for fifteen years, complete control of Germany's Saar Valley with its huge coal fields. The remainder of West Germany, however, was not torn apart as France wanted. With the German navy no longer a threat, Britain's fear of Germany had shifted to fear of Communism, and with American backing, France's demands for the German Rhineland were refused. To appease

France, the whole Rhineland, plus a belt 30 miles east of the entire length of the Rhine, was to be demilitarized forever. France also got the right to occupy the richest and most developed areas of the Rhineland for fifteen years.* The German population on the whole would have settled, however unhappily, for the treaty; but, the distribution of German land and German people in the east aroused bitter resentment. The Allied announcement earlier in the war that they were fighting for the "national self-determination" of peoples, found a practical solution for the Allies. In the East they wished to create a "belt," or a "sanitary zone," to prevent the westward expansion of communism. Consequently, the most general principle of the peace settlement was to recognize the right of national self-determination in Europe.* "Each people or nation, as defined by language, was in principle to be set up with its own sovereign and independent national state."* In keeping with the idea, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Yugoslavia, became independent "nations." (Ironically, the creation of Yugoslavia fulfilled the aims of radical Serbs who had sparked the war in 1914.) The Germans had expected the same treatment. They soon learned that the right of national self-determination, the promised "new world order," was reserved for nearly all the people of Europe except themselves. The State of Prussia was to be cut in two so as to give Poland a "corridor" to the Baltic Sea. The Treaty did not finalize all of Poland's borders, but in the end, Poland would end up with millions of German citizens and thousands of square miles of German land which Poland had no historical or political rights to whatever. Three million Germans living in the Sudetenland in Bohemia wanted to be annexed to the new German republic. Although they had been Austrian subjects for 400 years, they were incorporated into the new nation of Czechoslovakia along with those Germans living on 110 square miles of German territory near the Oder river. Most of these Germans, along with an additional six million within the new borders of Poland, Denmark, Belgium and France would soon come to see themselves as "oppressed minorities." The seven million Germans of Austria also wished to join Germany now that their empire had vanished and they were bound to suffer economically. Although "there could be no clearer case for national unification,"* France objected. Germany and Austria were forbidden to unite. The 16,000,000 Germans taken away or forbidden to unite with Germany would cause most Germans to view the Versailles Treaty as a stab in the back. As Hitler would later state: A people has the right to self-determination, as we were solemnly assured in Wilson's Fourteen Points which served as the basis of the Armistice. This cannot be overlooked simply because the people in question happen to be Germans!"* The Versailles treaty and the "lost" Germans were to become the basis of Hitler's future political career.

The first German representatives sent to sign the treaty in May argued for concessions. When the German foreign minister lashed out at the victors for continuing the "murderous blockade,"* which had killed "hundreds of thousands of noncombatants," the French leader, who felt that there were "twenty million Germans two many," glowed "with anger," the British leader "laughed," and the British chancellor "yawned."* The German representatives resigned rather than sign, Ebert's new Chancellor resigned, and the members of the liberal German Democratic Party, which held almost one out of five seats in the new government, temporarily withdrew rather than accept any responsibility. All the German delegates, except the Independent Socialists, called for the treaty's rejection. "Hate and revenge," wrote future president of the US Herbert Hoover, ran through the whole treaty. Even President Wilson of the United States remarked to his Secretary of War: "If I were German, I think I should never sign it." When the Germans refused to sign, the Allies threatened to take away more German territory. The French were determined to march on to Berlin and rule from there. The German High-Command was actually consulted about the feasibility of continuing the war. Hindenburg informed the Assembly that opposition was hopeless. Defenseless, a second German delegation was given the unwanted task of signing the Treaty. Since "national self-determination" permeated the treaty, the Allies made only one noteworthy concession--they would let the people in certain areas taken from Germany vote in a plebiscite (popular vote) whether they wanted to remain outside of Germany after the treaty was signed. (When the vote was conducted, with the exception of the area bordering Denmark, Germany's neighbors and the Allies used every conceivable scheme in denying Germany what was rightfully hers under the terms of the Treaty. As an example, when the people in Upper Silesia voted overwhelmingly to return to Germany (707,000 to 479,000) the vote was ignored and the richest area was annexed by Poland. Danzig and Memel (land), whose inhabitants similarly wished to return to Germany were given "international status." In other areas, where the Allies had assured plebiscites, they were arranged in only truncated areas. Hitler was learning that "treaties" mean nothing to unscrupulous adversaries. In the end the triumphant Allies forced the same type of treaty on the new German Republic that they would have forced on the old Monarchy. Germany was saddled with a debt (equivalent to 40% of her national wealth) which she could not pay. All her economic ties outside of Germany were taken away. She lost three/fourths of her iron ore, one/third of her coal reserves, one/eighth of her industry, over one/eighth of her land, over one/tenth of her population and even the property that individual German citizens owned outside of Germany was confiscated. The Center (liberal middle class for the most part) and the Social Democrats ratified the treaty, but so did the Independent Socialists which made the treaty suspect to many Germans. Resentment grew and mass demonstrations were conducted which denounced the treaty, those who supported it, and the government who signed it. Although the government attempted to relieve pressure on themselves by pointing to the treaty the German Army had forced on Russia, their attempts failed. Two wrongs don't make a right and they would bear the "shame of Versailles."

In the latter part of July, Hitler finished his special training in political instruction, propaganda and public speaking. Staff officer, Captain Mayr had not forgotten him and on July 21, Hitler along with twenty-two others received orders to join an "Educational Detachment." The next day they left for Lechfeld, the large military camp thirty miles west of Munich where Hitler, five years before, had practiced large maneuvers. Lechfeld was now being used as "transit center" and was receiving a regular flow of freed prisoners of war who were to be discharged or reassigned. The huge camp was freely accessible to the many civilians employed there. Consequently, Independent Socialists and other Marxist agitators were getting into the camp and were spreading their gospel. The camp commander requested the Educational Section for the purpose of countering the Red propaganda with troop debriefings, or as Hitler put it: "The soldiers had to be taught to think and feel in a national and patriotic way."* When Hitler and his group arrived, they split into groups and set up shop in the various squad rooms scattered about the base. Because Allied and communist propaganda was depicting Germany, the old Monarchy, and the army as those solely responsible for the war, the leader of Hitler's group would begin the proceedings with a speech titled: "Who Bears the Guilt for the World War?"* In an informal way, the other soldier-speakers were expected to add their bit to the proceedings. Speaking before a public speaking class, with mostly like minded acquaintances, is a task that even timid people can surmount with training. Speaking before a strange audience of undisciplined, disillusioned and embittered men is another matter. Most of the soldier-speakers fell by the wayside. Hitler, though he was worried his voice might not be strong enough, distinguished himself from the beginning. In one of the first reports sent back to Captain Mayr, Hitler was mentioned as a "straightforward speaker" who knew how to take charge and did an "excellent" job in guiding the discussions after the group leaders had delivered their speeches.* As with anything Hitler believed in, he threw himself into his new task. "I started full of ambition and love," he would later write. "For thus I was at once offered the opportunity to speak before a large audience; and what previously I had always presumed, merely out of pure feeling without knowing it, occurred now: I could 'speak.'"* As the reports continued to come in to Mayr, it soon became apparent that Hitler had become the "star" of the program.* Although there were times when Hitler could not be heard in the furthest corners of the larger squad rooms, "Herr Hitler," commented one observer, "is a born people's speaker, and by his [zealotry] and his crowd appeal he clearly compels the attention of his listeners and makes them think his way."* Another observer commented that he had the "ability to carry away his audience" with him.* Most of Hitler's speeches during this period concerned the "Peace Treaty of Versailles." At the heart of these speeches were not only attacks against the Allies but attacks on the Liberals, Socialists and Communists who, beginning in November 1918, had fomented revolution, taken over the government, surrendered to the Allies, and signed a treaty which reduced Germany to a "beggar nation." By applying

his beliefs to "current events," one observer noted, Hitler was able to confirm his arguments in an easily comprehensible presentation. Hitler was, consequently, able to arouse real enthusiasm among the demoralized troops and succeeded in instilling within them "not only fresh hope but also impatience, hatred and a thirst for revenge."* Hitler carried out his duties with such competence, eventually a soldier was put as his disposal to relive him of the more trivial duties like the distribution of leaflets.* "I thus led back many hundreds, probably even thousands, in the course of my lectures to their people and fatherland," Hitler would later write, "I 'nationalized' the troops."* By August 25, the camp was in the act of processing the last of the returning prisoners of war and Hitler gave his last speech titled "Capitalism." Although the officer in charge of troop indoctrination at the camp rated the talk as "attractive, clear, passionate," he found reason to be concerned when Hitler "came to the question of the Jews."* The "concern" the officer voiced was not due to what Hitler had said, but how "clear" he had said it. As the officer wrote to Mayr: "If the question of the Jews were presented in a very clear way, with respect to our Germanic standpoint, if it were done like that, it could give Jews reason to regard these speeches as Jew-baiting."* Even though "anti-Semitism" was alive throughout Germany, and was especially pronounced in Bavaria because of the short lived "Jewish Soviet," the officer had reason to be concerned. Since the 1880's German leftists had courted German Jews. The Social Democrats dominated over a coalition government which included the Independent Socialists. Because of the "many Jews in the ruling Social Democratic party"* and the Independent party, the Army General Staff (who for the most part relished thoughts of bringing back the monarchy) was in no position to alienate a government which Hindenburg pledged to support. The officer advised Mayr that Hitler's obvious "hints about a strange race should be avoided".* At the beginning of September, Hitler was back in Munich and was assigned his own room on the second floor of the barracks. By now his superiors had become so impressed with his ideas, and his ability to present them in simplified form, that he was asked to write an "official report" on troop resettlement problems. When Hitler completed his analysis, his superiors were so impressed that Captain Mayr commended Hitler in writing and also informed him that "Headquarters proposes...to release your official report to the Press."* Because the Army was looking for an "appropriate patriotic attitude to take toward the Jews,"* Mayr also went on to request a written analysis of Hitler's views on the Jews. Within a week Hitler handed in his analysis which started out by stating that "Jewry" constituted a threat to the German nation because of their harmful and destructive endeavors, "whether conscious or unconscious."* He then went on to state that an anti-Jewish attitude would never succeed unless it was based on "facts." He then picks up on the traditional nationalistic point of view and continues: Jewry definitely describes a race, not a religious community....There is scarcely a single race whose members belong so exclusively to a single religion....In general the Jew has preserved his race and character through

thousands of years of inbreeding...Thus we are faced with the fact that there lives among us a non-German, alien race which does not want and is not in a position to sacrifice its racial characteristics or to renounce the emotions, ideas and aspirations peculiar to it, yet nevertheless possesses the same political privileges that we do.* Hitler undoubtedly knew that the last part of this paragraph would attract the attention of his superiors. A few weeks before, when he was "nationalizing" the men at Lechfeld, the new German republic adopted a new constitution. Under, "Laws affecting aliens," Jews were excluded as aliens and granted equal rights with all "German" citizens, while (as most Germans saw it) other "non-Germans" were not. Because many Jews sat in high visible places (e.g. Paul Hirsch, a Jewish Social Democrat, became the first Prime Minister of Prussia and Hugo Preuss was the "author of the Weimar Constitution,"*), many Germans found the new constitution suspect and were convinced that Jews were granting themselves special privileges. Hitler's statement: "POSSESSES THE SAME POLITICAL PRIVILEGES THAT WE DO," was a classic example of Hitler's ability to "apply his ideological obsessions to current events so that the principles seemed to be irrefutably confirmed and the incidents of the day swelled to portentous vastness."* Hitler's report continued: Rational anti-Semitism must be directed toward a methodical legal struggle against [the Jews] and the elimination of the privileges they posses, which distinguish them from other aliens living among us. (Laws affecting aliens.) The final aim must be the deliberate removal of the Jews* from our midst.* Hitler then goes on to describe the new "Republic" as a moral-less and spiritual-less state waiting to be toppled "by the ruthless intervention of national personalities possessing leadership and profound inner feelings of responsibility." He concludes: The present leaders of the nation are compelled to seek support from those who draw and continue to draw the exclusive profit from the change of the German situation and those who were the driving forces of the revolution--the Jews. Without regard for the known dangers...our contemporary leaders are compelled in their own interest to accept Jewish support granted to them willingly, and to deliver the goods demanded in exchange. And this return payment demands that they give every possible assistance to the Jews, and above all prevents the betrayed people from fighting against the betrayers, thus paralyzing the anti-Semitic movement. Yours respectfully, Adolf Hitler* The main substance of Hitler's concluding paragraph is not as unique as it may sound. The situation exists in every "democratic" society because of competing parties vying for votes and support. As an

example, old US politicians had a saying that if you run for election with an equally matched opponent, 40% of the voters will be for you, 40% will be against you, and the other 20% don't give a damn. So, to win, what one has to do is convince 11% of the last group to vote for them, or pull special interest groups (blocks) away from their opponent by offering them something. (In the US, one of the largest special interest groups that vote as a block (95%) are African-Americans with 12% of the population. As of this writing the Democrats control that "block," and to keep it, they funnel money, rights, privileges, positions and absolutions to the black community over the backs of other, less organized groups.) Everyone in politics knows how the system works and excepts it as a part of the "democratic" process. However, to those other groups or blocks not benefiting (or even those suffering from such politicking) anger begins to smolder. Unfortunately that anger is usually always directed against the "group" who is benefiting from such an arrangement instead of the politicians responsible for it. Hitler, on the other hand, was wise enough to see that the Social Democrats were using the Jews for their own purposes, and the Jews were (wisely) taking advantage of it. Before passing Hitler's report on to Headquarters, Mayr added the comment: "I am in complete agreement with Herr Hitler's view that...Social Democracy is indissolubly linked with Jewry." He also added that within the army, "all harmful elements must, like viruses, either be eliminated or [contained]."* In the meantime, under the terms of the treaty, the Army had been given only three months to make their first reduction and get troop level down to 200,000 officers and troops.* With socialists and communists still urging revolt and discord, the new army (Reichswehr) was determined to keep its new ranks free from their influence. Because Hitler was still the Army's star speaker around Munich, his main task, by way of his speeches now, was to weed-out Mayr's "viruses" (a word Hitler would become particularly fond of in the future). "No other task could make me happier than this one," Hitler would later write, "because now I was able, even before my discharge, to render useful services to that institution which had been infinitely near to my heart, the army."* As always, Hitler was able to make contact with the troops and "enthrall them." The heart of Hitler's speeches continued to be on the "Versailles disgrace." He also showed the troops how the Socialists' and Communists' "Social and Political Slogans" appeal to the ear but have no relationship to facts. He also talked on the nearly hopeless "Reconstruction" of Germany under the terms of the treaty. His appeal lay in his ability as a natural speaker and he could launch into a speech without the slightest preparation. "My voice," Hitler would write, "had become so much better that I could be well understood, at least in all parts of the small hall where the soldiers assembled."* The program was successful and most of Hitler's colleagues acknowledged that he deserved the "lion's share" of the credit for their success.* Hitler was soon considered good enough to venture outside of Munich and was sent as far away as 100 miles to Passau where he had once lived as a boy.* Under the direction of the army, Hitler had finally slipped out of obscurity. He was now considered an "Information Officer"--a leader and shaper of men.

Hitler's small step up the social ladder fed his self-respect and he began looking for that something special that would distinguish him from other men. During the war he had experimented with several types of mustaches and by the end of the war was wearing one that was fairly bushy and ran along the whole of the upper lip almost concealing it. During his training in propaganda and speaking, he thinned out his mustache and wore it close-cropped. Around this time he chose to clip the ends which made it narrower than the width of his lips. This type of mustache was more prominent among the British, but some German officers (like Ernst Rohm) and right wing "intellectuals" (Dietrich Eckart, Gottfried Feder, etc.) to whom Hitler had been exposed in his speaker training period, sprouted such clumps of hair over their upper lip. Hitler was undoubtedly attempting to emulate them; and like them, when he was off the military base, he dressed in a suit, white shirt and tie with overcoat and broad brimmed hat. The Army in Munich, as well as the police, were still jumpy over the fact that a handful of radicals had taken over Bavaria a few months before. The turbulent political situation had fostered over fifty political parties, associatioThe Army in Munich, as well as the police, were still jumpy over the fact that a handful of radicals had taken over Bavaria a few months before. The turbulent political situation had fostered over fifty political parties, associations, and societies which had formed as a direct challenge to government or simply to get their ideas aired. They covered the political spectrum from rabid communists to rabid nationalists. All of them, whether left or right, were subject to surveillance by the police or the army. When Hitler wasn't lecturing troops, one of his other duties was to report on such organizations. On September 12, Hitler was ordered to check-out an organization calling itself the German Workers' Party. That evening, dressed in a dark blue suit, he attended the group's meeting which was held in one of the meeting rooms of the Sternecker Brewery on the corner of the Tal and Sternecker Strasse. (Biertischpolitik (Beer-table politics) was an important factor in the political life of Germany.) The revolution had given the soldiers the right to participate in politics, and that "right," as Hitler put it, was still in effect at the time. Hitler, consequently, had nothing to hide and signed the party's register as: "Gefreiter Munchen 2. I. Rgt." (Lance corporal, Munich, 2nd Infantry Regiment).* Hitler's first impression of the party was "neither good nor bad; a new foundation like so many others."* The main speaker that night was to have been the nationalist poet and playwright Dietrich Eckart. When he fell ill, Gottfried Feder (engineer, amateur economist and brother-in-law of von Muller) substituted for him.* Hitler, who had been exposed to Feder's speeches about the evils of capitalism and the "yoke of high finance" during his training at the University, was free to concentrate on the gathering. Over forty people had signed the register that night and Hitler noted that most of the participants were workers or soldiers-- "chiefly from among the lower walks of life."* Present also were five students, a doctor, a writer, a pharmacist, two bank employees, four businessmen, two engineers, a daughter of a judge and a professor.* Feder spoke for nearly two hours and by the time he finished, Hitler was dying of boredom. Although Hitler would have preferred to leave, he was obligated to make a report of the gathering to the army. An open discussion followed, and as Hitler expected, nothing of importance was mentioned. After a while the "professor" rose and, after refuting Feder's anti-Capitalist stand, called on the party to support the

"movement" which favored Bavaria's separation from Germany and union with Austria.* Hitler considered such talk "nonsense" and asked to be recognized. After introducing himself, he delivered a short opposing opinion of a strong united Germany with such passion that nearly everyone present was impressed with his sincerity and speaking abilities. Anton Drexler, a co-founder of the party holding the meeting, and the so-called head of the "Munich District," was so impressed he whispered to the party secretary: "This one has a great mouth, we could use him!" When the meeting ended, Drexler, who made his living as a skilled worker for the railroad, approached Hitler and invited him to come again. He gave Hitler a copy of his 40 page pamphlet, "My political Awakening--From the Diary of a German Socialist Worker," which he described was the basic outline of the party's position. As Hitler would later write: "This was very agreeable to me, for now I could hope that perhaps in this way I could become acquainted with this boring society in an easier manner, without being forced again to attend such interesting meetings."* Returning to his room at the 2nd Infantry barracks, Hitler retired for the night. He had trouble sleeping and awoke early in the morning. "Since I could not go to sleep again," he wrote, "I suddenly thought of the previous evening, and now I remembered the booklet which the worker had given me. And so I began to read."* Drexler was not against many of the socialist ideas, especially the economic ones, or against being associated with the "Left."* He made it clear however, that he was a nationalist and a anti-communist who rejected Marxism and its international stance. He also rejected democracy and had been a passionate wartime supporter of the Kaiser. Drexler believed in an authoritarian but benevolent government. Hitler, always pleased to find material that already confirmed his own convictions wrote: "Once I had started, I read the entire little document with interest....involuntarily I saw thus my own development come to life before my eyes."* Drexler's goal was to capture the disillusioned among the German workers, soldiers, civil servants and lower middle class and draw them away from the Marxists and what he termed the "Jewish spirit." He predicted the rise of a new political party, based on "National Socialism," which would create a "new world order" where laborers and tradesmen would be allied with farmers, shopkeepers, office workers and even members of the intellectual and professional classes. Hitler's thoughts darted back to 1907 (when he arrived in Vienna and became acquainted with the successes of Karl Lueger) and he could not resist adding that he had come to the same conclusion "twelve years ago."* For nearly a week Hitler was unable to get Drexler's pamphlet out of his mind, when unexpectedly, he received a "postcard" from Drexler. Hitler was informed that he would be welcomed as a member of the German Workers' Party and was invited to attend a meeting of the officers the coming Wednesday. Although Hitler didn't know exactly what to make of the invitation, the fact that he had been invited to

the party committee meeting indicated that the party officials intended to offer him something--possibly a leading position. The party appeared to conform to Hitler's political ideals and the gathering at the meeting he attended the week before was far from shabby. Hitler undoubtedly felt he was being invited into the inner ranks of a fairly influential circle. His "curiosity" won out and he decided to attend. Hitler would later write: Wednesday came. The restaurant in which the said meeting was to take place was the Alte Rosenbad in the Herrenstrasse; a very run-down place, to which only once in a blue moon somebody seemed to find his way by mistake....I passed through the sparsely lit dining room where not a soul was present, looked for the door to the back room, and the 'meeting' was before me. In the dim light of a broken-down gas lamp four young people sat at a table....I was somewhat taken aback."* Drexler soon appeared and his demeanor betrayed his eagerness to have Hitler as a committee member. Hitler was shortly introduced to the other five members of the "Party Executive," including the so-called "National Chairman" who arrived late. By the time the "executive meeting" got under way, Hitler's disappointment had turned into resignation. He "smiled" in amusement at the pretentiousness of the little group. Hitler continued: The minutes of the last meeting were read and the secretary was given a vote of confidence. Next came the treasury report--all in all the association possessed seven marks and fifty pfennigs--for which the treasurer received a vote of general confidence. This too, was entered in the minutes. Then the first chairman read the answers to a letter from Kiel, one from Dusseldorf, and one from Berlin, and everyone expressed approval. Next a report was given on the incoming mail: a letter from Berlin, one from Dusseldorf and one from Kiel, whose arrival seemed to be received with great satisfaction. This growing correspondence was interpreted as the best and most visible sign of the spreading importance of the German Workers' Party, and then--then there was a long deliberation with regard to the answers to be made. Terrible, terrible! This was club life of the worst manner and sort. Was I to join this organization?* By the time the "Executive Committee" came around to discussing "new memberships," Hitler had "stopped smiling."* The "absurdity" of the so called "party" was too much. He nevertheless asked questions and discussed matters about the organization. He found that the party members, all from Munich, basically adhered to Drexler's pamphlet. Because the "National Chairman," Karl Harrer, was also a member of the Munich Thule Society (whose captured seven members had been murdered in the Jewish led revolt in April), the group was intensely anti-Jewish. Hitler also noted that the "party," was disorganized and although the leaders claimed to have around fifty

members, the six committee members were the only ones active. As Hitler would later write: "Apart from a few general principles, there was nothing--no program, no pamphlet, nothing at all in print, no membership cards, not even a party stamp, only obvious good faith and good intentions."* The "treasury" of the party was kept in a cigar box and there wasn't enough money to have leaflets or posters printed to announce the party's next public meeting. The party's meetings normally attracted, other than the officers, fewer than a dozen visitors while a crowd of 40 was considered large. Their largest gathering* was the open meeting Hitler attended where the main speaker was to have been one of Munich's best anti-leftist speakers.* By now Hitler was completely let down and concluded that the organization would never amount to anything. He felt that the committee members had no "organizational abilities," no "adequate grasp" of the situation and had no idea how to "develop a club into a party or a movement." He felt the party would "simply disappear silently after a time." Although Hitler was offered a position in the party, he left the meeting without making any commitment. Over the next few days, Hitler had time to think and began to feel that he understood what the members of the party wanted to accomplish--"The feeling which had induced those few young people to join in what seemed such a ridiculous enterprise was nothing but the call of the inner voice which told them-though more intuitively than consciously--that the whole party system as it had hitherto existed was not the kind of force that could restore the German nation or repair the damages that had been done to the German people by those who hitherto controlled the internal affairs of the nation."* The "little formation," Hitler also observed, "seemed to have the unique advantage of not yet being fossilized into an 'organization' and still offered a chance for real personal activity on the part of the individual. Here it might still be possible to do some effective work; and, as the movement was still small, one could all the easier give it the required shape. Here it was still possible to determine the character of the movement, the aims to be achieved and the road to be taken."* Over the next two weeks Hitler met with Drexler and attempted to help the party recruit new members. Hitler wrote and typed "invitations" on the barracks typewriter, then handed them out to army buddies, friends (like the Popps), or passers-by. "I still remember how I myself in this first period," Hitler would later write, "once distributed about eighty of these slips of paper, and how in the evening we sat waiting for the masses who were expected to appear."* The net increase of guests was a disappointing one or two new faces. Remembering his early days in advertising, Hitler realized that a little sophistication might offer better results. Using his own money and funds other members of the party had contributed, he had hundreds of fliers announcing the next meeting printed at a local print shop. He helped post them about the city, handed them out at street corners, and placed them in mailboxes. By the time the "National Chairman" began to speak at that meeting, around thirty new faces were present. Hitler, nevertheless, could not make up his mind to join the party or not, until "Fate," as he later wrote, "pointed out the way."* The Army at this time, regarded it as a patriotic duty* to support "German nationalism" as a counterweight to "Communist internationalism." Only paramilitary groups like the Free Corps were

capable of putting down Red uprisings, so members of the Officers' Corps in Munich decided that the only other alternative to keep Bavaria from moving too far to the left was to support right wing political organizations.* The army was speedily reducing to the 200,000 men in its first reduction step, and was beginning to resemble an elite corps of officers. The need for soldier-speakers trained in lecturing troops was fast coming to an end. The men from the "Education Section" would be more valuable working outside the army as propagandists of nationalist views* in their spare time. Their army salary of twenty golden marks would give them the time and ability to help expand acceptable organizations or parties. Even though there was great competition for the few places available in the new army,* Hitler was considered too valuable to let go. In keeping within the spirit of the Versailles Treaty, Hitler was actually discharged around this time but within one month he was accepted for re-enlistment into the new army.* Hitler, then received orders from Mayr to report on political parties with the hope of joining a "worker's party" and helping in its expansion.* At the beginning of October, Hitler attended another meeting of the German Worker's Party. For the next two days he pondered on what "step" to take. There can be little doubt that Hitler would have preferred to have joined a larger and more established party, but he soon came to the conclusion that within a larger institution, he could never hope to rise to any important position because of his lack of "schooling." Coarse language, candidness, and appeals to the emotions are assets that have always troubled persons of "education or quality." Hitler (possibly remembering that the professor he had opposed at the first meeting of the German Workers' Party walked out before he finished his rebuttal) would write: The so-called 'intellectuals' always look down with infinite condescension on anyone who has not been dragged through the obligatory schools and had the necessary knowledge pumped into his brains. The question has never been: What can this man do? but, What has he learned? To these 'educated' people, the greatest empty-head, if he is wrapped in enough diplomas, is worth more than the ablest young fellow who happens to lack these precious paper rags. I could therefore easily imagine how this 'educated' world would confront me.* On October 4, Hitler concluded his brief summary of the party to Mayr and added: "I request the Captain's permission to join this association or party."* Permission was quickly granted and Hitler became the 55th member and number 7 in the parties executive committee in charge of "recruitment and propaganda."* National Chairman Harrer, a journalist and the most "educated" within the committee, failed to see any value in the acquisition of Hitler, but Drexler was overwhelmed. To a fellow committee member he commented: "Now we have an Austrian with a great mouth." The German Workers' Party, had been established earlier that year and started out vigorously by holding an open meeting every two weeks. Because of all the competing political parties, its attempts to attract more then nominal interest among the working classes proved a "perfect failure."* By the time Hitler became involved with the "party," it had become little more than a debating society which held committee meetings "once a week....each Wednesday"* with open meetings about once a month. Hitler was determined to turn the little group around and change it into a major political force.

The only income the party had at the time was what the membership contributed and the small donations collected at its rare open meetings. Hitler persuaded the committee members to risk the whole lot. He proposed that they rent a larger meeting room to hold a public meeting and advertise the upcoming event in a well circulated nationalist newspaper. His arguments were so effective that the party gave him free reign and he spent almost every penny of the Party's funds on the idea. By the night of the meeting (Thursday, October 16, 1919) the ad had been placed, fliers had been handed out and the message had been spread. In a room (left), capable of holding 130 people, in the Hofbrauhauskeller on Wiener Platz ("not to be confused," as Hitler put it, with the huge "Hofbrauhaus" on Brauhaus Strasse) the party leaders waited nervously. "To me personally," Hitler would write, "the room seemed like a big hall and each of us worried whether we would succeed in filling this 'mighty' edifice with people."* The main attraction that night was Doctor Erich Kuhn, the editor and co-publisher of a national magazine, who was to speak on "The Jewish question a German Question."* For the first time, Hitler was formally scheduled to speak outside of army circles. He was to follow the Doctor and emphasize some of his points. By the time the Doctor began to speak, the meeting room was nearly filled with 111 people.* Present were seventy new faces including Karl Brassler, a writer for the Rightist newspaper Munchener Beobachter (Munich Observer).* When Hitler's turn came he stepped quietly behind the podium. After a subdued beginning, which was to become one of his trademarks, he abandoned all restraint. He let his emotions take over and spilled out a stream of denunciations and threats against Germany's internal and external enemies. Within minutes the audience was enthralled. Hitler did not appeal to reason nor did he ask his listeners to think. He pointed to the wrongs done Germany and released within the audience passions they already felt and made them angry. He attacked the Marxist and the "Jewish-controlled newspapers" which he stated "suppressed" the truth.* He looked forward to the day when Germany would again recover her greatness. After a speech of a half hour, which left Hitler exhausted with perspiration covering his face, he appealed to his listeners for funds so that the party could continue its mission. He sat down to loud applause. He had upstaged the main speaker. "At this first meeting, which could truly be called public..." Hitler would later write, "I spoke for thirty minutes, and what formerly I had simply felt without really knowing it, was now proved by reality: I could speak [to the public]."** As the enthusiastic audience filed out that evening, they donated generously to the party. In less then a month, Hitler had turned the little group around. He had shown that he could not only organize large meetings but that he could also arouse a civilian audience. Karl Brassler, the writer for the Observer noted that "Herr Hitler" spoke "with passion."* It was the beginning of Hitler's political career. A month later the Party scheduled another open meeting at a tavern called the Eberlbraukeller in the

same part of town. Four nationalist speakers were scheduled to speak, with Hitler being the main attraction. Hitler was so confident of success that he convinced the Committee to charge 50 pfennigs admission--an innovation in Bavarian politics.* Hitler now had to move cautiously for clashes between the Right and Left were a normal part of Bavarian politics. Rivals normally ignored the smaller or less threatening parties operating within their areas, but if a party opposed to their views seemed a threat, hecklers were sent to discredit the speaker or make sure he wasn't heard.* If heckling didn't have the desired result, agitators and thugs attempted to create disturbances and breakup the meeting in more violent ways. Word had already got around about Hitler's anti-Marxist stand, and trouble from the Left was expected. Hitler knew that if he asked for police protection they would cancel the meeting as a "'precautionary measure for the prevention of an unlawfulness,'"* and he would never be heard. Hitler wanted his message spread and consequently arranged for a few of his army buddies from a trench mortar company to "monitor" the upcoming meeting. By the time the meeting got under way on Thursday Nov, 13th about 300 people were in the hall.* Most of the party members were present and 129 guests had paid their half Mark.* The audience for the most part consisted of students, army officers, and shopkeepers. Present also were some Leftists who intended to intimidate the group of "anti-Semitic, anticommunist speakers" with Hitler being their main target.* Hitler was only to speak for 15 minutes but when his turn came he spoke for over an hour. Again he enthralled his listeners. Although he spoke with unprepared primitive force and emotion that set him apart from other speakers,* he delivered his speech in such a comprehendible manner that an undercover police investigator described him as a "businessman." Hitler blamed "the Jews Liebknecht [and] Luxemburg" (Karl and Rosa) for the uprising in Berlin. He denounced "the Jew Landauer, the Jew Levien, the Jew Levine...[and] also Eisner was a Jew" as "the leaders of the bloody Soviet government in Bavaria."* In the middle of his speech hecklers and agitators tried to disrupt him. Most were quickly overpowered and thrown out. The interruption only spurred Hitler to greater heights.* He appealed to people's hearts concerning their love for their nation, and the enemies that threatened her. He portrayed the treaty the Germans had forced on Russia as reasonable and humane while the treaty the Allies had forced on Germany as miserable and oppressive. He denounced the "hunger blockade" that the Allies enforced during and after the war as "inhuman." French Premier Georges, "the Tiger," Clemenceau's remark that there were "twenty million too many Germans" brought outrage.* Hitler carried the audience with him. As those in the room stood up and cheered, he closed with the forecast: We must stand up and fight for the idea that things cannot go on this way. German misery must be broken by German iron. This day must come.* The end of Hitler's speech was met with "tumultuous applause." Even "National Chairman" Harrer appeared aroused and he closed the meeting by commenting that Germany's problems were not caused by war and defeat, but by Jewish Marxists. He urged the audience to come to the next meeting and bring "at least three others along." The undercover policeman reported that Hitler's speech was "masterful"*

and that he was sure to become a "professional propaganda speaker."* Three days after the meeting, Hitler was invited to participate in an "inner circle" meeting with Drexler and Harrer. Discussions were carried on as to what new directions the group hoped to move. Against the wishes of Harrer, who preferred a low profile "conspiratorial right-wing network,"* Hitler convinced Drexler that the party stay public and hold an open meeting every two weeks. Harrer reluctantly gave in. Drexler also acknowledged that Hitler was the party's main attraction and was to be one of the main speakers at future meetings. It was also decided that a platform, expressing the small groups principles and policies, would be drawn up. Hitler was named as one of the drafters. Hitler, sensing that he could get nearly anything he wanted from Drexler at this point, made arrangements to do away with his position as Propaganda Chairman, and at the next officer's meeting was named Propaganda Chief. Hitler no doubt accomplished this by pointing out, that except for scanty notes, he spoke unprepared and getting the approval of a "committee" as to the content of his speeches was meaningless. This was a giant step upward in the party for Hitler. Now, he was not only the driving force behind the party, but its "philosophical mentor." On November 26, Hitler scheduled his third open meeting and 170 people showed up at the Eberlbraukeller to hear him speak. At the beginning of December another open meeting was scheduled on the other side of town on the road to Dachau. The earliest surviving notice of a Hitler meeting ran as follows:

German Workers' Party

Munich Group Munich, 2 December 1919

We hereby request you to be sure to attend a

MEETING
to take place on Wednesday 10 December 1919 at 7 p.m. in the German Reich Tavern, 143 Dachauer Street (tram stop 24 Lori street) Speaker: Mr. Hittler on 'Germany in her deepest humiliation'. This invitation serves as a ticket. The hall is heated.

The Committee*

(Note the double "t" in Hitler's name. In his early days with the party, his name was often spelled with two T's. It appears that Hitler deliberately let the misspellings go unchallenged so as to create confusion as to his background.) For this meeting the crowd fell to 140 and at the following committee meeting some of the officers used the poor showing to attack Hitler.* Many were bitter of Hitler's rapid ascendancy in the party and resented him. They were men who sat around debating minor points and sharing responsibilities in common. They had been thrust into the background since Hitler "had more ideas, was more adept and more energetic."* They pointed to Hitler's way of doing things and complained. No doubt edged on by Harrer, they accused Hitler of moving too fast along lines not consistent with theirs and holding too many meetings. Hitler, not one to be put on the defensive, struck back. After arguing that an open meeting every two weeks was nothing in a city of 700,000, he pointed out that the party operated along lines not consistent with its professed aims and was totally democratic in its internal procedures. He attacked the democratic concept--the "tea-club" mentality--that the party followed where, as he put it, "the answer to a safely arrived letter let loose an interminable argument."* As with most democratic organizations, where debating and issuing reports are the normal alternative to action, Hitler saw the constant debates as a hindrance to growth. He called for a complete reform of the party where those voted as officers would make decisions without having to seek the approval of those beneath them. "Each member of the committee," Hitler ended, "should obtain a feeling for his own value and usefulness for the movement."* Hitler's demands were rejected at this time but Drexler, who saw Hitler as the only hope of the group, continued to back him. Those committee members opposed to Hitler's way of doing things took no action but sat back and waited for Hitler to over reach himself. Instead of taking a cautious approach, Hitler was determined to show the committee that his views were the correct course to follow. Pushing his new position as "Propaganda Chief" to the limit, he began taking action. Understanding that a organization needs to appear respectable and established, he rented a cellar room, without electric lighting, at the Sternecker Brewery on the Tal. The rent was only 50 marks a month but the party still possessed a measly treasury and Hitler's Commander, Captain Mayr, came up

with the funds to give the party a permanent address. To gain access to the party's first "headquarters," one had to enter the narrow Sternecker Alley and descend a steep flight of stairs. "It was a small vaulted, dark room with brown wooden paneling, about six yards long and three broad." Hitler would later state: "On overcast days everything was dark."* Using some of his own money and some funds from the party, Hitler had electric light installed. He also acquired a table, a few chairs, a book case, two cabinets, a typewriter, a safe for the party records, and had a phone installed--a sure sign of an established organization. Hitler knew that the attack against him concerning the attendance at the last meeting had merit. The hall at Dachauer Street had been close to an army barracks and the drop in attendance was undoubtedly a greater shock to Hitler than anyone. Like most men with a mission, Hitler believed that all he had to do was get the word out and people would flock to his meetings. He was now shaken out of his complacency. Hitler scheduled the next open meeting, to be held shortly after Christmas, and set about making sure that he did not suffer another reversal. For the upcoming meeting Hitler used his past experience in advertising to the utmost. The days of such complacent advertising as the one announcing the previous meeting were discarded. Imitating (and outraging) the Communists, Hitler had new posters printed on flaming red paper. Large headlines and eye catching words were set apart which shouted out at the passerby. Understanding the power of condensed hard hitting written material (which he had read in abundance in his youth) Hitler also had hundreds of pamphlets ("recruiting material," as he called it) printed which stated the groups goals. The pamphlets were to be made available to guests at party functions or left in the beer gardens after meetings with the hope that they would be paHitler scheduled the next open meeting, to be held shortly after Christmas, and set about making sure that he did not suffer another reversal. For the upcoming meeting Hitler used his past experience in advertising to the utmost. The days of such complacent advertising as the one announcing the previous meeting were discarded. Imitating (and outraging) the Communists, Hitler had new posters printed on flaming red paper. Large headlines and eye catching words were set apart which shouted out at the passerby. Understanding the power of condensed hard hitting written material (which he had read in abundance in his youth) Hitler also had hundreds of pamphlets ("recruiting material," as he called it) printed which stated the groups goals. The pamphlets were to be made available to guests at party functions or left in the beer gardens after meetings with the hope that they would be passed around and read by potential recruits. All of the party's members were also encouraged to pass the material around. Hitler also had membership cards printed and to give the impression of a large and growing organization he had the numbering begin with 500. The first original member became 501 and Hitler became member 555. "Propaganda, propaganda," Hitler stated. "Everything depends on Propaganda."* Hitler's methods paid off. Over 200 people showed up at the next meeting on Dachauer Strasse to hear him speak. Hitler had proven himself right. The party was breaking out into the open. Harrer resigned and all of Hitler's detractors within the committee were temporarily silenced. The only person wielding more power than Hitler was Drexler.

Continue: Top of Page Footnotes: (One asterisk is for a footnote, two asterisks are for additional information.)

Helping Hands Chapeter 15

At the beginning of 1920 the German Workers' Party had 190 dues paying (a half mark monthly) members. Their ranks were made up of fifty-six skilled tradesman from the railroad shops along with a sampling of minor civil servants, grade school teachers, shopkeepers, salesmen and office workers. There were also twelve university students, six engineers, three doctors, and seven members associated with journalism and publishing. There were also nineteen women--occupations not given. The military was represented by four Army officers along with twenty soldiers.* Because the military made up only 13% of the membership, and there were only four unskilled members that could truly be called "workers," the party was in reality a lower middle class party and, contrary to popular belief, would continue to remain so during its entire existence. "In 1920," Hitler would later recall, "when I organized my first big assemblies in Munich....I was in search of starched collars, in the hope that they'd help me to reach the intellectual class."* Hitler now had second doubts. Since his Vienna days he had always had contempt for the intellectual class, and that included the Right as well as the Left and Center. He saw the intellectuals of the Right as a bunch of "wandering German folkish scholars" who had been doing the same thing for "thirty or even forty years" while the country became more Marxist every year.* He believed that most of the upper classes were driven by "stupidity and pride,"* and that they really "believed in nothing."* Because of his earlier dealings with the legal system, he especially singled out lawyers and judges and felt that "every jurist must be regarded as a man deficient by nature, or else deformed by usage."* Hitler often talked about the "stupidity of Lawyers" and pointed out that: "They're the people who used to burn witches!"* Hitler, consequently, took one of the most decisive steps in his political career. Instead of attempting to find acceptance among the upper classes at this time, he decided to do what Lueger had done years before and reach out for more of the crowd. Hitler knew that to succeed in the politics of the time, sooner or later, he would have to take his "struggle" out into the streets. Large outdoor meetings, rallies and marches announced the success of a political group. A hall or meeting room could be defended by a hand full of "buddies," however, the streets were controlled by the Socialists and Communists. The Social Democrats had their "defense organizations" (united under the Reichsbanner in 1924) while the Communists had their Rotfrontkampfer (Red Front Fighters). These gangs not only fought against one another, but raided the meetings and street rallies or anyone else who opposed them. The Communists were especially skilled at assembling unemployed workers and these groups seldom broke up peacefully. Many of the participants were former soldiers and sailors who were now trained organizers and street fighters. They gathered together with short pieces of lead pipe, wood clubs, knives and guns. They did not hide their intentions of clashing with any opponent and that included the police. Hitler felt that the "cowardly" intellectual and upper classes (who "lived in perpetual fear of irritating the Reds"* and fled at the "sight of every communist blackjack"),* would never succeed in attracting a mass following with their "weapons of the mind."* He had great admiration for many of the Communist and Socialist party members who were willing to fight, physically, for what they believed in.* He was determined to attract those men to him.

With the National Chairman gone, the first thing Hitler did in reshaping the movement was to set about getting rid of any "intellectual" airs. To appeal to the working classes Hitler wore "disheveled clothes" and "saw to it that all initiates of the movement came to meetings without stiff collars and without ties, adopting the free-and-easy style so as to get the workers into their confidence."* To appeal to the exsoldiers, who made up a large part of the Marxist parties, Hitler never attempted to hide the fact that he had served in the army. Like any common soldier he used gutter language and "latrine" phraseology in his speeches that ex-soldiers understood immediately.* For as much as to attract the workers, as well as to rid the party of those "revolutionaries in rabbits pelts,"* Hitler also adapted the slogan: "Whoever attacks us with violence, we will defend against with violence."* On the other hand, Hitler never attempted to reach down to the lowest strata of society. He was determined to attract the "better elements of the working classes."* As he would state, "we do not want millions of indifferent rabble, we want a hundred thousand men--headstrong, defiant men. Our success will force the millions to follow us."* Hitler, with his anti-Jewish anti-Marxists outcries, was from the very beginning, as he saw it, attempted to "educate"* the workers and change "public opinion." He was determined to drive a wedge between the Marxist parties leaders (many of whom were Jewish) and the workers. Unlike most "Jew baiters," Hitler had nothing against Jews he met personally and behaved the same toward them as he did anyone.* Most of his attacks against the Jews were, as one observer saw it, "not so much on a racial basis, as on an accusation of black marketeering and waxing fat on the misery round them, a charge which was only too easy to make stick."* As Hitler saw it, "unrelenting attacks on the Jews,...succeeded in alienating the workmen from their Jewish [leaders]."* In Jan 1920 Hitler held his sixth and seventh meetings at the German Reich Tavern. Hitler's speeches remained unprepared and he spoke with primitive force and emotion. Moderation in politics suggests a lack of conviction and in this matter Hitler was not lacking. He hammered home the inability of the new liberal government's policies, he attacked Germany's enemies, he degraded the peace treaty, he defended the army, and his attacks against the Reds were unrelenting. His attacks against the Jews were directed against those of wealth, recent immigrants from Russia and especially those who played a leadership role in the Marxists parties during and after the war. Over 250 people attended the first meeting, over 400 attended the second. "The hall," Hitler would later state, "could barely hold the crowd." Shortly after, 37 new members joined the party in one day.* Bavaria offered unusual fertile ground for Hitler's beliefs. Unlike northern and central Germany, Bavarians rejected most of the Socialist ideals and considered the Communists "traitors." Bavaria had become a safe haven for those with nationalist sentiments and was awash with national parties, volkish groups, monarchists, right wing defense leagues, and other conservative organizations. For the most part, Bavarian newspapers glorified the actions of the Right while any actions taken or supported by the socialists or communists were portrayed as unpatriotic or treasonous. Some of Bavaria's parties were so adverse to the direction that northern Germany had taken that the old movement that favored separation from Germany and an independent Bavaria, or one in union with Austria, was growing. Other groups, including Hitler's party and fractions within the army, believe that Bavaria should march on Berlin, overthrow the republican government, and establish a nationalist government.

One of those army officers who wished to overthrow the Republic was staff officer, Captain Ernst Rohm. Impressed by the ideals of the German Workers' Party and Hitler's oratorical talents, he had joined the group shortly after Hitler to become member "623."* Around the beginning of the new year he replaced Captain Mayr as Hitler's new commander. Rohm, who had a flair for politics and organization, did his best to help expand Hitler's group and steered politically motivated ex-soldiers and officers his way. Unlike Mayr, Rohm also invited Hitler into his circle and introduced him to members of the higher officer class. Outside of army and party circles Hitler was also widening his contacts. With little organized opposition in the party, Hitler and Drexler became close friends and Hitler became a steady visitor at the Drexler home in the Nymphenburg area. "My little girl used to climb on Hitler's knee," remembered Drexler, "she knew she was always welcome."* Drexler helped Hitler expand his circle of politically motivated contacts, including a few with properly starched collars. Hitler was not opposed to recruiting sympathizers of the upper classes as long as they were "real fanatics" as he put it.* One of those who fulfilled his requirement was Dietrich Eckart. Eckart was a large balding man with a boisterous humor and a quick and course tongue in the Bavarian manner. He was the son of a lawyer and had become a sought after nationalist speaker who, at the time, could hold his own against Hitler. He was also nearly everything Hitler wanted to be in his youth--a writer, a playwright, a composer, a drama critic and a poet. His brilliant translation of Ibsen's "Peer Gynt" (a poetic drama about a simple and self made man with will power) became the standard version in Germany. The work not only brought Eckart national attention but a steady income in royalties. With his own money he published a weekly paper with a readership of 30,000.* The paper, In Plain German, took the nationalist, anti-Jewish, anti-communist line. Though Eckart was a nonconformist like Hitler, his outgoing personality, wit and intelligence made him a welcome addition at the better cafes and beer gardens where he spent much of his time. There he ate and drank excessively and did most of his writing* which was characterized by "bluntness and coarseness."* Hitler was 31 when he met the 52 year old Eckart and they immediately got along. Hitler considered Eckart "a writer full of idealism."* Eckart's interest in Hitler went beyond casual. In 1919, shortly before he met Hitler, Eckart gave a brief description of the man he believed could return Germany to greatness. The "man" had to be a nameless, common soldier "with burning eyes, moving among the people with a terrible power of conviction."* He had to be one who knew how to talk, and could scare the shit out of the rabble.* He had to be someone who "could stand the sound of a machine gun," could "give the Reds a juicy answer, and doesn't run away when people start swinging table legs."* The final requirement was that the man had to be a bachelor who appeared so dedicated to his mission that he felt no need for women.* "Then," Eckart concluded, "we'll get the women."* Eckart was the first truly educated and somewhat cultured man to see potential in Hitler. He became Hitler's tutor, coach and friend. Hitler visited the Eckart home so many times that he and Eckart's live-in girlfriend, Anna, got to know one another on a first name basis. Eckart however, was not one to sit ideally at home and he and Hitler were often seen out on the town. The Weinstubble Brennessel (Stinging Nettle Wine Room) in the Schwablng district and the Bratwurstglockl in the Frauen Platz were two of their

favorite haunts. Hitler felt that Eckart always "outshone" all the other people because of his "wit and common sense." Eckart also had access to the drawing rooms and social functions of the wealthy and aristocratic classes. He instructed Hitler in the proper forms of protocol, mannerisms, and dress. He was soon introducing Hitler around as the "long-promised savior."* High society was something new to Hitler, and after a dinner meeting with a wealthy family, he reported "wide-eyed" to an acquaintance: I felt quite embarrassed in my blue suit....The servants were all in livery and we drank nothing but champagne before the meal. And you should have seen the bathroom, you can even regulate the heat of the water.* In such company Hitler was always respectful and polite. He also was very careful to adhere to the proper forms of address* used between "people of the lower rank" and "those of better education, title or academic attainment"* ("persons of quality"). Try as he may, Hitler never felt completely at ease at formal functions and normally appeared awkward and out of place. He had a "winning way"* about him nevertheless, and one woman found him "charmingly clumsy." Eckart not only guided Hitler through the labyrinth of Munich society but he also picked up most of Hitler's bills.* He contributed generously to the party and would also write a battle song for the group ("Storm! Storm! Storm!") which glorified revenge. Each verse ended with the words--"Germany, awake."* Hitler would adapt those two words as a party slogan and use it in many of his speeches. Hitler had nothing but praise for Eckart and would later state: "How I loved going to see Dietrich Eckart in his apartment on Franz Joseph Strasse. What a wonderful atmosphere in his home! How he took care of his little Anna....He shone in our eyes like the polar star...At the time, I was intellectually a child still on the bottle."* Six years later Hitler would end the second volume of Mein Kampf with the words: "I want also to count that man, one of the best, who devoted his life to the awakening of his, our people, in his writing and his thoughts and finally in his deeds: 'Dietrich Eckart'"** Twenty-two years later Hitler would look back at some of the suggestions and actions Eckart promoted (which Hitler saw as insignificant) and state: "It's only with time that I've come to realize my mistake."* However important the outside help, "Hitler's success was his own energy and ability as a political leader."* Hitler studied his profession almost scientifically. He studied the beer halls for their acoustics, their colors, the best place from which to speak. He watched the entrances and exits so as to judge the crowd. He learned to get the attention of the audience and how to keep it. He learned to feel the crowd and judge whether, or when, they could be worked up to fever pitch. He also visited the opposition's meetings, sometimes wearing a fake goatee, and learned their methods. He learned at first hand, as a spectator within a crowd, what worked and what didn't. He studied the opposition so well that, in the lectures he was still required to give for the army, "Political Parties and Their Significance" became one

of his main topics.* He knew what men on the street thought, what they wanted, what they expected, and what they would settle for. He learned, as he put it, "how to win over the worker."* Hitler and Eckart (along with some "economic" input by Gottfried Feder) began to work on the official party program that had been sketched out by Drexler. When Hitler had just about what he wanted, he showed up on Drexler's door step one evening. The two began boiling down the program to twenty-five points. ( Another "point," not added till 1926, was a preface that made the party program unalterable. This would not only give Hitler's party a "granite foundation" (like the 'Communist Manifesto' gave the Communists), but would save uncounted hours of time and energy that is normally wasted within organizations arguing over whether something ought to be added or deleted. Hitler, like constitutional interpreters, knew that times change and "points" can be "bent" to take advantage of changing situations.) By the time the sun rose in the morning they had finished. "These points of ours," Hitler declared, "are going to rival Luther's placard on the doors of Wittenberg."* Hitler now set to work organizing the parties first mass meeting to present the parties twenty-five point program. Hitler wanted the "people" to pronounce judgment on them. The Fest Room of the Hofbrauhaus, capable of holding over 2000 people was rented for 700 marks for Tuesday Feb. 24, 1920 at 7:30 p.m. Hitler believed that if this meeting was successful the party would "burst the narrow bonds of a small club" and in the future would be able to have "influence on the mightiest factor of our time, public opinion."* Drexler set about trying to find a well know speaker as a drawing tool who could warm up the crowd before Hitler took the stage. His search, however, proved difficult when it was learned that the communists were threatening to shoot Hitler and whoever appeared on the stage with him.* Hitler thought of putting the meeting off but understood that if he did, the communists would never cease to threaten him. "The struggle had to be carried through," Hitler would write: "...If not now, a few months later....I knew above all the mentality of the adherents of the Red side far to well, not to know that resistance to the utmost not only makes the biggest impression but also wins supporters."* Drexler finally contacted a prominent nationalist, Dr. Johannes Dingfelder, who wrote for national and volkisch publications and often gave anti-Jewish speeches. Although Drexler informed Dingfelder that the expected crowd at the meeting might be "partly hostile," the communist death threat was never mentioned. Dingfelder agreed to be the first speaker, but he was never informed that Adolf Hitler was to follow him.* Hitler, meanwhile, set about getting the word out on the upcoming meeting. Bright red posters and leaflets along with newspaper ads, addressed to "The Suffering Public,"* with headlines like "The True Causes of the World War," "The Peace Treaty of Versailles'" and "War Guilt" announced the coming event.* Possibly because Hitler still did not consider himself a big enough draw, or because of the communist death threat, his name did not appear on any of the promotional material; nor was there any mention of the 25 point program. Like all people on the eve of their first big night, Hitler began to have second doubts. He pondered over his "boldness" in attempting to hold such a huge meeting, then he worried that only a small number of

people would show up. He then worried that if the meeting was a success his reception might be a failure. Although Hitler never referred directly to the death threat against him, he also worried that the meeting might be "broken up."* Three days before, the communists had called for demonstrations to commemorate the death of Kurt Eisner. Fighting between the Left and Right broke out in the streets and beer halls of Munich.* The atmosphere was still explosive and trouble was expected. Hitler arrived at the Hofbrauhaus (left) at 7:15 on the night of the meeting and to his delight found the large hall to be packed. The crowd, however, included about 400 Communists and Socialists* who had come to disrupt the meeting.* Drexler, who was to chair the meeting, suffered a "nervous collapse" and failed to show up. Hitler, nevertheless, was confident that if things got too rough his boys from the mortar company could control things. "I had taught them the technique of concentrating their efforts on limited objections," Hitler would later state, "and at meetings to attack the opponent table by table."* Hitler also believed that if he had a chance to "finish" his speech he could win over many of the more zealous Marxist followers to his viewpoint. A large heavy table had been pushed up against the wall on the long side of the hall near a huge tiled stove and the meeting began with Teutonic punctuality. A substitute for Drexler, Marc Sesselmann, a Thule member and editor for the Observer, stepped up on the table and announced Dingfelder. The tension in the large hall was obvious as Dingfelder took his place on the platform. He spoke in a grave but calm manner and stated that humanity was on the verge of doom because of its rejection of religion and natural law. He spoke of order, work, and sacrifice. Unaware of the communist death threat, Dingfelder make a few comments about the killing of the Munich Hostages, but stopped before any tempers were roused. He made no direct comments about the Jews,* but stated that the government in Berlin was "under the influence of foreign races."* He stated that Germany's only hope for regeneration was a return to racial and national principles. He concluded by stressing the need for strong nationalistic leadership and forecast the coming of a German "savior."* He received a hardy round of applause as he left the stage but the speech was basically the same one he had given many times before.* He did little to arouse the crowd. As Dingfelder took his seat, the announcer thanked him and also the Communists for keeping quiet.* Hitler was then announced and as he made his way to the platform in his old blue suit the hall fell silent. Hitler opened quietly. With little emotion he outlined the events leading up to the war and the last few years of German history. When he reached the period ending W.W.I and the Red revolts, passion crept into his voice, his eyes flashed, his arm flung up, and he began to gesture.* His voice blared and echoed through the hall. He damned profiteers, German war guilt and the Versailles Treaty. He attacked the liberal Berlin government and denounced its unmoral attitudes. He accused the Republic of tolerating all types of perversions so as to draw attention away from itself. He also accused it of fermenting a "hothouse of sexual imagery and stimulation" which threatened traditional values. "It is no accident," Hitler charged, "that more and more kinds of diversion are constantly being invented."* He suddenly

assailed the leftist Jews from Russia (Ostjuden) living in Germany and their "lying press" which supported the leftist Weimar government. The Reds in the audience, caught off guard momentarily, now attempted to shout him down. As Hitler continued, beer mugs and cups flew in his direction. Hitler stood his ground and the mortar company quickly went into action with rubber clubs and riding whips. Hitler carried on as clashes continued in various parts of the hall.* Hitler's "courage," under such circumstances, would win for him the admiration of men for many years to come.* "At all my meetings I always spoke extempore," Hitler would later say. "I had, however, a number of party members in the audience, with orders to interrupt along lines carefully prepared to give the impression of a spontaneous expression of public opinion, and these interruptions greatly strengthened the force of my own arguments."* With members of the party in the audience shouting their approval, many of the nationalist and neutral observers warmed to Hitler's spirit. Their cries of approval mixed with the catcalls. Shouts of: "Down with the Jewish press" and "Get out" (directed against the Reds) merged with the heckling. Hitler abruptly shifted his attack against "all leftist parties." and all hell broke loose. "There was often so much tumult," a undercover police investigator noted, "that I believed that at any moment they would all be fighting."* After about an hour, the most violent of those opposed to Hitler were thrown from the hall. The cheers and applause nearly drowned out the scattered disturbances. Hitler suddenly stopped his one hour harangue, and the announcer trumpeted the submission of the party's twenty-five points. As Hitler read each point, he would pause and ask if everyone agreed and understood, then ask the audience for their reaction. The majority roared their approval. Many hecklers still remained in the hall and they occasionally shouted their disapproval or jumped on tables to hurl insults in Hitler's direction. The mortar company kept their clubs and whips visible should any further violence erupt. The individual points were phrased like slogans and many were drawn along the "anti" position on which the party thrived. The program was anti-parliamentarian, anti-capitalistic, anti-Jewish, and anti-Marxist. Many of the points were vague, and Hitler wanted them that way so that they could be flexibleThe individual points were phrased like slogans and many were drawn along the "anti" position on which the party thrived. The program was anti-parliamentarian, anti-capitalistic, anti-Jewish, and anti-Marxist. Many of the points were vague, and Hitler wanted them that way so that they could be flexible. Most of the points were found in the programs of other German, Austrian and Czechoslovakian national reform movements as well as in the Marxist program. Unlike the other German political parties, who centered their attention on certain groups of one extreme or another, Hitler, appealed to all Germans. To the patriotic he demanded that the Versailles Treaty be torn up and discarded. He demanded union of all Germans in one German Reich and equality for Germany in world affairs, including a demand for "colonies." To the workers he offered profit sharing in

large industries and generous old age benefits. To the lower middle class he offered government subsidies to small businesses and the break up of large department stores which small businessmen could not compete against. To the farmers he offered more land, the abolition of ground rents and land speculation. To the volkisch groups he demanded that all "non-Germans" who emigrated into Germany after August 2, 1914, be expelled immediately and that all Jews be denied the right to hold public office. To the socialists he promised the nationalization of trusts, the abolition of incomes not earned by physical or mental work, the end of child labor, and free higher education for "specially talented children of poor parents, whatever their station or occupation."* To the religious, Hitler promised "freedom of all religious faiths," but specified that the "party...represents the point of view of a positive Christianity without binding itself to any one particular confession."* To the sick and aged he promised health reform. To women: "maternity welfare centers." Because Hitler believed that the masses would not follow "anything that is half-hearted and weak," he also promised law abiding citizens a "ruthless war...against those who work to the injury of the common welfare." Even "usurers" and "profiteers" were to be "punished with death regardless of religion or race."* The two most powerful points of Hitler's program was first, his demand for "the union of all Germans in a Great Germany on the basis of the principle of self-determination of all people."* The ideal of selfdetermination, fueled by the Allies and Woodrow Wilson during the war, would forge one of Hitler's "sharpest and most effective weapons"* in his struggle to attract a following. The other point, though not specific, permeated much of the program. Hitler knew at first hand that, with the exception of economics, the majority of the lower middle class (the "respectable" working class) and the workers (the "common" working class) are normally quite conservative. His program, therefore, unlike the Marxist, did not call for the destruction of classes or society. Though the program "promised" to break the back of capitalistic "bondage," it did not call for the destruction of capitalism. Hitler knew that one of his points, which called for the "continuance of a sound middle class," would raise suspicion among the workers, but he did not omit it. He looked back to Lueger (the Mayor of Vienna) and how he "made use of all existing implements of power, to incline mighty existing institutions in his favor, drawing from these old sources of power the greatest possible profit for his own movement."* Hitler took the same position because he knew that the working classes (whether respectable or common) are not intolerant of existing institutions, whether monarchical or bourgeoisie, as long as there is a minimum of economic injustices.* His program therefore, basically promised to eliminate economic grievances-- "common good before individual good"-and unite the people of all classes in one unified and mighty "people's community." The program "expressed the sprite of the time" and the "needs" of society at that time. It, consequently, appealed to socialists and nationalists alike.* (The party in the future, consequently, would often be split into Socialist and Nationalist wings.) Toward the end of Hitler's two-and-a-half hour discourse he attacked the liberal Jews again and promised that his 25 points would one day become the law of the land. He then savagely attacked the Berlin government and accused it of responsibility for the hunger spreading over the land and the mounting inflation that was affecting nearly everyone. Because most Bavarians believed that the government in Berlin was corrupt and ineffective, his attacks were well received. He sat down to thunderous applause.

An open discussion followed, but the majority in the hall, with shouts of "Get out," gave the radical left little chance to voice their opposition. When a motion was made that the party go on record in opposing the sharing of a relief shipment of flour with Munich's Jewish community, leftists sprang on tables and chairs to voice their opposition. The motion, nevertheless, passed unanimously because "none" of the leftists had the courage or conviction to vote against it.* When the meeting ended, about a hundred Communist and Independent Socialists formed into ranks outside the hall and marched off toward Marien Platz loudly singing the Communist International* and cheering the Soviet Republic* with intermittent shouts of "down with...the German Nationalists."* Many others, however, who had come to listen or heckle, were won over. Hans Frank, a twenty year old law student was overwhelmed by Hitler's deep sincerity and fearlessness: "The first thing you felt," stated Frank, "was that there was a man who spoke honestly about how he felt and was not trying to put something across of which he himself was not absolutely convinced."* Frank also felt that Hitler made his beliefs understandable and went to the core of things. He was convinced that "if anyone could master the fate of Germany, Hitler was that man."* The communists mouthpiece in Munich, Der Kampf (The Struggle), would call the 25 points "a stolen program," however, around forty more people joined the party by the next day.* Before the next open meeting was held, party membership would rise by an additional hundred. Although Hitler's speech was played down in the major Munich newspapers,* Hitler had won the hearts of hundreds of converts. Many saw the beginning of a speaker who knew how to "move" the masses. Word of the new party began to spread, but it was not the program that received the most attention--it was Adolf Hitler. When Hitler wasn't involved in party matters he was still called upon by his army superiors to deliver proGerman, anti-communist speeches to groups of officers and soldiers. In January and February of 1920 "Herr Hitler" was listed besides such dignitaries as Munich University historians K A von Muller, and other notables as one of the main lecturers in the army's continuing patriotic course. On the afternoon following his presentation of the party program, he delivered one of his lectures at the local barracks* where he still lived. Though many of his lectures took place at the Munich barracks, he also lectured at the University and, still on occasion, traveled outside the city. In mid March Hitler was to take his last trip outside of Munich as a member of the army. A sense of stabilization appeared to be settling over Germany, and the liberal government leaders in Berlin felt confident. They were determined to show their more radical leftist brothers, who frowned on the Republic's cozy relations with Rightist groups, that they could manage without Free Corps support. The government began disbanding the Free Corps again. The Right, unhappy with the direction the country was moving, staged a putsch. The army in Berlin appeared to stay neutral but the officers backed the uprising. Their anger was sparked by a whole series of Allied demands including one which demanded that 900 top German military and civilian leaders be turned over for trial as war criminals. Hindenburg, Ludendorff, the former crown princes of Bavaria and Prussia, and a whole series of nobility and influential people, who had nothing to do with the action of the war, were on the list.

On March 13, fearful that the government might give in to Allied demands, Free Corps groups marched into Berlin. Without a shot being fired (Noske's troops refused to fire on the advancing Corps), the Weimar government fled. The Pan-German nationalist, Dr. Wolfgang Kapp, was installed as Chancellor. News of the Kapp Putsch was acclaimed among military and rightist groups throughout Germany. Because of the action in Berlin, the Right in Munich, backed up by the military, gave the Social Democrats an ultimatum to relinquish their offices. Finding little support among the people, they got out the same day. A party of the "center" (Bavarian People's Party), headed by arch-conservative Ritter Gustav von Kahr, was installed and all parties of the left were excluded from the government. The army in Munich wanted a liaison man in Berlin in order to coordinate the two revolts. Hitler and Eckart volunteered and their help was immediately accepted. Eckart's connections among the well-bred and well-fed, along with Hitler's power of arousing the working classes, was more then they could ask for. The two where each provided with two sets of credentials. One was to be used if they fell into the hands of leftist sympathizers. The other was to introduce them to any rightist supporters. A plane and a military pilot were put at their disposal. On the morning of March 17, Eckart and Hitler took off for Berlin. It was Hitler's first flight and the weather was rough. He became air sick and started vomiting. Short of fuel, the pilot was forced to land at Juterbog, about 40 miles short of Berlin. The airport was in the hands of leftists and Hitler, taking no chances that he might be recognized, put on his fake goatee. Eckart posed as a paper manufacturer on business. Hitler posed as his accountant. After some touch and go negotiating they were supplied with fuel and allowed to proceed. Hitler resumed vomiting. After landing at Tempelhof in Berlin they proceeded to the Reich Chancellery where they met with Kapp's press secretary. They learned that Kapp's Putsch had turned into a fiasco. The Socialist government had called for a general strike to protest the Putsch. The Communists, who knew their movement would suffer under a rightist regime, now wholeheartedly supported the ousted Socialist Republic. Red workers and their trade unions united with the Socialists. Electricity and water were turned off, transportation stopped, industry shut down, garbage piled up in the streets, and even small shops kept their doors closed. The civil servants in the ministries refused to cooperate with Kapp. No one of importance would accept a position in his cabinet. Kapp's position became hopeless and his movement collapsed. The German democratic Republic, was in affect this time, saved by the Communists. Hitler and Eckart were informed that Kapp was already on his way out of the country. There was nothing for them to do. In the demilitarized Ruhr, the Communist, smarting over their victory in Berlin, arose and 50,000 staged a revolt. After murdering 300 people, many of them policemen, they occupied most of the region. Their newspapers proclaimed that "Germany must become a Republic of Soviets in union with Russia." In Saxony the Communists proclaimed a Soviet Republic and took control of part of the state. They threatened to "slaughter the middle class regardless of age or sex" if troops dared interfere. Throughout the country the Communists stirred up revolts and a wave of looting, murder, and arson spread over the country.

The Weimar government, lacking sufficient trustworthy troops, began searching frantically for anyone to help them restore "law and order." President Ebert was forced to beg General von Seeckt, who had walked out on the government a few days before, to return. Seeckt was given almost unlimited powers to put down the Communist revolts. One of his first acts was to recommission all the Free Corps units that had just been disbanded--the outcasts and rebels of a few days before were now called on to save the Republic again. Within a short time the militarists did the dirty work and the Weimar government was firmly in control again. The Free Corps (now sometimes called the "Republican Army"), never received any punishment for the part they played in the putsch. The Republic even paid the troops the bonus that the Kapp regime had promised them to overthrow the Republic.* In the meantime Hitler and Eckart had adopted the role of tourists and remained in Berlin for over a week. The city was home to many nationalist and volkisch organizations, as well as wealthy anti-leftist whom Eckart knew well. Hitler, who at this stage, could never hope to enter such circles on his own, must have been greatly impressed. Though Hitler never mentioned his first introduction into Berlin's high society, it is highly likely that he was introduced to General Ludendorff at this time.* What Hitler was very outspoken about, however, was, as he put it: "the great Babylonian whore....Red Berlin." Hitler's disgust at what he had seen in Munich, concerning morals, sex, and tradition, seemed trivial to what he observed in Berlin. Since the days of the Roman circuses, inadequate governments have always looked for ways to defuse the public's attention. The Weimar government was "corrupt," "confused," "inept," "shaky," and "self serving." Its capitol had become a cesspool of super liberal permissiveness. As Marx had wanted, nearly "all morality" was "abolished,"* and in its place reigned lawlessness and perversion. Berlin had become the center of the Dadaist movement,* and writers and artist wrote "manifestos" against civilization and tradition.* Destructive antisocial and anti-cultural tendencies were viewed as natural. The streets had become unsafe and criminals went unpunished. Dope pushers openly sold cocaine, called 'Schnee' (snow), or any other drug one wanted in the streets. From dusk to dawn girl prostitutes, ten and eleven years old, heavily rouged and wearing short baby-doll dresses, competed against lush blondes and whip toting Amazon types.* The Marquis de Sade had been rediscovered and his views that sexual cruelty was "natural" opened the closets of sadist and masochists alike who preached an alternative way of life. Nudity became boring and heterosexuals, homosexuals, and bisexuals did what they could to shock the "philistine" and "good" citizens. Sexual licentiousness became "a triumph of chaos over law and order."* Hitler believed that the only way to "cleanse" Berlin was to "destroy" the Weimar Republic. On March 29, Hitler and Eckart were back in Munich. Kapp's failed putsch convinced Hitler that a military backed uprising against the government would never succeed without the support of the worker. He was certain from what he witnessed, that Berlin, and then all of Northern Germany would, sooner or later, fall to the Communists. Hitler called the party committee members together at the Sternecker Brewery and on three consecutive evenings, March 29-31,* lectured them on the importance of his views. The only way to save Germany, he believed, was to unite the common workers and those engaged in the more respectful occupations. With their backing, Hitler believed, a popular nationalist party could take control of Bavaria's government and then march on Berlin. (This was the reason for Hitler's attempted

putsch in 1923.) Hitler was aware that his present connection with the army, if known, would be a stumbling block in attracting followers. Because of the army's connections with the failed putsch, it had become discredited among most north Germans and even many southerners regarded it with suspicion. Hitler had already taken steps to disguise his position (he registered with the party as an "artist"), but if he continued with his political career, his position was bound to become public knowledge. There can be little doubt that Hitler had considered resigning from the army, but he was reluctant to do so. Outside of the barracks millions of unemployed were experiencing hunger and uncertainty. The army not only provided Hitler with a comfortable and secure lifestyle, but a prestigious position. Leaving the army was not a decision Hitler could make on his own. "Fate," however, would again come to his aid. The Treaty forced on Germany by the Allies in 1919, demanded that the German army (after reducing to 200,000) "by a date which must not be later than March 31, 1920... must not exceed 100,000 men, including officers."* Although the army had been stalling on its reduction commitments and would fail to reach its obligations by the proscribed date, it now had to accelerate its demobilization because of rising pressures by the Allies and the Berlin government. Hitler may have been considered too important to the 200,000 man army a year earlier to let go, but an army reducing to 100,000 hardly had room for Hitler on its roll books. Hitler's decision was made for him. On March 31, 1920, after over four years on the front lines and a year and a half as a propagandist, he received his "discharge."* To take him in to civilian life the army officially provided Hitler with 50 marks along with a suit of clothes: cap, shirt, jacket, coat, underwear, pants, socks and shoes.* Unofficially however, the army had been providing financial support to right wing groups and individuals since the end of the war. They were not about to abandon anyone who served their purposes as well as Adolf Hitler. Continue: Top of Page Footnotes:

THE FLEDGLING POLITICIAN Part IV

This Part ("pages" 16, 17 & 18) follows Hitler back into civilian life and his "struggle" to control and form a small political group into a powerful, influential party. Many historians, based on today's recognition of democratic procedures, find fault with his actions. If, however, they would look back (as an example on the formation of their own governments), they would find that they are honoring some people who were made out of the same stuff as Adolf Hitler. This Part (pages 16-18), with all supplementary links, is equivalent to about 56 book pages. The narrative follows a chronological order (1920-1921) and is best read in sequence. Access to footnotes (designated by an *) can be found at the top and bottom of each page. Two ** indicate additional information.

The Civilian Chapter 16

On leaving the army, Hitler took up residence in a lower middle class district on Thiersch Strasse. The neighborhood, located a short distance from Maximilian Bridge, was dominated by four and five storied buildings with stores and shops on the ground floor and rooms and apartments above. The ground floor of Hitler's building (left) held a drug store and directly across the street was a produce store where Hitler bought apples nearly everyday. The builder of the establishment Hitler chose had preserved an old German tradition that was dying within the larger cities. On the front of the building, directly above the ground floor shop entrance, a small niche had been constructed where a statue of the Madonna, as protector of the building and those living there, was placed. Hitler would live in the building for nearly ten years, during a period when thousands of political enemies wished him bodily harm, and never suffer a serious pain or illness. Hitler chose a furnished sleeping room, two flights up, in the rear of the building. The room was only eight feet wide by fifteen feet deep with a single window opposite the door. At the window end of the room a bed occupied one corner, while on the opposite wall were some makeshift shelves. A rough table, a single chair and a small cupboard took up most of the space at the entrance end of the room. The floor was covered with worn linoleum and a few shabby rugs. To brighten up his humble abode, Hitler decorated the walls with drawings and a picture of his mother.* According to one visitor: "Hitler used to walk around in carpet slippers, frequently with no collar to his shirt and wearing suspenders."* In all the years Hitler lived in the establishment, the only major change was an addition of an adjoining room. In accordance with the custom of many German rental establishments, Hitler also had the use of a large entrance hall where people gathered and entertained. Against one of the walls sat an old upright piano which residents or guests occasionally played. Hitler enjoyed listening to the music of Schumann, Chopin and Richard Strauss, but his favorite pieces were still by Wagner which he occasionally whistled along to.* The only pieces Hitler was ever known to have played were by Wagner or Verdi.* Hitler's landlady found him to be a "nice man," but untalkative. "Sometimes weeks go by when he seems to be sulking and does not say a word to us," she would state. "He looks through us as if we were not there."* She noted that Hitler always paid his rent in advance and never caused any problems. The owner of the building, who was Jewish, often passed Hitler in the hall and they occasionally exchanged greetings. He noted that Hitler was usually lost in thought or was jotting something down in a small note book he carried with him. Hitler, he later stated, "never made me feel that he regarded me differently from other people."* Hitler spent most of his time at the party headquarters on Sternecker Strasse and ate meager meals in the brewery/cafe above.* He also acquired a large dog which, besides guarding his sleeping room door at night, often accompanied Hitler to and from party headquarters.

A month before leaving the army, Hitler and Drexler had changed the party's name from the German Workers' Party to the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nationalsozialistische (later abbreviated NAZI by foes and friends) Deutsche Arbeiterpartei). National Socialist parties were not unknown before Hitler. There was a National Socialist group in Austria and one in the German speaking area of the new state of Czechoslovakia. There were also rival national socialist groups in Bavaria as well as other parts of Germany. Drexler originally wanted to call the party the "German National Socialist Party" but the word Socialist scared him off. By 1920 "national socialist" was becoming identified with any group or person that was anti-Marxist, yet anti-capitalist. As one noted nationalist stated: "The politics of the nationalist opposition can't be communistic....but it also can't be capitalistic."* "National," which expressed the dream of a united German people (even under a monarchy) countered "Marxist," while "Socialist" countered "capitalist." Hitler, who would have preferred a monarchy to the present government,* wanted the new title so that there would be no misunderstanding as to where the party stood. The change of the party's name was well timed. Fed up with the inept Weimar Republican government, German sympathies were taking a notable turn toward the right. In the elections held on June 6, 1920 the government parties (capitalists, Catholics and workers) suffered and received only 11 million votes as opposed to 19 million eighteen months before.* (Although the Center (Catholics) only lost 15% of their supporters, the Social Democrats (workers) lost nearly half, while the left liberal Democrats (capitalists) lost almost 60%.)* Never again would the founders and supporters of the Weimar Republic ever achieve a majority.* In addition, the Communists (including the Independent Socialist) more than doubled their vote to over five million, while the Right (the Nationalists and the People's Party) nearly doubled theirs to over nine million.* The Weimar Republic would stumble along for twelve more years, governed by unpopular minority cabinets, weak coalitions and finally authoritarian Presidential decrees. Each, driven by greed or power, would prove as inept as its predecessor (until Hitler took control and used the Weimar body of laws with such effectiveness). More and more, the German people began looking for a savior. By the end of Spring, Hitler's days of talking to small audiences were over. By holding weekly public meetings at different locations about the city, the crowds seldom fell to less than 1200. After each meeting it was not unusual for thirty or forty people to join the party. After one meeting 92 newcomers signed up.* By the beginning of summer Hitler was speaking to over 1800 people at an average meeting.* In his speeches Hitler continued to attack the "iniquities" of the Versailles Treaty, "Jewish Marxism" and the "founders of the Weimar Republic" who had giving in to the Allies. He called on his audience to join him and his party in helping to build a new, proud, national Germany, which would tear up the Treaty and fight, if necessary, to restore Germany to its "proper place" in the world. He lambasted the "cowardly" new Center government and predicted the certainty of "Germany awaking" once the Republic have been swept away. He assaulted the Liberals, the Democrats, the Socialist, the Communist and the Jews. More and more Hitler hammered home his belief that the Marxist revolutions in Europe, and their success in Russia, was but a first step in a Jewish/Marxist plot to control the world. In support of Hitler's beliefs, a document, The Protocols of the Wise Men of Zion, had been published in

various European newspapers in the early part of 1920. The Protocols were declared to have been written by Jewish leaders from all over the world who gathered in Basel Switzerland in 1897 to discuss the conquest of the world. The Protocols did outline a very real and logical method for achieving world domination. They demonstrated that if carried to its extreme, democracy provides fertile ground for an usurper to establish a dictatorship. Once firmly established in one country, the document revealed with what ease a dictator, willing to take the chance, could influence other countries. Society and morality would be undermined, Christianity would be destroyed, and governments would be overthrown. "By all these methods," state the Protocols, "we shall so wear down the nations that they will be forced to offer us world domination."* In May the London Times had ran an article reporting that the Protocols should be taken seriously and "appeared" to be a genuine document written by Jews for Jews.* The Protocols were soon published in 16 other countries. In America, Henry Ford included the Protocols in his paper the Dearborn Independent, and later in his book: The International Jew: The World's Foremost Problem. The book was printed in three separate volumes, and three million copies were distributed with many given or sold to city, school and college libraries. Ford's analyses (which Hitler would pay tribute to a few years later)* was not much different than many of the "anti-Semitic" publications in Germany. "Of English Protestant stock," Ford used promotional methods to sell his ideas which were comparable to some of the promotional posters used by Hitler to sell his ideas.* In Volume III of Ford's book, "Jewish Influences In American Life," a small sheet of light, blue promotional material (Hitler would have used red) was placed between the pages of copies "presented" to those who had previously ordered or accepted volumes one and two. The "ad" explained that additional copies of all three volumes could be had for "25 cents each." It also encouraged readers to subscribe to Ford's newspaper, the Dearborn Independent by baiting: "Discussion of the Jewish Question is but one of the many interesting and worth-while features of America's most talked-of weekly."

On the reverse side of the ad, testimonials, which Hitler also liked to use,* were provided which did little to camouflage where the "paper" stood: I feel that it is a matter of the highest importance to the future welfare of this country that its citizens be enlightened and informed on the greatest menace that threatens its very existence. --A colonel of the U.S. Army Allow me to congratulate you upon the fearless manner in which you are

attacking the Jewish problem. --Department Head in a State College I heartily congratulate you on the noble and absolutely necessary articles on the Jewish question you have written. I admire your deep insight and your thoroughness--and your courage. You will be up against the greatest power in the world today. --Professor Theological Seminary*

In addition to Ford, and his supporters, there were many others outside of Germany who saw Jews in a sinister light. Even before the publication of the Protocols in western Europe, Winston Churchill publicly referred to the Jews as "a most formidable sect, the most formidable sect in the world."* With such respectable personalities voicing their beliefs, a wave of anti-Jewish sentiment swept through America and Europe in 1920. In Germany, anti-Jewish sentiment reached new heights. In Berlin, noted one Jewish reporter, "passions were whipped up to the boiling point."* In Bavaria, passions were fueled by the memory of the short lived "Jewish dictatorships" and "hostage killings" which added a very sinister touch to the Protocols. Anti-Jewish feelings grew in leaps and bounds, with even members of respectful right wing political parties and the Church taking part. Hitler was not about to let such an opportune moment slip by. Starting in June, Hitler dropped his normal attacks against "Marxist Jews" and began to encompass them all. At one mass meeting in late June, where a reporter described the audience as "middle class," Hitler was constantly interrupted by applause and shouts of approval in his attack against the Jewish community. At one point when Hitler shouted: "Out with the Jews who are poisoning our people!" there was "sustained wild applause." At another meeting, when Hitler asked the audience how they were to "protect themselves" against Jewish domination, shouts of "Hang them!" and "Beat them to death!" rose from the audience.* In a July meeting, when leftist hecklers protested against Hitler's anti-Jewish remarks and shouted "Human Rights!" Hitler shouted back: "The Jew should look for them where he ought to go, where he belongs, in his own state of Palestine."* In another July meeting at the Hofbrauhaus, when a Jewish woman attempted to voice her opposition to one of Hitler's comments, she was shouted down and was unable to finish her remarks. In August, at another meeting at the Hofbrauhaus, Hitler's attacks against the Jews went on for over two hours. In a speech titled "Why We Are Against the Jews," there was no longer a difference between East and West Jews, poor or rich, intellectuals or commoners, but a struggle of the "Aryan race" against the "Jewish race." Hitler now portrayed the Jews as outsiders who had no respect for the morals and traditions of Germany. He

portrayed them as nuisances, conspirators, robbers, and destroyers of nations. He called for "the removal of the Jews from the midst of our people." On numerous occasions, Hitler was interrupted by applause, shouts of approval, or laughter. The center newspapers which usually ignored or belittled Hitler now saw the effect he had on many people. Though most reporters and undercover investigators noted that the majority of Hitler's audiences were of the "lower middle class" or "middle class," the Munich Post called him (in the tradition of America's early "firebrands") a "rabble rouser."* The Party, nevertheless, continued to grow. By August it had 725 dues paying members* and new followers now began signing up at the rate of 70 a week. Money for expansion was the Party's greatest problem at this time. Hitler was receiving some financial support from the army* (of which part was undoubtedly used for his personal needs), but the party lived from hand to mouth. The monthly dues paid the rent at the Sternecker and some of the administration costs, but most of the party funds came from the "one mark" admission fee that Hitler now charged to his meetings. Rent for a meeting hall however, cost 700 marks an evening, while promotion and other costs nearly equaled that. "To be sure," Hitler would later state, "the party did have one big backer at that time, our unforgettable Dietrich Eckart."* It was through Eckart's endeavors that Hitler began receiving funds from a "group of wealthy men."* Like Eckart, most of these men were Munich "outsiders" who didn't support the socialist republic. They were anti-Communists "headstrong individualists" who owned "small and medium-sized" businesses.* Hitler wisely hired a business manager and was consequently able to expand the party on a limited basis. The first new local was established at Rosenheim (Hermann Goering's birth place), a small town 40 miles south-east of Munich. When Hitler appeared at the inauguration festivities to speak, the largest beer hall in town could not accommodate all those who wished to attend--"friends as well as foes."* That summer Hitler introduced the swastika as the party emblem. He recognized the importance of symbolism for the young movement. An effective insignia alone, he once said, can spark interest in a movement. The swastika had been used by people around the world, including Semites, for thousands of years. It represented many things to different people, but in Germany it had recently come to represent the "struggle of Aryan man." One of the main reasons Hitler chose the swastika was, as he said, "to outdo" the Reds with their "hammer and sickle." There were numerous renderings of the swastika. Some had curved arms, some straight arms. Some pointed to the right, some to the left. Some had thick arms, some had thin. Some were red, some were black. Some were placed in a square, some in a circle. Those placed in a circle sometimes touched the edge, sometimes not. Hitler wasn't happy with any of the designs. Using his artist background, Hitler altered the swastika in relation to thickness and size to get the best effect. He finally came up with a bold black swastika whose arms pointed to the right. This design was to decorate party stationary, membership cards, party pins, arm bands, and promotional material.

Hitler also wanted his swastika incorporated into a party flag, and the colors were a matter of great concern to him. He thought of using white and blue, because of "their wonderful esthetic effect," as he put it,* but the Bavarian Separatists used a blue and white banner. He finally decided to use the colors of the old Imperial flag of red-white-black. "In 'red' we see the social idea," Hitler stated, "in 'white' the nationalist idea, in the 'swastika' the mission of the struggle for the victory of the Aryan man."* He finally decided on a red field (to counter the "red rag" of the Communists), and in the center placed a large white circle. His swastika design was placed neatly within the circle. After hundreds of trials and errors in relation to size of swastika, circle and field, he finally got what he wanted. A "female party comrade" stitched the flag together and Hitler now had a symbol that no other party could match. His arrangement was one of the most eye-catching, memorable, and effective designs ever created. At the "Sternecker brewery," Hitler would later write, "we brightened up the walls...and for the first time hung up our new party flag....it remained always before our eyes."* Though Hitler's party was expanding, most people in Munich had never heard of him, and his demeanor and appearance off the speaking platform betrayed his abilities. Though many observers still noted that Hitler's eyes were his most captivating quality, many felt that he looked like a common "waiter" or an "office clerk." In early August, when Hitler and Drexler traveled to Salzburg, Austria to attend a meeting of various National Socialist groups, Hitler was treated like a junior partner. In a group photograph of twenty-one National Socialist "leaders," of which three were women, Drexler was in the front row center while Hitler was conspicuously absent.* Hitler undoubtedly felt slighted and realized that, on paper, he held no significant position within the party. His name did not even appear among the six who were listed as the party's board of directors. On the train ride back to Munich (which stopped at Traunstein where seven years before Hitler guarded Russian prisoners of war) the cozy relationship between Drexler and Hitler began to crumble.* Once home in Munich, Hitler began spending most of his time with his own circle of followers. Besides Eckart, Hitler had attracted a few other disciples who would do much to further his position. One of Hitler's new followers was 26 year old Rudolf Hess, a shy, but well-spoken student of philosophy, economics, and geophysics. The son of a prosperous and respected international merchant, Hess had attended schools in Egypt and Switzerland. He enlisted in the military during the first days of W.W.I and had risen to the rank of lieutenant. Twice wounded, he returned to Bavaria after the war and entered the Munich University. Determined to play a part in returning Germany to her former greatness he joined the Thule Society and narrowly escaped death at the time of the "soviet republic."* He developed into a fanatic anti-Semite and anti-Communist. He fought with the Free Corps and was wounded in the leg. When the hostilities ended, Hess took a job as salesman for a furniture company since the British had confiscated his father's business. He nevertheless established some solid connections with members of the Bavarian government and became an excellent recruiter and fund raiser for nationalist organizations. During May of 1920, Hess heard Hitler speak for the first time and became a instant disciple. He was introduced to the 31 year old Hitler shortly after and they immediately got along. Hess joined the party in July and by the end of summer became part of Hitler's inner circle. "Rudi," as Hitler called him, would shortly become the second most powerful man in the NAZI party.

Hess began meeting with Hitler and Eckart at their nightly gatherings at the Bratwurstglockl near the Dom or the Brennessel in the Schwabing. During the course of an evening they would often move on to various other medium priced beer gardens or coffee houses around town because such places kept Hitler in touch with the feelings of the population. Hess and Hitler normally nursed a beer or coffee at each stop while the fun loving Eckart indulged himself and picked up the bills.* Contrary to the "speaker" on the stage, when in small gatherings, whether social or party business, Hitler normally talked in a soft, though low-keyed, voice. Though many of his ideas were radical, he spoke reasonably, simply and earnestly, and was always convincing.* An assistant US military attach in 1922 noted: "Have rarely listened to such a logical and fanatical man."* Others found him "pleasant," " modest," "friendly"* and a person who was interested it them.* Outsiders, who occasionally glimpsed the "distant political figure" were "greatly impressed by the human qualities Hitler revealed in the inner circle of his associates: by the good will he showed the younger among them, by his readiness to laugh, and by the magnanimity he demonstrated.... Within this circle, in fact, Hitler...was a good comrade."* Hitler used the company for sounding out his ideas and debating on how best to take advantage of any changing political situation. He would continue to hold such informal meetings for the rest of his life.* These informal gatherings were usually joined by other members of Hitler's inner group. Besides Rohm, who kept Hitler informed on military matters, there was Max Amann. During the war Amann had been one of Hitler's sergeants and performed courageously until he lost an arm and became the regiment's historian. Two years younger than Hitler, Amann was a former university student who now held a good position in a Munich mortgage bank. Amann was one of those who always found something to laugh about and Hitler enjoyed his company. "What a jolly chap he is," Hitler would state.* Amann was the man Hitler had hired as the party business manager. He would not only prove himself more than capable of managing the finances of the party, but also Hitler's personal finances. Amann would later prod Hitler into writing a book to defray his personal expenses. Mein Kampf, would turn Hitler into a millionaire. Another who frequently joined Hitler's group during these early days was Alfred Rosenberg. The son of middle-class German Balts, Rosenberg was born in Estonia but later moved on to Russia to complete his education. He received a diploma in architecture from the Moscow University and read all the best German and Russian classics. He had witnessed the development of the Russian revolution at first hand and was convinced that it was the work of Jews. He fled Russia and ended up in Munich where he wrote articles and books expounding his view on the coming danger of "Jewish communism." One of his pamphlets reached an audience of 100,000. Multilingual, highly educated, and unusually well read, Rosenberg, though four years younger than Hitler, would become known as the party's first "philosopher." Another belonging to Hitler's inner circle was Max Erwin von Scheubner-Richter. Of middle-class origins Scheubner-Richter was a small, well dressed man who held a degree in engineering. Five years older than Hitler, he had traveled widely, spoke many languages and had a gift for conversation. Born Max Richter in East Prussia, he had married the daughter of a titled industrialist and taken his wife's title and name. During W.W.I he served in several diplomatic positions and later played a part in the Kapp

Putsch. He was brought into the party by Rosenberg in early 1920 and by September had endeared himself to Hitler. As with anyone with a "von" in his name, Scheubner-Richter had important contacts and it was probably through his efforts that Hitler now began receiving occasional funds from one or two "national-minded Bavarian industrialists."* Later, as the party continued to expand, Scheubner-Richter's contacts with Church dignitaries, monarchist high society, and other German industrialists would provide not only recognition for Hitler but larger sums of money.* Hitler felt real gratitude to these early contributors and would praise them for years to come.* For the present, however, the party still lived from hand to mouth.* When party problems were not pressing down on Hitler, he enjoyed going to the movies in the evenings and normally part of his inner circle accompanied him.* Silent films, with their international appeal, were beginning to encroach on opera and theater and Hitler enjoyed American films. By 1920 silent screen star, Charles Chaplin, had become world famous and was instantly recognizable on screen for his little mustache. Chaplin's characterization of a comic, but also tragic figure who championed the underdog and small man found a devoted following in financially devastated Germany. Members of Hitler's circle had tried to convince him to extend the width of his mustache but Hitler wouldn't hear of it. The symbolism of Chaplin may of had something to do with his decision. Hitler had never lost his belief in "fate" and was undoubtedly delighted to find that Chaplin (born April 16, 1889) was only four days older than himself. Such coincidences of birthdays always fascinated Hitler and would later feed false rumors that he was a believer in astrology. In reality Hitler considered astrology nothing but "another swindle" and would later state: In judging any question connected with superstition, it must be remembered that, although an oracle's prophecies may be wrong a hundred times..., it suffices for one prophecy to be fortuitously confirmed by subsequent events, for it to be believed, cherished and handed down from generation to generation.* After the movies, Hitler and his friends would head for the Cafe Osteria-Bavaria on Schelling Strasse,** or the Cafe Heck on Galerie Strasse where Hitler enjoyed the coffee and cake. Some evenings they would even stop at the fashionable Tea Room in the Carlton Hotel. During these outings Hitler normally wore one of his old blue suits with white shirt and tie. On many occasions he also wore a belted trench coat (that Eckart had given him) with a large brimmed hat that he kept pulled down over his eyes all night. Observers stated that he looked like an American gangster, but that he was a good tipper.* Since his new found fame, Hitler enjoyed having people around him, and his friends often introduSince his new found fame, Hitler enjoyed having people around him, and his friends often introduced him to others. Hitler particularly liked the company of show people, good storytellers and artists in general. He got to know these people well and kept a special place in his heart open to them. Years later, when he came to power, one of his advisers would suggest that he take action against a group of artists who had signed a Communist proclamation. Hitler, with brilliant thoughtfulness and perception, answered:

Oh, you know I don't take any of that seriously. We should never judge artists by their political views. The imagination they need for their work deprives them of the ability to think in realistic terms.... Artists are simplehearted souls. Today they sign this, tomorrow that; they don't even look to see what it is, so long as it seems to them well-meaning.* The company Hitler enjoyed most of all, however, was "pretty"* or "beautiful women,"* and despite his lack of sophistication, women of all ages, and classes, were attracted to him.* The daughters of "quality people," who have been taught for the most part to look for security and stability in a man, have a tendency to throw caution to wind occasionally. Many like their interim men a little cruel and masterful. A flamboyant man, with an air of excitement and danger about him, can often attract women of seemingly exquisite taste. Hitler was a rising rebellious political figure who dredged up primitive emotions while on the speaking platform. As one observer noted, women sniffed "the smell of a barbaric wildness"* about Hitler that aroused them like their proper and tamed men never did. As another observer noted: "The women were crazy about him."* When meeting women on a personal basis, Hitler's normally low rough voice became soft and gentle.* Although he played the part of the strongman on the speaking platform he always greeted women politely and charmingly with an awkward bow or kiss of the hand.* He would always stand on introduction and remain so until they sat down.* Hitler never made risqu remarks in the presence of a woman and became embarrassed when others did.* If a woman appeared suffering from the slightest discomfort, Hitler showed nothing but concern.* Whereas he would show signs of irritation when most men disagreed with him, he would hear a woman out quietly and with patience* and answer her in sweet tones. He still possessed the sense of humor he had during the war and enjoyed laughing* and making others laugh. He was a "gifted mimic" and could bring his guests to "tears of laughter" by embellishing the actions and words of noted personalities. He was also superb at mimicking children and women.* Women who expected to meet someone crude and vulgar when introduced to Hitler, usually came away charmed and gratified.* A young female university student found Hitler "charming, tender" and "modest."* Another young woman stated: "I felt myself melt in his presence."* A more sophisticated lady reported that he had "a remarkable charm despite all the reports of his ruthlessness."* Hitler, on the one hand, was not attracted to most upper class women. As he would state years later: "My own particular tragedy is, that, as head of state, I always have the most worthy ladies as my dinner partners! I'd far rather...pick out some pretty little typist or sales-girl as my partner."* He particularly did not like cultivated and intellectual types and never felt at ease among them. "Intelligence, in a woman," he once said, "is not an essential thing. My mother, for example, would have cut a poor figure in the society of our cultivated women."* In addition, Hitler was building an image of a Lohengrin--a man so dedicated to his mission of "saving" Germany that he had to forsake women.* (As an example, Eva Braun, the daughter of lower-middle-class parents, became Hitler's mistress in late 1931--over a year before he became Chancellor. Yet, very few people knew anything of the relationship until 1937.) An affair with a "woman of breeding," even if Hitler could have found one who appealed to him, would have

been impossible to conceal.* With the exception of a few "motherly types," which never went beyond a platonic friendship, he kept his distance from women of quality. On the other hand, Hitler had an eye for beautiful, uncultivated, younger women* who were, as he put it, "weich, suss und dumm" ("gentle, sweet and dumb")* and, he knew where to find them. Among Hitler's circle were men without refined manners, cultivated airs or polished vocabularies. Although disliked and mistrusted by the more sophisticated of Hitler's inner circle, they were the men who kept Hitler in touch with the people of less modest means and backgrounds. Hitler, who never passed up a chance to mingle with the lower class, was often seen in their company at the less pretentious beer rooms and cafes of Munich. One of these men was Ulrich Graf, a noted Munich wrestler who also held a minor position for the city council. Graf was a honest and decent fellow* who once worked as a meat cutter. He was also a renowned bar room brawler and was a good man to have on one's side when "stepping down" for the evening. His appearance in the less sophisticated bars and cafes normally attracted the attention of men as well as women. There was also Christian Weber, a mountain of a man, but good-hearted to his friends. A horse dealer and part-time bouncer for one of the rougher bars of Munich, Weber normally consumed more than his share of beer in an evening. He fancied himself a ladies' man and was suspected of being a part-time pimp.* Another of these men was Emil Maurice, a W.W.I and Free Corps veteran who worked as a clock-maker. Partly of French extraction, Maurice liked to laugh and had a mischievousness about him that appealed to Hitler.* Maurice looked like the leader of a Latin band* and in fact could play the mandolin and enjoyed chasing the ladies.* All three men were responsible for leading the protection squads during Hitler meetings and played alternating roles as Hitler's bodyguard, secretary and valet. At least one of them was always lurking in the background wherever Hitler went. When the nightly get-togethers broke up, and the more genteel of the inner circle withdrew, Hitler, along with Graf, Weber or Maurice would often head for the more worldly spots of Munich. The "decadence" of the Weimar Republic was having its effect on the character of nearly every man and woman in Germany and Hitler was a man of his time. Although Hitler still considered marriage and sex to be inseparable for most people,* he no longer spoke unfavorably about "loose women" in private. As he later stated: "I have much more respect for the woman who has an illegitimate child than for an old maid."* He openly scorned the "pretentious....ten thousand so-called elite"* for their moral "hypocrisy" and the Church for its prudishness* and held them "responsible for mass abortions."* "There is no more primitive instinct than love," Hitler would say,* and he talked often about "wonderful," "dazzling,"* and "ravishing" beauties.* "What lovely women there are in the world,"* he would state, and "he certainly had an eye for good-looking women."* He felt that there was something "unhealthy" about men who failed "to respond to the smiles of inviting maidens."* According to Maurice, he and Hitler would sometimes drift from one night spot to another looking for women.* Besides liking his women beautiful, young, sweet and dumb, Hitler also liked them full figured, especially big busted.* Otherwise he had few other preferences. Many of Hitler's favorite paintings were of dark haired Latin beauties* and his later mistresses would range from those of "distinctly Slavonic appearance" to fair skinned blondes.* Hitler however, was a man who liked to be in

control and the one thing that put him off was a woman who was too easy or too experienced.* Because of Maurice's good looks and personality, he and Hitler had little trouble finding what they wanted. When meeting a woman who appealed to him, Hitler took on the old, but rewarding, role of the attentive admirer. "He always gave a woman the impression that he thought her beautiful and worthy of his admiration."* He fussed over them with an adoring look in his eyes, kissed their hand and always offered flowers, especially orchids.* The role fit Hitler well during this period since one acquaintance described him as looking like a "hairdresser on his day off."* Whereas more sophisticated suitors have alternate ploys to enhance their biological urges to reproduce, the "entranced admirer" act was the only one Hitler ever used. "We chased the girls together and I used to follow him like a shadow,"* recalled Maurice. Some nights the evening would end with Hitler escorting a young woman to his room.* Hitler had no interest in committing himself to any deep attachments, but he had the prudence to send or bring women, who had caught his eye, flowers, candy, knickknacks and other items of modest value.* Such chivalrous acts were undoubtedly appreciated by the women Hitler met and he doubtlessly reaped the rewards. Years later while discussing relationships between men and women, Hitler would state: "The bad side of marriage is that it creates rights....it's far better to have a mistress. The burden is lightened, and everything is placed on the level of a gift."* Hitler was so successful at hiding his relations with women that many of his more sophisticated associates were gullible enough to believe him when he made the comment: "The masses, the people, that is a woman for me," or "I have only one love and that is Germany"* (which incidentally is a line out of Wagner's Rienzi). Hitler built his reputation so well that in later years, when he turned his "entranced admirer" act on a few cultivated and/or educated ladies of quality, they naively came away believing that they had been the only woman who had ever "entranced" the Fuhrer. At other times Hitler and Maurice would walk the streets admiring the women or stop in at places were women were known to gather.* Women boxers, in their skimpy trunks and shirts, was daring stuff for its day and although Hitler feigned indifference around his more sophisticated circle,* he enjoyed watching such fair. He and Maurice would also stop in the art Academy or artists' studios to check out the models posing in the nude and "Hitler circulated quite at his ease in the mist of all this nudity."* Another frequent stop of Hitler's was the Cafe Weichard opposite the National Theater* where the show people he liked to be around gathered. He got to be on intimate terms with some actresses and also dancers* who he felt were underpaid and mistreated.* At the time it was considered scandalous for women to smoke in public, yet Hitler, who promoted non-smoking among his male followers, voiced no objection when around such liberated ladies.* On one occasion Hitler raised some eyebrows when he was seen being driven around Munich by "smoking ladies."* Hitler never let women or sex consume him, however, and it normally wasn't long before he returned to his political ambitions. Hitler, often with his friends, attended various lectures and theater performances around town. Hitler soon discovered that such entertainment offered other benefits. Unlike the intellectuals who held that the written word was the most powerful force on the earth, Hitler felt it was the spoken word. He believed

that every great movement in history owed its success to great speakers who were capable of spilling out "volcanic eruptions of human passions." Ulrich Graf, who had watched Hitler sway people by the thousands, was surprised one evening when Hitler began demeaning his own abilities as a speaker.* In company with his friends, or on his own, Hitler began attending the performances of the top comedians, actors and personalities of the day so as to learn from them. He studied their timing, wording, body movements, and their strong points in holding the attention of the crowd. Hitler began practicing his body, head and hand movements before a full length mirror and later had pictures taken of himself so that he could better study his speaking gestures. Donning his phony beard, Hitler also continued to attend the rallies and meetings of rival speakers, Communists and Nationalists alike, and also learned from them. Although he admired some of the Communist speakers, he found most of the Nationalists to be little more than "sleepwalkers," whose dreams where out of touch with the majority. "These Germans of the old school were fine fellows," Hitler would later say, "but their specialty was literature. Their audience was twenty thousand readers of their own stamp. None of them knew how to speak to the people."* Hitler was especially contemptuous of the upper-class (bourgeois) national speakers and would later write: "I had the same feeling towards these as towards the compulsory dose of caster oil in my boyhood days. It just had to be taken because it was good for one; but it certainly tasted unpleasant."* He then added: I once attended a meeting in the Wagner Hall [on Sonnenstrasse] in Munich....The speech was delivered or rather read out by a venerable old professor from one or other of the universities. The committee sat on the platform: one monocle on the right, another monocle on the left, and in the centre a gentleman with no monocle. All three of them were punctiliously attired in morning coats, and I had the impression of being present before a judge's bench just as the death sentence was about to be pronounced....After the professor, whose voice had meanwhile become more and more inaudible, finally ended his speech, the gentleman without the monocle delivered a rousing peroration to the assembled 'German sisters and brothers'....and emphasized how deeply the professor's words had moved them all....The proceedings finally closed with the [National] anthem....It appeared to me that when the second verse was reached the voices were fewer and that only when the refrain came on they swelled loudly....After this the meeting broke up and everyone hurried to get outside, one to his glass of beer, one to a cafe, and others simply into the fresh air.* Hitler now understood why the Nationalists were failing so miserably in their desire to attract the crowd. "Out into the fresh air!" he would add, "That was also my feeling.* Hitler learned a lot from his contemporaries, but most important he learned what not to do. He was glad he did not posses an educated accent or vocabulary because he felt the crowd would sense he was not one of them and drift away. He found that people became bored with sophisticated speakers and believed that "the cruder and more brutal the language," the larger the crowd that would be willing to listen. He felt

that most political speeches were "too professional [or] too academic. The ordinary man in the street cannot follow and, sooner or later, falls a victim to the slap-bang methods of Communist propaganda."* Instead of using "reason" to support his viewpoint, Hitler learned to use "facts" that invoked emotions. He also learned to keep his speeches centered on a few points and to keep them simple. As Hitler would later ask a female friend: "Fraulein...why do you use your brand of toothpaste?" "Because I like it," she answers."False," Hitler replies, "it is because you see that name everywhere--on posters, on theater programs, in magazines. The public must know in order to understand. That's why in politics we have constantly to repeat the same things. Then the people will realize that what we're saying must be true, since we say it over and over again."* Continue: Top of Page Footnotes:

The Struggle Chapter 17

As Hitler became more and more visible he began attracting more and more risky attention from the Communist opposition.* "Indeed," Hitler would later write, "how often in those days were they led in, literally in columns, those supporters of the Red Flag with instructions to smash up everything and put an end to our meetings. And how often was everything touch and go, and only the ruthless determination of our meetings' leaders and the brutal handling by our guards was able again and again to thwart our adversaries intentions."* Because of the attacks launched against the party by the "Left"* (usually the Red Front), Hitler was forced to take more elaborate precautions to safe guard himself and his meetings. At this time there were about one hundred and fifty ex-service men who belonged to the party who could be relied on occasionally to act as bouncers against "Communist and Social Democrat intruders."* Because each man had to earn a living they could not be on call all the time. Hitler, therefore, organized them into squads responsible for certain sections of Munich. When a meeting was held in their part of town they were required to be ready on short notice to support Graf, Weber or Maurice in defending Hitler and the meeting. The squads became known as Ordnentruppe (Order Troops) and their first uniform was little more than a swastika arm band. In August of the following year, Hitler would rename the group Sportabteilung (Sport-Section or SA) so as to disguise their true function. Although many historians contend that the SA was created as a paramilitary group to be used against political rivals, the reverse was the purpose at its creation. As Hitler would later state. "The SA was born in 1920....but I had no ideas concerning paramilitary organizations. I began by creating a service to keep order....It was confined to that."* (Later as the party became more powerful and the ranks of the SA grew, the squads would be used to protect NAZI outdoor activities and also "storm" the meetings of Communist and other rivals who used to threaten Hitler meetings. The SA would then come to stand for Sturm-Abteilung (Storm-Section). "Terror will be smashed by terror," Hitler would later tell an acquaintance, "I learned that principle in the street battles between the SA and the Red Front."*) In 1920, most people had no qualms with Hitler's Order Troops beating up on Communists, Social Democrats or "Marxist Jews" who had come to disrupt his meetings. But, when it was reported that the Order Troops were also beating up on "harmless" Jews, Hitler used the occasion to bar all Jews from attending any future meetings. "Jews only go to the meetings," Hitler would state, "in order to provoke trouble, and thus try to portray the party as a brutal rapist of 'harmless' participants."* In one of his speeches shortly after, Hitler voiced the same opinion and a few nationalists in the audience shouted out that "Negroes" should also be banned. Hitler shouted back: "I would rather have one hundred Negroes in the hall than one Jew."* The audience erupted into applause. All future advertisements for party meetings would carry the notation: "Jews not admitted."* Opposition groups and newspapers, already incensed over Hitler's swastika flag, saw grave undertones in Hitler's proclamation. Rumors began circulating as to the extent of his "anti-Semitism." Hitler was unmoved and considered his proclamation

to be a positive act. Opposition only fed his growing anti-Semitism. The party was now holding a public meeting in Munich nearly every week, and Hitler was the featured or supporting speaker at over 60% of the meetings.* When Hitler was not speaking in Munich he was normally out of town giving speeches at the four other locals the party had established by this time. His ability as a nationalist speaker became sought after and he was also paid, in a private capacity, by various veteran or nationalistic groups to deliver his message. Drexler, Eckart, Feder or invited outsiders were normally the main attraction at party functions when Hitler was not scheduled. With the exception of Eckart, Hitler felt that most of those who spoke for the party were tiresome "preachers" who failed to arouse the people. He understood that if the party was to continue to grow, he could not do it all on his own. Speakers like himself, capable of "moving the crowd," as he put it, would have to be found. As the party's propaganda Chief, Hitler began coaching a few men who he felt showed promise. One of these was twenty year old Hermann Esser who had joined the party around the same time as Hitler. The son of a railroad official, Esser had been a "press secretary" for the army propaganda group Hitler had joined after the war and Esser now wrote for various newspapers and magazines. His writings, normally attacks against Jews and liberals (he harbored ideas of hanging the bourgeoisie)* were capable of rising the eyebrows of even the most staunch nationalists. Esser, as well as the other early followers of Hitler, would later become known as "those Bavarian vulgarians" by newer members of Hitler's circle.* Next to Hitler, however, Esser was the only other effective speaker in the party capable of appealing to the lower classes. Some of his speeches however, were of such a "primitive" nature that even Hitler found him embarrassing at times.* Esser however, was intelligent, persuasive, and had a gift for reaching the younger lower class workers that Hitler never truly reached down to. Handsome and sophisticated looking, Esser could have passed himself off as a romantic film star. A great lady's man* he often boasted of his ability to live off his mistresses.* Esser become part of Hitler's inner circle and would shortly become one of the party's main speakers--second only to Hitler. In October of 1920 Hitler could take satisfaction in his year with the party. He had raised the small group of six part-time debaters to a party with over a thousand dedicated dues paying members and tens of thousands of sympathizers. Hitler's effect was now becoming felt and when he returned to Austria on a speaking tour (including a stop at Braunau where he was born), it was he and not Drexler that drew the attention. After a speech in Vienna, a newspaper for the working classes wrote that Hitler spoke for two hours but the audience "could have listened to him for days."* When he got back to Munich, Hitler held a mass meeting at the Kindl Keller, a beer garden and eating establishment, which had the largest single feast hall in Munich. He nearly packed the place with 3500 people. Rohm, Hess, Eckart and Scheubner-Richter made certain that Hitler's achievements did not go unnoticed by military and government leaders who now began to take serious notice. Hitler however, had not as yet linked himself with a prominent personality (or group) that would give him the credibility he sought. (As one of Hitler's friends later remarked: "There was still no room for self-made men in the Germany of

those days and Hitler's fight against this attitude was to take him years.")* Such a link would not only open the doors to respectability but large sums of money. In Germany, at the time, the real big money for political purposes did not come so much from individuals, but from large associations of big industrialists, employers and bankers* who considered it beneficial to establish links with any group or individual which might become politically powerful.*) Hitler did not have long to wait. He was about to receive some unexpected assistance from Moscow--the "worker's paradise." In the early Fall of 1920, Grigor Zinoviev, president of the Communist International, met with the leaders of the German Independent Socialist Party ninety miles outside of Berlin. Zinoviev had been sent by Lenin and Trotsky to get the Independent Socialists to join with Moscow and ferment revolution throughout Germany. The ranks of the Independent Socialists were composed primarily of workers which Moscow believed held the key to revolution--the strike. Lenin and Trotsky regarded strikes as a weapon to be used against all non-Communist governments. A continuous wave of strikes would disrupt Germany's system of industrial production and deepen the nation's economic crisis. The brutal breakup of strikes by the Free Corps and other forces did not deter Moscow which viewed any strike, even the hopeless ones, as a victory. That men lost their jobs, were put in jail, or ended up dead meant nothing. Continual waves of even minor strikes, which heaped additional hardships upon the lower classes, would lead to upsurges of popular discontent. Every strike, no matter how it ended was seen as a political triumph or training for civil war. With enough strikes the rift between the lower and upper classes would deepen and the influence of the present "false leaders" would be destroyed. Then, Lenin and Trotsky believed, the victory of a Communist takeover would be assured.* Zinoviev's appeal to the Independent Socialist fell on receptive ears and he was embraced enthusiastically. Most Communists decided to come out of the closet and over 60% of the 393 delegates voted to join with Moscow. For various reasons the remaining delegates walked out, but the Communists picked up over a half a million new converts in one meeting. It appeared to many that it would be only a matter of time before Moscow dominated, to one degree or another, over Germany. General Ludendorff, hero of W.W.I, a fierce anti-communist and the symbol to all patriotic and nationalist groups, was convinced that there was not a single political party in Germany which could turn the tide of communist growth. He believed that a new nationalist party had to be found which could appeal to the millions of nationalistic minded ex-soldiers who were now part of the working class. After the failed Kapp Putsch, Ludendorff had fled northern Germany for Munich. He did not fail to notice that throughout Germany all of the conservative politicians were failing to establish any contact with the ex-soldiers and ordinary people. Hitler, on the other hand, was not only attracting ordinary people, but was "clearly succeeding in presenting a non-Communist program."* Ludendorff was closely associated with Scheubner-Richter* and the important contact between Hitler and Ludendorff was established.* The plan that Ludendorff revealed to Hitler was simple. Five months

after the Kapp Putsch and the last communist revolt, the Weimar Republic in Berlin disbanded the Free Corps again. Bavaria, consequently, had become home to thousands of ex-Free Corps troops who had poured into the various Bavarian militias and private armies which now numbered 300,000 men. Their ranks were made up for the most part of ex-soldiers, but also disgruntled idealists, nationalists revolutionaries, and disillusioned socialists. They were united in their hatred of the communists and in their determination to overthrow the existing government in Berlin which they referred to, like millions of other Germans, as the "Jews' Republic."* (By 1922 the reference to the Weimar Republic as the "Jews' Republic" or "Jew Republic" became so commonplace that a "Law (for the Defense of the Republic)" was actually passed making it an offense punishable by a stiff prison sentence. There were also "serious prison sentences" for anyone referring to the President as a "brothel-keeper" or the Republic's flag as "a filthy rag."*) The inept Weimar government, and the Allies, had demanded that these para-military groups be disbanded, but the Kahr government in Bavaria considered them a "Civil Guard" against the Left and refused. Ludendorff's idea, therefore, was to unite all of the nationalist groups in Bavaria using Hitler's party as a core on which to build an even larger following. Ludendorff would then take over the military leadership with Hitler as political head.* A few days after Moscow had captured the majority of the Independent Socialists, Ludendorff brought Hitler, dressed in his old blue suit, to meet with Gregor Strasser at Landshut forty miles NE of Munich. Strasser had a small but vigorous following, including his own Free Corps-type army with infantry, artillery and machine gun companies. A twenty-eight year old pharmacist and former soldier, Strasser, like Hitler, had performed heroically during the war and had also won the Iron Cross First Class. Opposed to both communism and capitalism, Strasser sought a "German type" of socialism free of foreign interference. Most of his followers were like himself, nationalistic ex-military men from the trenches who desired a form of government based on the wartime comradeship of brotherhood and patriotism. Although many among the upper classes laughed as such ideas, Strasser spoke for many of the ex-servicemen who now made up a substantial part of the civilian population. Ludendorff revealed his plans to Strasser while Hitler promised to make him the first "national" party district leader of the NAZI party. Strasser was not particularly impressed with Hitler (nor was his brother Otto who found Hitler too "servile" toward Ludendorff who Hitler repeatedly addressed as "your excellency") but he had great "trust" in Ludendorff and made up his mind to join Hitler's party before the day was over. Hitler had accomplished what only a year before seemed impossible. He had not only linked himself to one of Germany's most revered men among upper military, nationalist and conservative circles, but also a group whose leader, Strasser, was highly respected among lower circles. By December the party had established ten locals in different Bavarian towns and could boast of over 2,000 dues paying members.* The membership numbers, however, veiled the true strength of Hitler and the NAZI party. As an example, Strasser (like other group leaders) may have joined the party, but his followers were under no obligation to do so. This was especially the case with the members of the paramilitary ranks which normally functioned as fairly independent groups. The NAZI party consequently, would primarily continue to consist of members of the lower middle class with para-military (SA) members normally accounting for only 10 to 15% of party strength. But, because of Hitler's links with "Civil Guard" organizations, his influence was far reaching and he would shortly be in a position to call

on thousands of ex-soldiers and Free Corps troops who were never members of his party. In Bavaria, there were about twenty right-wing organization and their "newspaper of record,"* so to speak, was the Volkischer Beobachter (German-People's Observer). (Because of the difficulties of translating volkisch, some publications use "Racial," others "National" in the place of Volkischer. Both terms, as with the one used, (German-People's) are "inadequate, but suggestive.") Because Ludendorff had made Hitler responsible for the "political training" of the groups which were expected to be associated with his party, Hitler wanted to buy the newspaper. The Observer was located on Thiersch Strasse, only two blocks from his apartment and had been up for sale for months. Anti-Marxist and anti-Jewish to the extreme, the Observer appeared twice a week and had a subscription of about 7,000 with an additional 4,000 through street-sellers and newsstand sales.* With 250,000 marks of debt against it, the paper was on the verge of bankruptcy. The sale price was 120,000 marks, in full, which equaled the yearly wages of nine average Germans.* The Army gave Hitler a "loan" of 60,000 marks (which was never repaid) and Eckart raised the remainder, most of which came from an industrialist who had links with the army. The Ludendorff connection was paying dividends undreamed of just weeks before. As Propaganda Chief, the paper fell completely under Hitler's control and he replaced the old management with members of his inner circle. Hermann Esser was made the First Editor and he and Hitler retained the paper's hate peddling, anti-Left, fanatical style as an opposition to Marx's hate peddling Manifesto and current hate peddling anti-Right publications. As 1920 drew to an end, Hitler and his friends took up the pen (for which each received a small salary) and spewed out their own version of events. As with his speeches, Hitler also took his writing seriously. During this period (1919-1921) he borrowed over 100 books and pamphlets from one source alone. As any public speaker or writer quickly learns; when you start speaking or writing to thousands of people, your "facts" better have a sound foundation. Some of the books Hitler read (or skimmed-through) during this period were: Luther and the Jews, Schopenhauer and the Jews, Wagner and the Jews, Henry Ford's The International Jew, Bolshevism and Jewry, also books on medieval and modern Germany, Church history, the Talmud, Montesquieu (a political philosopher) and Rousseau (philosopher and composer).* Hitler's articles, like those in the Communist press, appealed to emotion and were merciless against opponents. Leftists often called on boycotts of the paper and its street sellers were often beaten up.* When Hitler was later criticized for his journalistic talents, he asked what someone would say about an advertisement that was intended to promote a new soap but also described competing soaps as good. The crowd, Hitler insisted, could only be won over by a "ruthless and fanatical one-sided orientation" and not by "a so-called objective viewpoint."* The huge debt that came with the paper would burden party finances for years. With the expert guidance of Max Amann, and by exhorting members to subscribe and encouraging them to solicit subscribers,

Hitler would finally turn the paper into a profitable venture. The experience filled a void in Hitler's knowledge that would later pay huge dividends. "If I had not had all these worries with the Party press," Hitler would later say, "I should probably have remained ignorant of business methods, but this experience was a good school."* ("Hitler...anticipated modern economic policy,"* and when he came to power (1933) his knowledge of "business methods" turned a bankrupt nation into a respected economic power in three years while most nations languished in the world wide "Great Depression.") As 1921 began, Hitler felt that it was time for the party to begin to do more than "just talk." He knew that most ordinary Germans were "full of disgust and revulsion" because of the "cowardice"* displayed by the middle-class parties who refused to take a stand against unpopular causes and endeavors. Although Hitler had no direct control over Strasser's Free Corps, or any of the other para-military groups at this time, his association with them was enough to give him the courage to set the party on a revolutionary course. Hitler understood, even in these early days, that one had to have some control of the streets since that is where the "reporters" where. In the first week of January he gave a speech at the Kindl Keller to two thousand enthusiastic listeners and promised that in the future the party would "ruthlessly prevent-by force, if necessary--all meetings and lectures intended to have an undermining effect on our already sick fellow Germans."* Hitler was in no position at this early stage to carry out his threat against any political party, but he understood that threats in themselves produced effects. The Left had, on more than one occasion, been responsible for the police informing Hitler, "in writing,"* to cancel his meetings because of "possible violence." Hitler hoped that his threats would have the same affect on his adversaries until his party was strong enough to take the threatened action. The ordinary citizens of Bavaria knew the tactics of the Left and were pleased to hear of a nationalist politician who was not only willing to fight back but take the offensive. In the meantime, Hitler satisfied himself with having the SA section of his party disrupt or picket controversial plays and performances* that the majority of Germans found offensive. After a few NAZI demonstrations and "minor" brawls,* Hitler undoubtedly took great satisfaction when later, even the threat of a protest from his group, was enough to cause the Munich police to close down, under the guise of preventing "possible violence," performances that the majority of people found offensive.* Hitler's action had a positive effect among the majority of Bavarians who had heard of him, and did much to enhance his popularity in Munich. Shortly after, the Allies handed Hitler an issue that would send his popularity soaring. Because of Allied policy, the winter of 1920-21 was severe with large segments of the German working population going hungry. Food riots erupted and soon spread throughout Germany. Public indignation reached the boiling point at the end of January when the Allies forced on Germany a new "reasonable" formula for paying her war debts. Besides staggering annual fixed payments which threatened to bankrupt the nation, Germany was also expected to hand over to the Allies 12 percent of her exports for the next forty-two years. Such reparations would not only aggravate the already horrid plight of the working classes but would also create hardships for volatile members of the middle class. In Munich the "great parties," ignored the Allied ultimatum.* The conservative, center and liberal parties believed that to refuse payment would give France the excuse it was looking for to invade Germany,

while the Communists, even though their worker members would bear the brunt of the reparations, supported any Allied demand that created discontent. The nationalist parties, on the other hand, were outraged. A "Workers' Community" of "'folkish associations,'" Hitler wrote, decided to have a combined "demonstration of protest."* The nationalist coalition first considered holding their demonstration on the Konigsplatz, but the wide open space was too difficult to defend and the idea was called off because of fear it would be "broken up by the Reds."* The coalition next proposed holding their demonstration in front of the Feldherrnhalle (which was protected by buildings on three sides) but this idea was also abandoned. They finally decided to hold their protest indoors at the Kindl Keller but wavered as to the exact date. Hitler, no doubt sensing that public indignation was high, would later write. "I decided to carry out the demonstration of protest on my own."* At noon, on Wednesday, February 2, Hitler reserved the largest auditorium in Munich, the Zirkus Krone. The building, located north-west of Munich's main railroad station, sprawled over an entire block. The central arena was capable of holding 9000 people. Hitler quickly had posters printed, announcing the meeting for the next day; "Thursday, February 3, 1921, at 9 p.m." Never before had the party attempted to attract such a large audience, and never before on such short notice. Party members were shocked at Hitler's audacity and knew that the action could set the party back by years if the gamble failed. Two thousand people jammed into the Hofbrauhaus, or three thousand in the Kindl Keller gave an image of a huge crowd. But, in the Zirkus, they would seem insignificant and the Party might lose its credibility. Party members, as well as Hitler, also worried that the Order Troops, which consisted of no more than 250 men at this time, would not be able to protect such a large hall. (Even as late as the summer of 1922, there were only around 400 SA men.*) By evening, nevertheless, some of the posters were already going up around town and Hitler was confident that his posters would bring success. The poster headlines proclaimed that "with diabolic cunning" the Allies had perpetrated a "swindle of honesty" on the German people and now, after two years, were going to "rape" them. "We, to, are human beings and not dogs," proclaimed another headline, "there is no place for negotiations." Hitler then invited all Germans--"manual and white collar workers, laborers and students, officials and employees"-to attend his meeting so as to show German politicians that if they agree to the Allied terms they would lose their jobs. For "1 Mark," the poster proclaimed, those that attended would hear "Herr Adolf Hitler" speak on "FUTURE [PROSPECTS] OR DECLINE."* By the next morning Hitler's optimism had waned. Bad weather had moved into Munich and Hitler worried "whether under such circumstance many people would not prefer to stay at home instead of going to a meeting in rain and sleet where it was possible that assault and murder would take place."* Determined not to be "disgraced in the eyes of the Workers' Community,"* Hitler decided to adopt a few more tactics used by the Marxists.

Hitler hurriedly dictated some leaflets and had about 20,000 printed. He then rented two trucks and had them draped in as much red material as possible. The party possessed about fifteen large swastika flags at this time and Hitler had them mounted on the two trucks. That afternoon, each truck was loaded with fifteen to twenty men who were given instructions to drive through the streets, shouting slogans and catchwords while throwing the leaflets from the trucks. "It was the first time that flag-adorned trucks on which no Marxists were found, where driven through the streets of town," Hitler would later write. The upper classes "gaped" at the trucks, Hitler stated, while the "Marxists" raised their fists in anger as though they were "the sole owners of this monopoly."* Hitler knew that his daring tactics would outrage the Communists and become the talk of the town within hours. With enough public attention, a sufficient number of people might be persuaded to attend his meeting. Even with the bad weather, the one thing Hitler had going for him was that all of Munich's trolleys stopped at the Hauptbahnhof (the main rail station) and the Zirkus was only three blocks up Mars Strasse. For most of the day Hitler sat nervously at party headquarters. Starting around seven in the evening he was kept informed, by telephone every ten minutes, as to what kind of a crowd was entering the Zirkus Krone. At 7:45 he left party headquarters and was driven to the Zirkus. He would later write: Two minutes past eight, I arrived in front of the circus....Upon entering the enormous hall I was seized with the same joy as a year previously on the occasion of the first meeting in the Munich Hofbrauhaus. But only after I had pushed my way through the walls of people and had reached the high stage, I saw the success in all its greatness. Like a gigantic shell the hall lay before my eyes, filled with thousands and thousands of people. Even the arena was black with crowds. More than five thousand six hundred tickets had been issued, and if one included the entire number of unemployed, of poor students and our supervising troops, about six and a half thousand people may have been preseTwo minutes past eight, I arrived in front of the circus....Upon entering the enormous hall I was seized with the same joy as a year previously on the occasion of the first meeting in the Munich Hofbrauhaus. But only after I had pushed my way through the walls of people and had reached the high stage, I saw the success in all its greatness. Like a gigantic shell the hall lay before my eyes, filled with thousands and thousands of people. Even the arena was black with crowds. More than five thousand six hundred tickets had been issued, and if one included the entire number of unemployed, of poor students and our supervising troops, about six and a half thousand people may have been present.* This was Hitler's first truly mass meeting and the audience for the most part consisted of members of the lower middle class.* The majority of the men, wearing suits and ties, represented the small-shopkeeper or concierge class. (As an example, Hitler's former landlord, Mr. Popp, joined the party and began attending meetings around this time.) There was also a scattering of former army officers, minor-civil

servants, young people, and skilled workers.* Women, many wearing the latest fashion in hats, accounted for about one in five of those in attendance. Hitler's ability to appeal to women at this time in German politics was noteworthy. One woman would join the party without ever having hear a Hitler speech. The positive air of the party's members, that she saw in the streets, was enough to win her over.* One of every seven members of the party were women and they contributed more generously per capita than the men.* Women also played a very active part. As Hitler would later state: "The Communist and ourselves were the only parties that had women in their ranks who shrank from nothing."* The meeting got underway and Drexler introduced Hitler to the audience. Within minutes Hitler began to establish a "connection" between his listeners and himself. Any possibility of Red violence was also quickly put to rest. Hitler observed that in an enormous coliseum it "was actually easier to overpower a group of disturbers than was the case in tightly crowded halls."* Within a half hour of beginning his speech, Hitler had the absolute attention of the audience. "Someone who does not understand the intrinsically feminine character of the masses," Hitler once said, "will never be an effective speaker."* Hitler consequently worked his audience as though it was a woman. "Only he who harbors 'passion' in himself can arouse 'passion,'"* Hitler stated, and on this night he was at his best. As one women stated after a similar speech. "The erotic character, not only of the words but also the accompanying gestures, was unmistakable."* Within an hour Hitler had complete control over his listeners. Like a great lover, he raised their emotional level to the point where they rejoiced, he wrote, "in ever greater spontaneous outbursts." He then let the passion "ebb" until nothing but the sound of heavy "breathing" filled the void. Nearing the end of his two and a half hour performance, Hitler raised their passions to the bursting point. When he spoke the last word, the "connection" between him and the audience was one and they erupted with joy. Before the passion subsided someone started leading the audience in singing the national anthem. Only them, Hitler wrote, did the audience find its "relaxing conclusion."* A professor who attended the meeting found that Hitler "controlled the many-thousand-headed audience completely." Although he would have a change of heart later, he found it strange that ordinary people could be "enthusiastic about nationalism" and be opposed to "democratic and socialist dreams."** The professor, like many educated people, could not understand that ordinary people need to attach themselves to something they know, trust and believe in. Like the Jews who experienced thousands of years of persecution, when it would have been easy for them to set aside their beliefs and except a new and progressive philosophy, the Germans were not willing to have a new philosophy forced on them. They had always distrusted the West, and their hostility toward western ideas of enlightenment and civilization were drawn out by Hitler. Like the Jews also, "the Germans preferred to retain their loyalties to the past and resisted accommodation of their customs and folkways....[and with Hitler's help] they romanticized the values and ideas of their remote past."* As one educated German of a different

persuasion than the professor stated: "I felt that everything which was old and reminded me of the old days was good and the new things which did not fit into that conception were bad."* The huge success of the meeting launched Hitler into the limelight. The party had truly broken the bonds of an insignificant group and as Hitler later wrote: "We could no longer be ignored."* Hitler now began holding meetings in Munich about every five days. Whether at the Hofbrauhaus, the Kindl Keller or the Zirkus, the place was usually packed. Hitler also began holding meetings at the Burgerbrau Keller on Rosenheimer Strasse near the Platz, "an eminently respectable beer hall much frequented by a better class of people."* On March 6, 1921, at 10 o'clock on a Sunday morning Hitler held another meeting at the Zirkus Krone. Eight thousand people paid a mark to hear him speak. It was the largest gathering he had drawn up till that time. The day after Hitler's largest mass meeting, the French ignited the flames of nationalism throughout Germany. Still looking for an excuse to fulfill their pre-war dreams, the French army began the occupation of three north German cities east of the Rhine. The action was made under the guise that Germany had failed to deliver reparations payments, but was in reality a preliminary move to occupy Germany's industrial heartland, the Ruhr. Even in Bavaria, which by now was at serious odds with north Germany, Hitler was still able to draw 5000 paying men and women into the Zirkus a week later to protest against France's "'breach of the Peace Treaty'" and the "NATIONAL CRIMINALS" who were selling out Germany "in doglike submissiveness."* At the end of the month the Allies fanned the flames of German nationalism again. The long awaited plebiscite in Upper Silesia was held with the majority in favor of remaining with Germany. The Allies appointed their own "Commission" which began looking for loop holes to deny Germany as much as possible. In April Hitler was able to pack the Hofbrauhaus, and "educate," as he saw it, his "fellow citizens" as to how they were being robbed of their "freedom." In a speech, on April 9, 1921, he accurately predicted that the Allies would ignore the Treaty and the coal producing areas of Upper Silesia would be lost to Germany. "GERMANY AWAKE" proclaimed his poster.* For the next four weeks Hitler turned his attention to attracting the "thinking" Red worker. His posters, advertising upcoming meetings, proclaimed that the worker's dream of a "Dictatorship of the Proletarian" had been supplanted by a "capitalist constitution." He blamed the Jews for the "fraud" and asked the workers to "recognize the Jewish democratic swindle." Still determined to drive a wedge between the Marxist leaders and the workers, his poster proclaimed that "a workers movement has to keep itself free from Jews and capitalists," His posters stated that only the "national Socialist movement of Greater Germany" could give the workers what they wanted. Hitler also appealed to the German "youth," especially students, and welcomed them to his meetings. Four-thousand-eight-hundred people, attended one of the meetings.*

By now the military, para-military, and the lower middle classes in Bavaria looked upon Hitler with favor. He was also beginning to make noticeable inroads among the workers. As he proved himself increasing successful, the government in Munich felt it could no longer ignore him. Rudolf Hess, whose Bavarian family was known to minister president von Kahr, established the important connection. On May 14, shortly after Hitler's thirty-second birthday, Kahr received Hess, Drexler and Hitler. Although Kahr was not particularly impressed with the "Austrian," he felt Hitler could be used as a propagandist in Bavaria's struggle with the Weimar regime. The reception gave notice that Hitler was becoming a respectable political force. Hitler began receiving support from the police president and the head of the departments Political Division. They did what they could to suppress complaints against the Party and promote its expansion. "We did do that," a spokesperson would later testify, "...because we were convinced from the start that this movement was the one most likely to take root among the workers infected with the Marxist plague and win them back into the nationalist camp. That is why we held our protecting hands over the National Socialist Party and Herr Hitler."* With his sudden jump up the social ladder, more important doors began to open to Hitler and he began to move among circles far more influential than any that the old party committee members provided. There were many among the upper crust however, who were repulsed by Hitler. They sneered at his place of residence, his clothing, his vocabulary and his background. Hitler was aware "from the beginning" what the upper crust thought of him and he had nothing but "contempt" for them.* He knew that "from the view of the Bourgeois" he lacked those "outward qualifications" of formal education and especially family background which mean so much to them.* He scorned their pretentious ways and phony airs and stated: "Isn't everyone in Germany sprung from the peasantry."* In order to compensate for Hitler's background, Hess wrote a letter to Kahr shortly after their reception in an attempt to enhance Hitler's position and background. In part he wrote: The central point is that [Hitler] is convinced that a recovery is possible only if it proves possible to lead the masses, particularly the workers, back to the nationalist cause....I know Herr Hitler very well personally and am quite close to him. He has a rarely honorable, pure character, full of profound kindness, is religious, a good Catholic. His one goal is the welfare of his country. For this he is sacrificing himself in the most selfless fashion.* Hess then gave an account of Hitler's war record and stated: "Your Excellency can unconditionally trust Hitler."* Hess was stretching things when he referred to Hitler as a good Catholic. Hitler privately criticized the church (especially the Jesuits) and the Pope more than he praised them. However, he openly scorned the Bavarian separatist movement (with its religious overtones) which undoubtedly appealed to Kahr. Shortly after, Kahr mentioned Hitler "in terms of praise" in the Bavarian congress.*

The praise bestowed upon Hitler had the effect of opening a few more heavy doors, but Hitler hated the idea of having to put himself in a "subordinate" position when dealing with the bourgeoisie.* He knew that their main objective was to use him and the thought embittered him.* "The elite," Hitler would later groan, "whatever they do is a result of calculation. Some of them see me as an attraction to their drawingrooms, others seek various advantages."* He nevertheless was learning what any aspiring politician in a Republic must accept--hobnobbing with members of the upper crust, however regretful, is the only way to power--no revolution has ever occurred strictly from the bottom up. Hitler would later excuse his association with such people by stating: "The bourgeois with whom we flirted at the time of our struggle were simply aesthetes."* By the Summer of 1921 Hitler had turned the Party into a fairly respectable right wing force. Since he was the driving force behind the party he ran it as he pleased. The six members of the executive committee, including Drexler, were resentful. Thrust into the background they became dissatisfied with the direction the party was going. They knew that Hitler was intent on embarking on a more radical revolutionary course which they had no taste for. Drexler's highest ambition was a seat in congress and, like the rest of the Committee, he wished to project the image of a mainstream nationalist party so as to further his own ambitions. Drexler had made an attempt to get Hitler to listen to the Committee, but Hitler ignored them. Fearful of Hitler's strong personal following, the Committee began plotting to weaken his position. Hitler's legitimate position within the party was not one of strength. He had abandoned his place on the executive committee and the only position he held was that of Propaganda Chief. It was Hitler however, who found the party funds, who brought in new members, who wrote the party propaganda, who designed the party regalia, who brought the party its publicity, and who had a hand in every other branch of party activities. His name and the party had become inseparable. The Committee had to be careful not to overstep themselves. Hitler could call for a vote of the membership, and since Germans normally voted for "lists" of candidates, Hitler and his inner circle might oust them. If the vote went against Hitler, however unlikely, he might just take his followers with him and start his own party. Whatever the outcome, the Committee knew that without Hitler, they would end up in the back rooms where they started. They consequently did not have the courage to attempt to get rid of Hitler, but were intent on using him to further their ambitions. To assure their positions and recapture the direction of a much enhanced party, the Committee had offered Hitler the position of "First Chairman," but with Drexler as "coadjutor in the executive committee."* Hitler knew that the old democratic principle of six against one would prevail and ignored the offer. Undaunted the Committee embarked on another scheme. Since Hitler's association with Ludendorff, negotiations aimed at consolidation had been going on between the Party and other right wing organizations. Hitler insisted that the other groups dissolve and/or their members join his party on an individual basis. Outside of Munich a few small groups had been induced to abandoned their party platforms and, like Strasser, become locals of Hitler's National Socialists. With its acquisition of individuals and groups, the party had acquired certain "officers and

men of academic education," the "so-called fine people" of the movement, who secretly despised Hitler "for his lack of higher education"* and background. They began conspiring with the Committee members to attempt a merger with a rival nationalist group. A merger, they felt, would curb Hitler's freedom of action,* while still giving them the advantage of using him for their own purposes. The Committee, consequently, began talks with the German Socialist Party (Deutsch-Sozialistische Partei). The German Socialist Party had been founded in north Germany shortly after the war and was larger than Hitler's Party which confined its activities primarily to Bavaria. The German Socialists had thirty-five locals throughout Germany, including one in Munich.* Because the ideas and goals of the German Socialist leaders were similar to Hitler's, the Committee, and the quality people associated with them, were ecstatic over the possibilities. If a merger was concluded, the main office of the combined group would shortly be shifted to Berlin. All of the locals, along with the Munich group, would be answerable to Berlin. Hitler, the undisputed best speaker, would most likely be kicked upstairs to become a main speaker for the combined party. The Committee members in Munich would then recapture their prominent positions. Certain that Hitler would not pass up the chance to find a nationwide audience, the Committee notified him of their plan. Hitler was not enthusiastic. A merger called for concessions which would threaten his platform and also jeopardize his fragile leadership role. He knew that with a merger the "western," as he called it, democratic concept of debate and compromise would prevail. He would also have to fight his way up the ranks of an already established pecking order in an attempt to find a place at the top. He had the perception (which is something he had in abundance)* to know that the academic and quality people within the combined movement would never let him enter the higher ranks. Like the great "rabble rousers" of the French and American revolutions (who were used so successfully and then quickly forgotten), Hitler knew that he would only be used to further the ambitions of "people of quality." Hitler demanded that all talks of merger be stopped. When the Committee balked, Hitler threatened to resign. The committee now faced a dilemma. If Hitler resigned and took the party faithful with him, there would be little to negotiate and they would be right back where they started. All open discussions of mergers ceased. In early June Hitler left Munich on an extended trip to Berlin. The anti-Hitler fraction saw their chance to cut the "would-be big shot," as they saw it, down to size.* In the previous year the party had established a local in Augsburg, a town 35 miles NW of Munich. Some of the "fine" members of the Augsburg local were critical of Hitler and were determined to curb his influence. Working with the Committee in Munich, they resumed negotiations with the German Socialists, but this time in secret. The Committee, headed by Drexler (who was "weak and uncertain" according to Hitler),* empowered the Augsburg local to hold the negotiations on behalf of the party.* If the merger could be completed in Hitler's absence, he would almost certainly be forced into the position where his enemies wanted him. By the second week of July, negotiations were well under way. In Berlin, in the meantime, Hitler was spending his time taking advanced lessons in public speaking,

establishing ties with other rightist groups and raising money. He addressed the prestigious National Club of industrial figures and upper-class landowners (Junkers) where he tossed about the possibility of transferring his Party headquarters to Berlin. Hitler, however, did all the talking and the Junkers, "who had expected to do all the talking," were forced into the demeaning position of having to listen. The meeting led to nothing.* Someone in Hitler's inner circle found out about the negotiations in Augsburg and tipped Hitler off. Smelling a rat, Hitler hurried back to Bavaria. He went straight to Augsburg on July 10, and descended on the hall where the negotiations were taking place. He found leading representatives of the German Socialist and his party's Augsburg delegation discussing a prearranged plan which had been worked out in detail.* By now the German Socialists were negotiating from strength and their aim was no longer a merger but a complete takeover of Hitler's party.* Their plan basically called for the same conditions that Hitler expected from groups which joined his party. Hitler's National Socialist program as well as the party name was to be abandoned and all members and locals were to accept the name and program of the German Socialists. After arguing for hours against the proposed plan, Hitler found that the "official representatives of the Party who were present not only did not support me, but on the contrary continued the negotiations." Unable to accomplish anything in Augsburg, Hitler departed for Munich. Continue: Top of Page Footnotes: (One asterisk is for a footnote, two asterisks are for additional information.)

Der Fuhrer Chapter 18

Hitler arrived home the next day and immediately confronted the Committee which, during his absence, had gained some self-assurance. They not only refused to listen to Hitler but called on him to justify his single-minded past actions.* Confronted by six incompetents--who, if not for him, would still be toting their treasury around in a cigar box--Hitler promptly resigned from the party. Because Hitler was capable of taking most of the party members with him, the Committee lost its negotiating strength and the talks with the German Socialists stalled. Worried that they might lose everything, the Committee quickly lost their new found self-assurance and sent an emissary to find out what Hitler's conditions were for returning to the party. Three days later, in a lengthy written statement, Hitler accused the Committee of a lack of leadership and summarized his conditions. He demanded the immediate resignation of the Committee from their "offices" and the expulsion of all "foreign elements," especially the Augsburg group from the Party.* He insisted that any talk of altering the party program be stopped, and any one supporting such a measure in the future be purged from the party. "Concessions on our part," Hitler wrote, "are totally out of the question."* He demanded that there be no more talk of mergers in the future but only "annexations" of other groups. The main point of Hitler's letter however, was a "demand" for complete power. He insisted on the sole right to make all future decisions and appointments within the party and without mincing words wrote: "I demand the position of First Chairman with dictatorial authority."* "I make these demands," Hitler wrote, "not because I am power hungry, but because recent events have more than convinced me that without an iron leadership, the party...will within a short time cease to be what it was supposed to be: a national socialist German Workers Party and not a western association."* He therefore called for a special meeting of all party members where a majority vote would give him the powers he wanted. The Committee, fearful of being ousted and replaced by Hitler's inner circle, refused to call a special meeting. Instead, the very next day they wrote Hitler an intentionally submissive letter which was leaked to the general membership. Their hope was to turn the general membership against Hitler by making themselves look rational and giving. In part the letter read: "The committee is prepared--in acknowledgment of your tremendous knowledge, your singular dedication and selfless service to the Movement, and your rare oratorical gift--to concede to you dictatorial powers, and will be most delighted if after your reentry you will take over the position of First Chairman, which Drexler long ago and repeatedly offered you."* The letter then goes on to make it appear that Hitler wanted to purge Drexler, the founder of the party, from the movement and continues: "If you should consider it desirable to have him [Drexler] completely excluded from the Movement, the next annual meeting would have to be consulted on that matter."*

The committee's answer to Hitler was little more than an attempt to make him appear unreasonable, power hungry, and irrational. About the only thing the Committee was really sincere about was not calling up a special meeting. The "annual meeting" was not to be held for six months. The Committee's only goal was an attempt to silence Hitler so they could conclude the stalled merger. The Committee persuaded Dietrich Eckart, Hitler's closest friend, to act as moderator* but Hitler would not compromise. He had made up his mind to take the party in a direction that the Committee and the fine people in the movement would never understand, yet alone approve. Hitler knew that men like Drexler and his circle lacked the temperament and courage to embark on a new course. Hitler accurately saw that millions of Germans, from the Right and the Left, were becoming disillusioned with the "bourgeois-romantic sectarian groups" with their western styled "pseudo-democratic" organizations.* He was determined to "cash in on the trend of the times toward a 'strong man''' who could reshape the "shattered postwar world by a 'dictatorship of order.'"* Hitler's thinking (which would later be exposed in Mein Kanpf) was dominated by the class theme again. He believed that most "ordinary people" could be productive and law abiding citizens. But, the intellectuals and other malcontents, for their own gains, were leading the people into "decadence, idleness and selfishness." He also knew that the interest of the working class was not that of the upper class and he sought to curb "upper class government." To achieve that goal he was determine to unite the working masses and the lower middle class (which together could check the power of "quality people"). The common thread that drew the masses and the lower middle class together was their service in the trenches. Hitler knew these men were looking for a leader to point them in the right direction. He knew that Drexler and his circle were unable to understand the passions of the ex-soldier and even looked on him as a "stranger."* Drexler, Hitler felt, had never been a soldier, "even during the war," and like the other founders of the party lacked the necessary qualities, as he wrote, "to stir up an ardent and indomitable faith in the ultimate triumph of the movement and to brush aside, with obstinate force and if necessary with brutal ruthlessness, all obstacles that stood in the path of the new idea. Such a task could be carried out only by men who had been trained, body and soul, in those military virtues which make a man, so to speak, agile as a greyhound, tough as leather, and hard as Krupp steel." On the other hand, Hitler wrote of himself: "Physically and mentally I had the polish of six years of service....I had forgotten such phrases as: 'That will not go', or 'That is not possible', or 'We ought not to take such a risk; it is too dangerous.'"* By the 16th of July, Hitler was pressing hard for the special meeting of the membership but the Committee kept stalling. It soon became apparent why. Thousand of leaflets were circulated about Munich attacking Hitler.* A leaflet, titled "Adolf Hitler. Traitor," a concoction of fact and fancy,* was clearly an attempt to turn the membership against him. The leaflet defended the Committee and accused Hitler of using the party "as a springboard for his own immoral purposes."* It stated that when questioned about his background Hitler "became agitated and

flew into a rage."* It accused him of being a secret supporter of the monarchy. It claimed that he associated with "criminal elements." namely Hermann Esser.* It implied that he was embezzling party funds to spend on his "excessive relations with ladies." It claimed that when it came to women, Hitler referred to himself as the "King of Munich."* The leaflet also accused Hitler of "personal ambition and a lust for power" who was "relying only on his gift as a speaker."* Hitler, the leaflet charged, "believes the time has come to introduce disunity and dissension into our ranks at the behest of his shady backers...and thus to promote the interest of Jewry and its henchmen....And how is he conducting this struggle? Like a real Jew."* The insinuation that Hitler might be working for the Jews, or even be Jewish, was the standard practice of moderate and rightist elements, including the fine ones, for casting doubt on their rivals. It would be the first time, of many, that Hitler's political enemies would use the big lie in an attempt to discredit him. That Hitler's enemies could make such statements was because Hitler's attacks against the Jews, at the time, were not extraordinary. He held most of the traditional anti-Semitic ideas and conceptions of the German and Austrian Pan-Germans,* and other European nationalists. Hitler, however, knew that a movement could not be built on racial issues alone and his anti-Jewish rhetoric ebbed and flowed in relation to current events. As an example, when anti-Jewish sentiment reached a peak after the publication of the Protocols, Hitler hopped on the bandwagon; but, once the Protocols were exposed as a hoax (even though he refused to believe it), he concentrated for the most part, on attacks against "the Jewish millionaire"* and "Jewish international stock exchange capital."* Such a theme found a ready audience throughout Europe and was used by a wide range of political thinkers--Even Jewish Marxists (Socialists and Communists) sought the destruction of "Jewish Millionaires" and "Capital." Attacks against rich Jews did not automatically eliminate one from being accused of being a tool of the Jews, or a Jew. (So called "anti-Semitic Jews," labeled even by Jews, had been around for decades.) That Hitler was pursuing a revolutionary course and beginning to go after the masses added validity to the charge. The leaflet was the first in a series of rumors (that persisted throughout the 1920s and into the 30s) that Hitler was a Jew and/or Communist working for the Jews. The rumor of "Hitler's Jewish descent" quickly spread though Munich that July.* Hitler was outraged and took a bold and unauthorized move. Without party sanction, posters appeared announcing a meeting of "NATIONAL SOCIALISTS, MANUAL AND WHITE COLLAR WORKERS" at the Crown Circus.* Though Hitler continued to use the typical "stock of antisemitic catchphrases,"* never before had a Hitler poster struck out so hard against the Jews. "Like a giant spider," read the first line of text, "the Jewish international world stock exchange capital creeps over the peoples of this earth, gradually sucking their marrow and blood."* The poster then suggests that 300 Jews, "who know one another, dominate the world." Hitler then warns that a "inexorable war of destruction against our people has already set in,"* and uses the fighting in Upper Silesia between Germans and Poles to prove his point. He then scolds the German people for their lack of concern. He charges that they are being misled by "thousands and thousands" of Jewish agents who "are untiringly active in the press and in political parties."* To exemplify his charges he points to a recent happening in Hungary where the new government (sensitized

by what occurred under Bela Kun and his "Jewish Mafia") was taking harsh measures: If the Hungarian government hangs ten Jewish stock exchange profiteers, whose money is sticky with the blood and the sweat of hundreds of thousands of honest people, we protest, we cry about pogroms and we demand the boycott of an entire State. In this way one has made fools of our people.* Hitler warns that while the German people's attention is directed toward such events, "Germany's merciless oppressors" were tearing the country apart. He denounces the present republic form of government and the men behind it for the deteriorating state of the nation. He then states that the National Socialist Party is the "only" true anti-republican movement and the nation needs to follow its "iron-like" principles. After giving a hint of the infighting within the movement, he calls on those who are opposed to republican principles to attend the meeting as a show of support for his ideas--"To harden the principles of the movement from which alone we hope for the resurrection of the German people."* Angered over the charges against him, Hitler used his poster to show that he was not a Jew or working for the Jews. In addition, by attacking democratic principles he hoped to show the anti-Hitler faction that many people supported his philosophy. Hitler knew that if his poster attracted a large enough audience his position would be greatly enhanced. On the other hand, if he failed to attract a large crowd he would look like a fool and his chances of ousting Drexler and his circle from their leading positions would never succeed. Calling such a meeting was a great gamble. Hitler however, possessed the gambler's instinct to know when to play his hand. He had not given a speech in Munich for nearly two months and undoubtedly knew that thousands of admirers, and opponents, wished to know what he had to say. By the time the meeting got under way on Wednesday, July 20, 1921, at 9 p.m., over 6000 people had paid a mark to hear him speak. Many of the people who attended Hitler meetings had served in the army or had loved ones who did. They were resentful of the contempt shown the men who fought in the war and also the path the Berlin government had embarked on. Under democracy they had seen the values they believed in as well as their economic condition deteriorate. They had seen their country reduced from one of the greatest powers in the world to one where hunger and chaos reigned. They attended Hitler's meetings because he addressed issues they believed in. Other people attended out of curiosity, concern, or because they saw the beginning of a new political force. Whatever their reasons, most people came under the spell of Hitler's oratorical gifts and encouraged others to attend. One man, who was encouraged to attend a Hitler speech, would later give an analogy of a friend's impression of Hitler: Hitler puts signs up saying 'No entry to Jews,' but he is most persuasive with

his audience about German honor and rights for workers and a new society.... I have the impression he's going to play a big part and whether you like him or not he certainly knows what he wants. He says the people in Berlin will never unite the nation the way they are going on at the moment. The first thing he wants to do is to get the Red rabble off the streets and the youngsters away from the street corners, instill some sort of order and discipline into them again and restore a measure of self-respect into the army and the people who fought in the war. He really seems to have a sense of direction which none of the others have.* Much of Hitler's appeal as a speaker lay in his choice of words. Every generation develops is own phrases and catchwords and since most of his audience served or had loved ones in the war, Hitler adapted the casual camaraderie of the trenches. He never talked down to his audience and never used words they were unfamiliar with. He seldom used slang, except for effect, but his speeches continued to be peppered with trench jargon and vulgarity. He could express his audiences feelings and thoughts in the same words they would have used if they were capable of formulating such views.* Hitler's greatest appeal however, was that he had no need for a prepared speech because, unlike most politicians, he seldom said anything that he did not absolutely believe in. As one historian noted: "He meant what he said, he lived up to his ideals, he practiced what he preached."* He did use notes to jog his memory and keep the continuity of his speeches flowing, but he was always able to engage his listeners. A good speaker, Hitler wrote: is able to read from the expressions of his listeners, firstly, whether they understand what he speaks, secondly, whether they are able to follow what has been said, and thirdly, in how far he has convinced them of the correctness of what has been said. If he sees--firstly--that they do not understand him, then he will become so primitive and clear in his explanation that even the least intelligent is bound to understand him, if he feels--secondly--that they are not able to follow him, then he will build up his ideas so carefully and slowly that even the weakest among them all does not remain behind any longer, and--thirdly--as soon as he guesses that they do not seem to be convinced of the correctness of what he has said he will repeat this so often and in so many new examples, he himself will bring in their objections which he feels although they have not been uttered, and he will refute them and disperse them till finally even the last group of an opposition, merely by its attitude and its expressions, lets him recognize its capitulation in the face of his argumentation.* Hitler was often amused by "bourgeois intellectuals" who attended his meetings and later criticized the contents of his speeches for their crudeness, simplicity, or lack of rationale. Hitler accurately saw that when dealing with the masses one had to overcome their preconceived or instilled prejudices ("subconscious feeling") which could not be overcome by "reason." He scorned the uselessness and

stupidity of "those bourgeois simpletons"* who, once out of their class, had no idea of the way other people thought. There were also quality people in the party who opposed Hitler's style and thought he should speak on a higher level, but Hitler knew that most people would be bored to death by such "shit"--as he referred to it. He understood that the objective of a political speech at a mass meeting was not for the "amusement of people who are already disposed towards" ones ideas but the "winning of the enemies."* Hitler saw, like a religious preacher, that there are basically only two methods of "proselytizing." One is to evangelize the general masses and then work upward. The other is to aim at the elite, or even powerful individuals at the top, and then work down with authority or force. Since the intellectual and privileged classes of any nation make up a very small part of the population, Hitler's speeches were never directed toward them in the hope that the "other classes" would be dragged along. Hitler spoke to the crowd knowing that sooner or later the privileged class would be dragged along. (And in the end, they were.) To attract more of the crowd, the atmosphere at Hitler's meetings had evolved and taken on a natural and easy style. There were very few formalities and the halls began to be decked out with swastika flags and banners. Small amateur bands were formed which livened up the place and lead the audience in singing folk and patriotic songs before and after a Hitler speech. Congenial as the atmosphere was however, everyone knew it was a serious affair. Hitler, like the communists he studied, placed great emphasis on the mass meeting. He knew that the average person is normally fearful of voicing their own opinion in the company of "higher-ups," or they believed the propaganda of higher-ups (which is normally fed to them in the form of "news"). At a mass meeting, Hitler noted, the audience could see "thousands and thousands of people with the same conviction" they held. At that point he wrote, they began to doubt the "truth" of their previous convictions and each "succumbs to the magic influence of what we call mass suggestion....the force of thousands accumulates in every individual."* During these early years, Hitler normally stood off to the side of the speaking platform with friends until the preliminaries were over. After an initial introduction he would straighten up, and with a swift controlled step, walk over and quickly mount the platform. With the poise of the unmistakable soldier* he appeared to stand at attention* until the last remnant of applause had died away. He would stand momentarily gazing out over the audience, studying its makeup, demeanor, and temper. He knew that many of the people present did not share his opinions and that he had only "two hours to lift [them]," as he saw it, "out of their previous convictions, to smash blow by blow the foundations of their previous opinions and finally lead them over to the soil of our convictions and of our view of life."* He would start his speech hesitantly, quietly, making everyone strain to listen. To quickly silence the scattering of opponents who had come to interrupt or heckle, Hitler had found a way to "snatch away," as he put it, their cries of opposition. He had learned to open with themes that nearly no German could disagree with. He would sometimes begin his speech by softly describing the difficulties of the average housewife in procuring food or pointing out other domestic problems that affected her home.* Since

distinguished politicians seldom address such unsophisticated issues, Hitler would often find his first body of support among the wives, sweethearts and sisters of opponents. He would sometimes break the ice with the men by depicting the poverty that honest artisans and workers found themselves in, or he would refer to the rising inflation that was crippling them all. Since even Communist opponents could find little to criticize, many who had come to disrupt the meeting began to listen.* Hitler's opening remarks were not only meant to get his audience on his side but to show them how much they had in common. Nothing troubled Hitler more then the class divisions that existed. He knew that even the small businessman and shop owner considered themselves a "better class" than the general worker. Through his speeches, Hitler attempted to break down the class consciousness of his audience and make them think as "brothers and sisters." Nearly all of his opening themes achieved their purpose but his favorite, and most effective opening was Germany history.* With the overthrow of the monarchy, the new middle-class order had installed their own historians in residence. Old German history was being altered or discarded. Hitler understood that a people without a common history are little more than a mob. In his "brilliantly formulated" speeches,* he used the old history to instill a feeling of longing in his audience. One observer would later refer to the beginning of a Hitler speech as a "kind of historical lecture."* One sentence that usually occurred in the early part of all his speeches was: "When we ask ourselves today what is happening in the world, we are obliged to cast our minds back to..."* Although nearly all history reflects the concepts of the upper-classes (which can loom very weary to the average person), Hitler would portray it in a manner that appealed to the average man. Whatever period of the past he used, he described it in glowing and nostalgic terms which inevitably lead up to the war and the gloom of Germany's "lost honor." Because most of his audience still harbored the feelings that led them off to war eight years before, and still felt the pain of defeat and what they saw as "Allied betrayal," Hitler was able to connect with them. With the audience under his control and feeling out their mood, he would find the right tone, the right note. He knew that a two hour continuous speech by one person could become boring so he had learned to interject anecdotes and humor into his speeches. He used irony people never hear matched. Using his abilities of mimicking, he would also impersonate imaginary opponents, interrupting himself with counter-arguments or questions which his opponents held. After completely annihilating his supposed adversaries he would return to his original line of thought.* The questions not only added richness to Hitler's performance but normally cut off the last hope of his adversaries to heckle or interrupt. After two years of speaking, Hitler would later write, "I was master of this craft."* The gestures Hitler employed were as varied and flexible as his speaking. They were not, as with most politicians, stereotyped uncoordinated movements of body and hands to make the speaker seem potent.* Hitler's hand and body movements were a reflection of his true feelings. On the stage he radiated passion, strength, and especially sincerity. One observer, who had lived in the United States, compared him to former president Theodore Roosevelt who also had "vigor and courage, a vitality and familiarity with all manner of men, with a direct style of action and utterance, which had endeared him to plain folk."* (T. Roosevelt, president of the U.S. (1901-9) was mistrusted by liberals and feared by conservatives; yet, he won the biggest election landslide ever.)

After a while Hitler's voice would rise and his hands would move. As his intensity increased his body would stiffen as his arm swept the area before him. The speech would gather pace, assurance, momentum. His words came faster and faster. Cocking his head, with eyes ablaze, he would stare into the audience while hammering home his beliefs. When he felt his audience was ready, which Hitler acknowledged was the hardest part to determine,* he would strike out against Germany's enemies in a sharp and fierce denunciation. Using a combination of envy, rage and hate, delivered with eloquence and vulgarity,* he gave expression and direction to primal passions.* He would then work the audience up to fever pitch. His body would be "fuming and flailing."* His hand would clutch his heart, move upward with widespread fingers, pierce the air, tremble, and then the whole arm would come thrusting down before him. He would depict a downtrodden Germany with enemies all around her and Communists, Socialists and Liberals tearing the country apart from within. His words would come thundering down upon the audience, overwhelming, subduing, and overcoming all resistance.* Words, sentences, emotions, tumbled over one another leaving spectators awed. He would attack the ruling classes for giving in to the Allies, their class prejudices and their economic system, to the applause of the Left.* He would then attack those who were prepared to destroy Germany's old morals and traditions, to applause from the Right.* He stormed against anyone for desiring the disruption of German tradition. "All these enemies of the people," he declared, "would one day be beseitigt--literally 'removed' or 'done away with.'"* His speeches were filled with words like "smash," "fight," "crush," and "hate." "The day will soon come when the people, the Volk, rises up against the despoilers of Germany," Hitler would cry, "When sixty million people have the one single will to act together in a fanatically nationalist way [they will not need weapons]--the weapons will well up out of their fists...!"* One listener stated: "His words were like a scourge. When he spoke of the disgrace of Germany, I was ready to spring on any enemy....The intense will of the man, the passion of his sincerity, seemed to flow from him to me....he was the man of destiny....I had given him my soul."* Another witness stated that Hitler made him see "Germany trodden in the mud, Its weak government, the nation surrounded by foes bristling with weapons and ready to hurl themselves on us afresh, the people led astray by maundering about peace and the criminal policy of... [Allied demands]."* Suddenly Hitler would stop. Sometimes, when the emotional level was high, he would just stand there, sometimes for minutes, and stare into the audience. The chatter of voices and human movement would have long since ceased under his spell. People sat transfixed, expectant, hypnotized. They stared at Hitler, one man noted, "with wide-open distorted mouths....others, pale desperate, holloweyed....others...quivered with emotion."* One observer noticed others who appeared in a state of "devotional ecstasy."* By now perspiration would be running down Hitler's face and his hair would be plastered to his forehead. His collar (normally fastened with an imitation gold pin)* was visibly soaked. "Whenever I have to make a speech of great importance I am always soaking wet at the end," Hitler would later say. "The only thing

that always worried me was the fact that my only [suit] was a blue one, and it invariably stained my underclothes!"* (Hitler dressed-down to get the lower class, then dressed-up to get the middle class.) Sometimes a large mug of beer would be passed up to him and after wiping the perspiration from his face he would take a deep gulp. "Local custom," Hitler stated, "'insists' on it."* It supplied a touch that all "malt-minded Munichers" could relate to.* Hitler would resume again and reach levels of passion never before witnessed by spectators. He created grand visions of the future and offered assurances of "Germany's future greatness." His sincerity was unmistakable and he would carry the people with him. He fed their emotions, their desires* and he fused the people into a single mass.* Finally he would reach a pitch of almost uncontrollable emotion. "The last eight to ten minutes of a speech resembled an orgasm of words."* He made people believe in themselves and their heritage. He appeared the personification of a mythical hero leader.* For the sake of national survival he would destroy "Jewish-Marxism" and "democratic liberalism." He would then unify "all breeds of Germans"* and restore order and prosperity. All they had to do was follow him and he would lead them to the promised land. By the time Hitler left the platform he had everyone agreeing with everything he said.* Police reports from the time are riddled with, "long raging cheers" and "thunderous applause." Onlookers reported "enthusiastic applause," and "frenzied cheering, hand clapping." Ernst Hanfstaengl, educated at Harvard, aristocratic, and from a rich family of art dealers came away, "really impressed beyond measure."* Otto Strasser noted that Hitler liberates "the mass unconscious, expressing its innermost aspirations, telling it what it most wants to hear."* Critics also fell under Hitler's spell and described his speeches as "intoxicating" and "overwhelming." Even those who hated him were captivated. William Shirer wrote in his diary: "Hitler's voice 'sounds' tremendously sincere and convincing." Konrad Heiden (whose mother was Jewish) stated: "In this unlikely looking creature...there dwelt a miracle: his voice."* Heiden heard Hitler speak many times and wrote: This miserable human nothing could think only in public terms, feel only the feelings of the mass, and when the nothing spoke with the people, it was as though the voice of the people were speaking....One scarcely need ask with what arts he conquered the masses; he did not conquer them, he portrayed and represented them. His speeches are day-dreams of this mass soul; they are chaotic, full of contradictions, if their words are taken literally, often senseless, as dreams are, and yet charged with deeper meaning. Vulgar vilification, flat jokes alternate with ringing, sometimes exalted, phrases. The speeches began always with deep pessimism and end in overjoyed redemption, a triumphant happy ending; often they can be refuted by reason, but they follow the far mightier logic of the subconscious, which no refutation can touch.*

Many times a Hitler speech still had its affect long after Hitler had left the platform. The audience would file out of the meeting halls and carry the emotion with them into the streets. Columns would form and march through Munich singing patriotic songs. Before the meeting ended on the 20th of July in the Circus, Hitler viciously attacked the Berlin government. He accused the politicians, "those swindlers and time-servers,"* of allowing Germany to be exploited by "Jewish-Allied interest." He also lashed out against the anti-Hitler faction which wrote the pamphlet condemning him. What disturbed him most was the charge that he was a Jew working secretly for the Jews.* He had little trouble convincing the audience of his "honor." Although the rumors of Hitler's "Jewish descent" refused to go away,* the meeting was a brilliant success. He had shown Drexler and the Committee where the only strength of the party lay. Over the next few days Hitler pressed the Committee hard to call a special meeting where his demands would be met. Because of the rumors started by the pamphlet, he also demanded a public apology from the anti-Hitler faction. When the Committee balked, Hitler himself called for a meeting of the membership. Drexler, sensing that his days were numbered, went to the Munich police to complain that Hitler had no right to call such a meeting. In attempting to gain sympathy he pointed out that he and his circle were attempting to carry out party aims by "legal, parliamentary procedures," while Hitler and his circle were "aiming at revolution and violence."* The police refused to get involved since it was an inner party matter. Knowing that Hitler's request for "papal" powers would probably be accepted by the rank and file, Drexler began to weaken. Over the next few days negotiations were carried out and little by little Drexler and the rest of the anti-Hitler faction caved in.* During the afternoon of Friday, July 29, 1921 the special meeting finally took place in the hall at the Sterneckerbrau above the party office.* Since Friday was a working day, only 544 party members were present but Hitler was greeted with applause that would not stop.* Hitler's version of the party infighting was so masterful he swung nearly everyone over to his side. He then stated his goals which included the annexation of other parties and not their destruction. His most poignant statement left little doubt as to what he intended to accomplish: We will proceed ruthlessly. The salvation of Germany can be brought about only by Germans, not by parliament, but by revolution.* When the vote was taken 543 members voted to give Hitler dictatorial powers. Only one person (a librarian) voted against him. Few parties ever gave its leader the powers that the Nazi Party gave Adolf Hitler, and they would continue to elect him every year (as original party statutes specified) till he became ruler of all Germany.* Drexler was kicked upstairs to become "honorary chairman for life" and Hitler's inner circle took over all major posts. As in the Church, Hitler had attended as a boy, a "party papacy" began to take shape.*

On the evening of the same day, another mass meeting was held at the Circus Krone. For the first time ever, Hitler was introduced as the Fuhrer.* The next day Hitler wrote a letter to one of his acquaintances and for the first time confidently signed it: "der Fuhrer..."

The End

Continue to: AFTERWARD Top of Page Footnotes:

Afterward
Not long after Hitler became Fuhrer of the party, his activity diminished and Eckart introduced him to the lovely village of Berchtesgaden (left) nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Located near the Austrian border and only a two hour train ride south-east of Munich, Berchtesgaden was a small farming, mining and resort community. Since about 1850 the area had been one of the summer stomping grounds for Germany's royalty and high society. Since W.W.I it had fallen on leaner times. Under the influence of Eckart, Hitler adapted the custom of spending weekends, holidays, and vacations at the mountain retreat. Hitler stayed with Eckart in a house, called the Sonnenhauesl, or as Hitler called it, the "Sonnenkopfl," at Lockstein.* About a year after his introduction to Berchtesgaden, Hitler and a friend made a two mile hike up to Obersalzberg (High-salt-mountain). Dotted with a few small farms and summer guest-houses, the area offered some of the most spectacular scenic views of the German and Austrian Alps. Hitler described the region as "a countryside of indescribable beauty."* He soon began spending most of his free time there and normally took a room at the Pension Moritz.* There (after a stint in Landsberg prison for his attempted coup on Nov. 9, 1923), he would finish the first volume of Mein Kampf. A short walk below the Moritz was the Turken Inn (named after an innkeeper who fought the Turks) where Hitler and his friends enjoyed the "genuine goulash"* and often lingered in one of the small public rooms lost in conversation. It no doubt impressed Hitler to learn that the Moritz and Turken had once been the meeting places of such dignitaries as Prince-Regent Luitpold of Bavaria, the composer Johannes Brahms and even Crown prince Wilhelm of Prussia.* Hitler and his friends soon adopted the old habit of the late 19th century gentry and, weather permitting, donned leisure clothes and took up hiking for entertainment and exercise. On one occasion Hitler and Eckart were hiking up the higher reaches of Hoher Goll mountain and got caught in a storm. They took shelter at the Purtscheller hut (today the Purtscheller haus). The wind was so fierce, Hitler later recalled, "we thought the hut was about to fly away."* Not long after, a new owner took over the Moritz and Hitler became dissatisfied with the service. A stones throw away was the Marineheim and he began staying there. Again he became dissatisfied. Although the wealthy middle class have always spoken out against the "titled aristocracy" they have always done their best to follow in their steps and began to make Obersalzberg one of their stomping grounds. The Marineheim had become their guest house of choice. Hitler, who preferred the company of "unpretentious fellows,"* as he put it, found the clientele "intolerable....A society entirely lacking in naturalness, characters swollen with pretentiousness, the quintessence of everything that revolts us!"* Hitler moved out. Hitler retreated back to Berchtesgaden and his new "free time" retreat tended to be the hotel Deutsche Haus on Maximilian Strasse. He stayed there for two years, "with breaks," and there he wrote the second volume of Mein Kampf.* "I had hours of leisure, in those days," he would later say, "and how many charming friends."*

Hitler's inner circle had grown rapidly after his takeover of the party and soon numbered over thirty. He had patched up the differences between himself and most of the old Committee. Even Drexler accompanied him to Berchtesgaden.* The stunning growth of the party (in 1923 there were 50,000 active members) had everyone optimistic and in high spirits. There were times when Hitler and his circle occupied an entire floor of the Deutsche Haus and they used to gather in one another's rooms or in the cafe. The "booming" of their laughter and voices, Hitler would later recall, "filled the house."* Hitler and his friends also visited other beer gardens and cafes around the town.* As he would later recall: "I was very fond of visiting the Dreimaderlhaus where there were always pretty girls. This was a real treat for me. There was one of them, especially, who was a real beauty."** A short distance north of the Deutsche Haus is Kurgarten where Hitler enjoyed walking his dog. One day, in 1926, a young girl of sixteen, blond, blue-eyed, attractive and "full-bosomed,"* caught his eye. He struck up a conversation and they soon became friends. Her name was Maria "Mitzi" Reiter and she and her older sister ran a dress shop across the street from the Deutsche Haus.* The friendship turned into a flirtation and Hitler invited "Miezel," as he called her,* to a concert. Mitzi's sister protested on the grounds that Hitler was twenty years older than her younger sister, but Mitzi would not be dissuaded. "He [Hitler]" she told her sister, "cuts a fine figure with those riding breeches and that riding crop."* Shortly after, Hitler wisely invited both sisters to a party meeting* at the Deutsche Haus* where he was scheduled to speak. Mitzi later stated that the speech was very "passionate" but she felt uncomfortable because Hitler, as she put it: "kept looking over at our table and fixed his eyes directly on me."* She nevertheless, enjoyed the speech and when she told Hitler, he was "happy as could be." Before the evening ended, Hitler "playfully" fed her cake with his fingers.* Afterward, Mitzi's sister ceased objecting to the budding romance. Over the next few days Hitler and Mitzi drew closer. Hitler compared her blue eyes to his mothers* and it became obvious to her that Hitler interest was much more than just platonic. One day, while on a walk, he suddenly stopped and kissed her. "He was full of wild passion," Mitzi later recounted, and before long they became lovers.* They enjoyed hiking in the woods where, according to Mitzi, they "romped like children."* On one occasion Mitzi was standing near a tree and Hitler stepped back about ten steps and, according to Mitzi, "warned me to stay perfectly still like an artist's model....'A magnificent picture!' he exclaimed....He looked at my legs and at my face. His gaze went up to the top of the tree behind me. Then he stretched both arms out beckoning me to him. 'Do you know who you are now?" Hitler asked. "Now you are my woodland sprite."* After a few meaningless words, Hitler "smothered" her with kisses. "I was so happy," Mitzi later stated, "I wished I could die."* For Christmas they exchanged presents. She gave him some cushions, decorated with swastikas, she had embroidered herself. He gave her an autographed copy of Mein Kampf.* About the only cruel thing Mitzi could remember that Hitler ever did (and historians drilled her hard

looking for it) was that he "whipped" his dog on one occasion. When she reproached Hitler about it, he passed it off as a form of obedience training (his dog had attacked hers) and stated: "That was necessary."* Mitzi had her heart set on marriage but all Hitler would agree to was renting an apartment in Munich where they could live together.* After nearly two years, news of the affair started circulating and it began to negatively affect Hitler's political career. Hitler broke off the relationship* and shortly after, when Mitzi learned that Hitler was seeing another women, she, "in a fit of jealousy," as she put it, attempted to hang herself. She was freed after losing consciousness but survived.* Nearly four years later Hitler still had "Miezel" on his mind and sent Hess to ask her to come to him.* Although she had married an innkeeper in the meantime, she packed her bags, left her husband and ran off to join Hitler who by then was living in a splendid 1st floor, nine room apartment with balcony on Prinzregenten Platz. She tried her best to win him as a husband. "I let him do what he wanted. I was never so happy." she stated.* Hitler still refused to marry her. She returned to her husband but two years later (when Hitler was the Fuhrer of all Germany and Eva Braun was his mistress) she went to him for the second time. Again she attempted to win him back by repeating their earlier tryst.* In one of their conversations she asked Hitler if he was happy. "No," he replied, "if you mean with Eva."* Hitler still refused to marry Mitzi and again they parted. They never saw one another again but Mitzi kept Hitler's letters and a wrist watch he had given her for one of her birthdays.* "Miezel was a delightful girl," Hitler would recollect years later when nearly all of Europe lay at his feet, "[but] there could be no question of marriage for me. I therefore had to renounce certain opportunities that offered themselves."* (When Hitler would learn in 1940 that her second husband had been killed, he sent her 100 red roses.*) In the meantime, Hitler had "fallen in love with the landscape" at Obersalzberg.* "Every day," he would later recollect, "I went up to Obersalzberg, which took me two and a half hours' walking there and back."* It was during his walks that Hitler noticed a little cottage on the side of a hill. Known as Wachenfeld (the maiden name of the builder's wife), the unpretentious cottage sat about a hundred yards below the Turken Inn. The cottage faced north toward Salzburg, Austria and sections of the Austrian Alps could also be seen in the distance. It was this view that appealed most to Hitler; "perhaps," he would later say, "out of nostalgia for my little fatherland."* When he heard that the cottage was up for rent he leased it.* He brought in his half-sister, Angela, who was living in Vienna at the time to "take over the part of mistress of the house." Worried that his political enemies might attempt to get at him through his sister, Hitler "procured two watch-dogs for her." He later stated: "Nothing ever happened to her."* (Hitler really worried about his sisters. As early as 1923 his younger sister Paula added Wolf to her name in order to avoid too close a link between herself and her brother.* There can be little doubt that her new name "Hitler-Wolf" was Hitler's idea.) Hitler later brought Wachenfeld, designed and enlarged it for comfort rather than splendor,* and renamed it the Berghof (Mountain Manor). He owned and maintained

it until his death. Although Hitler also had his rented apartment on Prinzregenten Platz, it was the Berchtesgaden area that he considered his home and whenever possible he retreated there. On the night of Jan. 16th, 1942, when, for over a month, Hitler's armies were being decimated on the snow covered plains before Moscow, Hitler stated: "The Berghof....How I'd like to be up there!...But how far away it is, terribly far!"* That Hitler chose to make the Berchtesgaden area his home is not surprising. The area is not only one of the most beautiful spots in Germany but it harbored the same class of people that Hitler was exposed to in his boyhood towns of Hafeld, Lambach and Leonding. They were the kind of people he felt at ease with and from which he received much of his support. Understanding his popularity among small town people, Hitler adapted the "circus tent" for political purposes to provide adequate room for those in small towns who wished to attend his meetings.* Food and beer was served to create a congenial atmosphere and the tents were usually filled to capacity. With his slogan "a job and bread," people of less modest means and backgrounds continued to flock to the Nazi banner. In 1932 Hitler's party became the largest in Germany, which, under the terms of the Weimar constitution, entitled Hitler to the position of Chancellor. Although the government elite did everything possible to deny Hitler what was rightfully his, on Jan. 30, 1933 he finally took his position. A month later he called for a new round of Reichstag elections to counter those who thought they could "use" him. The party received 44% of the vote. Considering that Germany was awash with over twenty "respectable" parties, including seven major ones, Hitler's success was unprecedented in German voting history. With an alliance with the German National People's Party (headed by upper class Rightists) he achieved a majority of nearly 53%. The outcome produced one of the most optimistic periods Germany had seen in twenty years. The churches, trade unions, non-communist parties and even academic and professional associations hopped on the "national wave."* Party membership climbed to 2,500,000. Shortly after, Hitler was voted dictatorial powers over all Germans. By placing a 6% cap on the profits on industrialists, by instituting huge public works projects, subsidizing home repairs, loans to newlyweds, and other government programs, Hitler was able to put two and a half million of the six million unemployed back to work in less than a year.* By locking up Communist leaders, forming "block watches" across the country, and coming down hard on criminals, the disorder and crime that infected German streets disappeared. Ten months after coming to power Hitler held a "referendum" as to how he was doing and nine out of ten German voters gave him an approval rating.* Although many among the upper classes argued that the outcome was due to "intimidation," they and the Communists seemed to be the only ones who felt intimidated. As Hitler stated: "It was not by using fear inspired by police methods that we National Socialists won over the people, but rather by trying to show them the light and to

educate them."* Nearly the whole German nation (made purer by the Allied policy of stripping away diverse regions after W.W.I) threw themselves behind Hitler. In time, even Hitler's staunchest opponents among "businessmen, academics and other persons of quality" hopped on the band wagon and talked about "changing times." In a 1989 PBS Bill Moyers interview, William Shirer stated that when he was leaving Germany (shortly after Hitler came to power) his elite circle assured him that they would resist the new government. When Shirer returned a few years later, he found them all supporting the "new order." Maybe Albert Speer, who also came from a privileged family, said it best: "...we threw ourselves on our bellies."* Like Mitzi and others from the crowd, "persons of quality"* who Hitler despised,** also ran to him lovingly, "unreservedly and unthinkingly."* In the end, they, like Mitzi, nearly killed themselves for him. But then, wasn't Der Fuhrer their making? Top of Page Footnotes:

Quoted Bibliography (Access to footnotes (designated by an *) can be found at the top and bottom of each main page. "Copy" the last few words before a *, then use your browser's "Find in [or] on This Page," in a "Footnote" section to find source. Two ** indicate additional information.) Ashworth, William. A Short History of The International Economy. London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1960. Binion, Rudolph. Hitler Among the Germans. Northern Illinois University Press, 1984. Bloch, Dr Eduard. "My Patient Hitler." Collier's, March 15 (pp11, 35-37) & March 22 (pp69-72), 1941. Bracher, Karl Dietrich. The German Dictatorship. Trans. Jean Steinberg. NY: Praeger Pub, 1971. Bullock, Alan. Hitler. A Study In Tyranny. NY: Bantam Books, 1961. Burns E M & Ralph P E. World Civilizations. (5th Ed) NY: W W Norton Co, 1974. Cross, Colin. Adolf Hitler. NY: Berkley Medallion Books, 1973. Dawidowicz, Lucy S. The War Against the Jews. NY: Bantam, 1978. DeJonge, Alex. Stalin, and the shaping of the Soviet Union. NY: William Morrow, 1986. Detwiler, Donald S. Germany, A short History. London: Feffer & Simons, 1976. Dietrich, Otto. Hitler. Trans. Richard & Clara Winston. Chicago: Henry Regnery Co., 1955. Dimont Max I. The Indestructible Jews. NY: Signet,1973. -Encyclopaedia Britannica. London/Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 1956. Fest, Joachim C. Hitler. Trans. R & C Winston. NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1974. Flood, Charles B. Hitler-The Path to Power. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1989. Ford, Henry. Jewish Influences in American Life Vol III. Dearborn Mich.: The Dearborn Pub. Co.1921. Gay, Peter. Freud: A Life For Our Time. NY: WW Norton, 1988.

Gilbert, Martin. Atlas of the First World War. U.S.: Dorset Press, 1984. Greenough, Richard. "Then and Now." NY Times Magazine. August 21, 1955. -Grolier Society, The. Lands and Peoples Vol II. NY: The Grolier Society, 1941. Grunberger, Richard. The 12-Year Reich. NY: Ballantine Books, 1972. Grumbrell, Colin. Karl Marx. NY: St. Martin's Press, 1983. Gun, Nerin E. Eva Braun: Hitler's Mistress. NY: Meredith Press, 1968. Halsey, Francis W. The Literary Digest, History of the World War. 10 Vols. NY: Funk & Wagnalls, 1919. Hanfstaengl, Ernst. Unheard Witness. NY: J B Lippincott Co., 1957. Hanisch, Reinhold. "I Was Hitler's Buddy," New Republic, April 5, 12 & 19, 1939. Hanser, Richard. Putsch. NY: Pyramid Books, 1971. Heiden, Konrad. Der Fuehrer: Hitler's Rise to Power. Trans. Manheim & Guterman. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.1944. Hitler, Adolf. Hitler's Secret Conversations 1941-44. Trans. Norman Cameron & R H Stevens. NY: Signet 1961. -----. Mein Kampf. Munich: Zentralverlag der NSDAP. Franz Eher, 1937. -----. Mein Kampf. Trans.James Murphy. London: Hurst and Blackett Ltd., 1942. -----. Mein Kampf. Trans. multiple "sponsors." NY: Reynal & Hitchcock, 1941. -----. Mein Kampf. Trans. Ralph Manheim. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1971. -----. The Speeches of Adolf Hitler, April 1922-August 1939. Trans. Norman H Baynes. NY: Howard Fertig, 1969. Hoehling, A.A. & Mary. The last Voyage of the Lusitania. NY: Dell, 1977. Infield, Glenn B. The Private Lives of Eva and Adolf. NY: Grosset & Dunlap, 1978.

-Internet Movie Database: http://us.imdb.com/search.html/ Jarman, T L. The Rise and Fall of Nazi Germany. NY: Signet, 1961. Jenks, William A. Vienna and the Young Hitler. NY: Columbia University Press, 1960. Jetzinger, Franz. Hitler's Youth. Trans. L. Wilson. Westport Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1976. - Jewish Influences in American Life, Vol III, (H. Ford publication) Mich: Dearborn Publishing Co. Nov. 1921. Kaplan, Lawrence. Revolutions, A Comparative Study. NY: Vintage Books, 1973. King, May & Fletcher. A History of Civilization. NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1969. Knoke, Heinz. I Flew for the Fuhrer. Trans. John Ewing. NY: Henry Holt & Co (Time-Life Wings of War series, no date). Kochan, Lionel. The Struggle for Germany 1914-1945. NY: Harper Torchbooks, 1967. Kubizek, August. The Young Hitler I Knew. Trans. E.V. Anderson. Westport Conn. Greenwood Press, 1976. Lasswell, Harold D. Propaganda Technique in World War I. Mass MIT Press, 1971. Lee, Dwight E. The Outbreak of the First World War, Who Was Responsible. Boston: Heath & Co., 1966. Lefebure, Victor. The Riddle of the Rhine. NY: E P Dutton & Co., 1923. Lipset, Seymour Martin. Political Man. NY: Anchor Books, 1963. March, Francis A. History of the World War. Chicago: United Pub. 1919. Markhan, George. Guns of the Reich. London: Arms and Armour Press, 1989. Maser, Werner. Hitler; Legend, Myth & Reality. Trans. P & B Ross. NY: Harper Torchbooks, 1973. -----. (Maser, Notes) Hitler's Letters and Notes. Trans: A Pomerans. NY: Harper and Row, 1974.

Marx, Karl. Capital. Trans. S. Moore from 3rd German edition. NY: International Pub., 1974. -----. Communist Manifesto. Trans. Samuel Moore. Gateway Edition, 1963. Mosley, Leonard. The Reich Marshal. NY: Dell, 1975. -Newsweek "The 'Bossy' Little Adolf" Page 42, Mar. 16, 1959. Nicholls A. J. Weimar and the Rise of Hitler. NY: St Martins, 1970. -NY Times. Front Page History of the World Wars. NY Times, 1976. -NY Times Magazine. "Then and Now." August 21, 1955. -"Obersalzberg & the 3rd Reich, The." Berchtesgaden: Verlag Plenk, 1982. Palmer, R R. (& Joel Colton (2nd Edition)) A History of The Modern World. NY: Alfred A Knopf, 1961. Passant, E. J. A Short History of Germany 1815-1945. London/NY: Cambridge University Press, 1959. Payne, Robert. The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler. NY: Praeger Pub., 1973. ------. (Payne, Lenin) The Life and Death of Lenin. NY Simon & Schuster, 1964. Phelps, Reginal H. "Hitler and the Deutsche Arbeiterpartei." American Historical Review. July 63, Vol 68 pp974-86. Purves, Alec A. The Medals, Decorations & Orders of the Great War 1914-1918. London: J B Hayward & Son, 1975. Remarque, Erich Maria. All Quiet on the Western Front. NY: Fawcett Crest Books, 1958. Rich, Mabel Irene. A Study of The Types of Literature. NY: D. Appleton-Century Co. Inc. 1937. Roth, Jack J. World War I, A turning Point In Modern History. NY: Alfred A Knopf (Borzoi Book), 1968. Rothrock, George A. Europe: A Brief History. Chicago: Rand McNally & Co, 1971. Russell, Francis. The Horizon Concise History of Germany. NY: American Heritage Pub Co, 1973.

Schoenbaum, David. Hitler's Social Revolution. NY: Anchor Books, 1967. Schramm, Percy E. Hitler: The Man and the Military Leader. Trans. Donald Detwiler. Chicago: Quadrangle Books, 1971. Shirer, William. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. NY: Crest, 1962. Simpson, Colin. The Lusitania. Boston: Little Brown & Co., 1972. Smith, Bradley F. Adolf Hitler, His Family, Childhood and Youth. Stanford University CA: Hoover Institution Press, 1986. Speer, Albert. Inside the Third Reich. Trans. R & C Winston. NY: Collier Books, 1981. -----. (Speer, Spandau) Spandau, The Secrete Diaries. Trans. R & C Winston. NY: Macmillan Pub, 1976. Stearns, Peter N (Editor). The Other Side of Western Civilization. Vol II. NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc, 1979. Stokesbury, James L. A Short History of World War I. NY: William Morrow, 1981. Sulzberger, C L. American Heritage Picture History of W.W.II. Crown Pub, 1966. Taylor, A J P. A History of the First World War. NY: Berkley Medallion Books, 1969. Taylor, Simon. The Rise of Hitler. NY: Universe Books 1983. -Time. "Uneven Romance (Hitler & Reiter)." NY: June 29, 1959. Toland, John. Adolf Hitler. 2 Vols. NY: Doubleday & Co, 1976. -----. (Toland, No Man's Land) No Mans Land. NY: Doubleday & Co, 1980. Toller, Ernst. I was a German. Excerpts in Public Issue Series "Nazi Germany." U.S. HEW/Xerox Corp, 1974-75 Printing. Tschan, Grimm & Squires. Western Civilization Since 1660. NY: Lippincott Co., 1945. Valtin, Jan. Out of the Night. NY: Alliance Book Corp, 1941 (abridged version). Van Loon, Hendrik. Van Loon's Geography. NY: Garden City Pub. Co., 1940.

Waite, Robert G. L. The Psychopathic God--Adolf Hitler. NY: Basic Books Inc. 1977. Walther, Herbert. Hitler. Greenwich CT: Bison Books Corp, 1978. -"Weimar Republic, The." Public Issues Series: "Nazi Germany." U.S. HEW/Xerox Corp., 1975. Wells H G. The Outline of History. NY: Garden City Books, 1961. Questions? Contact: here

Other works (unquoted or not credited) worth noting. Allen, William S. The Nazi Seizure of Power. NY: New Viewpoints, 1973. Baldwin, Hanson W. The Crucial Years 1939-1941. NY: Harper and Row, 1976. Bernstein, Eduard. Evolutionary Socialism. NY: Schocken Books (Paperback Edition), 1970. Carr, Edward H. The Twenty Years' Crisis 1919-1939. Harper Torchbooks 1946. Chalmers, Douglas A. The Social Democratic Party of Germany. New Haven & London, Yale University Press 1964. --"Communist International, The." "Why The Disappointed Demagogue Turns to Fascism." NY: Workers Library Publishers Nov. 1936. Dahl, Robert A. A Preface To Democratic Theory. Uni. of Chicago Press 1970. Deuel, Wallace R. People Under Hitler. NY: Harcourt Brace & Co 1942. Kempowski, Walter. Did You Ever See Hitler? (German Answers...) NY: Avon, Equinox Books 1975. --Encyclopedia Americana. NY 1959. --European History In a World Perspective. Lexington Mass. D C Heath & Co 1975. Goebbels, Joseph. The Goebbels Diaries. Trans. L. P. Lochner. NY: Popular Library 1948.

Hayes, Carlton J. H. A Political and Social History of Modern Europe. NY: Macmillan 1925. --Heimat-Eine deutsche Chronik (Homeland-A German chronicle). Germany: 1984 (16 hour TV miniseries, directed by Edgar Reitz). --Holocaust Years, The. Editors: Charlock & J Spencer. NY: Bantam Books 1981. Hook, Sidney. Marx and the Marxists. NY: Van Nostrand Co (Anvil) 1955. Hofstadter, Richard. Anti-intellectualism in American Life. NY: Alfred A Knopf 1970 Ibsen, Henrik. Peer Gynt. Hollywood: Samuel French Inc 1951. Jomini, Baron De. The Art of War. Westport Conn.: Greenwood Press (1862). Kennan, George F. Russia and the West Under Lenin and Stalin. Boston: Little Brown 1961. Langer, Walter C. The Mind of Adolf Hitler. NY: Basic Books 1972. Lee, Ivy. Present-Day Russia. NY: Macmillan 1928. --Left Wing Intellectuals Between the Wars 1919-1939. Editors, G Laqueur & L Mosse. NY: Harper Torchbooks 1966. Levi, Primo. Survival In Auschwitz. NY: Collier Books 1978. Low [sic]. "Europe Since Versailles (A History in 100 cartoons)." NY: Penguin Books Limited 1940. Manchester, William. The Arms of Krupp. Boston: Little Brown & Co 1968. Manvell, R & Fraenkel H. Adolf Hitler, The Man & The Myth. NY: Pinnacle Books 1977. -----. Himmler. NY: Paperback Library 1968. Marx, Karl and Engels, Frederick. The German Ideology. NY: International Publishers 1978. Matanle, Ivor. Adolf Hitler, A Photographic Documentary. NY: Crescent Books 1983. Milgram, Stanly. Obedience to Authority. NY: Harper Colophon Books 1975.

--Nazi Years, The. Edited by Remak Joachim. NY: Touchstone Book 1986. --New Age Encyclopedia (also published under Encyclopedia International). U.S. & Canada: Grolier 1973. Novak, Michael. The Rise of the Unmeltable Ethnics. NY: Macmillan Paperback Editions 1975. --Rise and Development of Western Civilization, The. Stripp, Hollister, Dirrim & Bauman. NY: John Wiley & Sons 1969. --Rulers of Russia, The. (Denis Fahey.) CA: Christan Book Club 1975. Schuman, Frederick L. Europe On The Eve. NY: Alfred A Knopf 1939. Seaton, Albert & Joan. The Soviet Army 1918 to the Present. NY: Meridian Books 1988. Shirer, William. Berlin Diary. NY: Popular Library 1961. Steuben, John. Labor In Wartime. NY: International Publishers 1940. Strom, Margot Stern & Parsons, William S. Facing History and Ourselves, Holocaust and Human Behavior. Watertown Mass: Intentional Educations Inc 1982. Taylor, AJP. Bismarck. NY: Vantage Books 1967. Taylor, James & Shaw, Warren. The Third Reich Almanac. NY: World Almanac 1987. Toland, John. The Last 100 Days. NY: Random House 1966. Trevor-Roper, HR. The Last Days of Hitler. NY: Macmillan 1947. Van Loon, Hendrik. The Story of Mankind. NY: Pocket Books (Cardinal) 1953. Wilmot, Chester. The Struggle for Europe. NY: Harper & Brothers Publishers 1952.