What did Hitler want to be when he grew up? This question has intrigued historians and scholars for decades, as it delves into the early life and aspirations of one of history’s most notorious figures. Adolph Hitler, born on April 20, 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria, was a complex individual whose ambitions and desires played a significant role in shaping the tragic events of the 20th century.
Hitler’s early life was marked by hardship and a lack of direction. After his father’s death in 1885, his mother struggled to make ends meet, and Hitler was often left to his own devices. Despite his lack of formal education, he showed a keen interest in art and literature, which would later become central to his political ideology. However, his aspirations were not immediately clear, and it seems that he had a variety of dreams for his future.
One of the earliest indications of Hitler’s ambitions can be found in his letters to his mother. In a letter dated May 19, 1907, he expressed his desire to become an artist, writing, “I have a talent for art, and I want to become a painter.” This dream was fueled by his admiration for the works of famous painters like Gustav Klimt and Wilhelm Leibl. However, his lack of financial resources and the rejection of his application to the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts in 1907 put an end to his aspirations of becoming a professional artist.
Disheartened by his artistic endeavors, Hitler turned his attention to other pursuits. He became fascinated with the military and even tried to join the Austrian army, but was rejected due to his poor health. This setback further fueled his resentment towards the Austrian government and its treatment of the German-speaking population. It was during this time that Hitler began to develop his political beliefs, which would eventually lead him to become the leader of the Nazi Party.
In the years that followed, Hitler’s ambitions evolved from a desire to become an artist to a desire to reshape Germany and the world. He envisioned a Germany that was powerful, united, and free from the influence of the Treaty of Versailles. As his political aspirations grew, so did his ambition to become the leader of this new Germany. In 1921, he took over the leadership of the Nazi Party, and from that point on, his ambition to become the Fuhrer was unwavering.
In conclusion, what did Hitler want to be when he grew up? The answer is not straightforward, as his aspirations evolved throughout his life. Initially, he dreamt of becoming an artist, but his rejection from the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts and his subsequent experiences led him to pursue a career in politics. By the time he rose to power, his ambition was to become the Fuhrer of a powerful and united Germany. It is this ambition, coupled with his ruthless pursuit of power, that ultimately led to the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust.
