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Hitler: A Global Biography by Brendan Simms

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Hitler: A Global Biography

by Brendan Simms

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2929 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	870 pages

Brendan Simms's Hitler: A Global Biography is a comprehensive and ambitious work that seeks to provide a definitive account of the life and career of one of the most infamous figures in history.

Simms argues that Hitler was not simply a product of German history and society, but a global figure whose actions had a profound impact on the world. He traces Hitler's rise to power, from his early years in Austria to his appointment as chancellor of Germany in 1933.

Simms also examines the impact of Hitler's regime on Germany and the world, including the Holocaust, World War II, and the Cold War. He argues that Hitler's legacy continues to shape the world today.

The Early Years

Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria. His father, Alois Hitler, was a customs official, and his mother, Klara Pölzl, was a peasant. Hitler had two younger siblings, a brother, Edmund, and a sister, Paula.

Hitler's childhood was marked by tragedy. His father died when he was three years old, and his mother died when he was fourteen. Hitler was raised by his aunt, Johanna Pölzl, and his maternal grandmother, Franziska Matzelsberger.

Hitler was a poor student, and he left school at the age of sixteen. He worked as a manual laborer and a draftsman before moving to Vienna in 1907 to pursue a career as an artist.

World War I and the Rise of Nazism

Hitler was deeply affected by World War I. He served in the German army and was wounded twice. He was awarded the Iron Cross for bravery, but he was also deeply disillusioned by the war.

After the war, Hitler returned to Vienna and became involved in politics. He joined the Nazi Party in 1919 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1921, he became the party's leader.

Under Hitler's leadership, the Nazi Party grew rapidly. It appealed to Germans who were angry and frustrated with the Treaty of Versailles, which had ended World War I. The party also promised to restore Germany to its former glory.

The Nazi Regime

In 1933, Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany. He quickly consolidated his power and established a dictatorship. The Nazi regime was based on the principle of Führerprinzip, which meant that Hitler was the supreme leader of Germany.

The Nazi regime was a period of terror and oppression. The Nazis persecuted Jews, communists, and other minorities. They also established a system of concentration camps, where millions of people were killed.

In 1939, Hitler launched World War II by invading Poland. The war lasted for six years and resulted in the deaths of millions of people. Germany was defeated in 1945, and Hitler committed suicide.

Hitler's Legacy

Hitler's legacy is complex and controversial. He is one of the most reviled figures in history, and he is responsible for the deaths of millions of people. However, he is also a figure of fascination, and he continues to inspire debate and discussion today.

Hitler: A Global Biography is a valuable contribution to the literature on Hitler. Simms provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of Hitler's life and career, and he offers new insights into his motivations and actions. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Hitler and the impact of his regime on the world.

Brendan Simms's Hitler: A Global Biography is a magisterial work that provides a definitive account of one of the most important figures in history. Simms offers a nuanced and balanced portrayal of Hitler, and he provides new insights into his motivations and actions. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Hitler and the impact of his regime on the world.

Hitler: A Global Biography

by Brendan Simms

4.4 out of 5