Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler (1889–1945) was an Austrian-born German politician who became dictator of Germany. After serving in the German Army during World War I, he joined the German Workers’ Party, later renamed the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi Party), and rose to its leadership. In 1923 he led the failed Beer Hall Putsch and was imprisoned, during which he dictated *Mein Kampf*. Appointed Chancellor in 1933, he consolidated power and became Führer, establishing a totalitarian regime. His rule initiated World War II in Europe and drove the Holocaust. Hitler died by suicide in Berlin in 1945.