Centuries later, the name Adolf Hitler is still talked about to this day: discussed in history books, talked about among intellectuals and commoners, and despised by many for years to come. Hearing his name, many may think of all the negative things Hitler did, but few can analyze how one man created such controversy within a nation without being arrested. The question then is how can one man rule a country and devastate it for years? Adolf Hitler, a man who excelled in persuasion and charisma, was able to rule Germany for years. Born in Austria on April 20, 1889, Hitler grew up with many difficulties in his life. Being of military origin, Hitler's father ruled his household with an iron fist. This may have affected Hitler more negatively than usual. His father soon died in his early teens, and Hitler was raised by a single parent, his mother. At first Hitler was not very interested in school, he seemed disengaged, nonchalant and rebellious, his true passion was being an artist. Unfortunately, after numerous failed attempts at art school admission, Hitler's hopes of one day becoming an artist remained a dream. Continuing to live without formal education was a bit harsh for Hitler. His beloved mother, now diagnosed with a form of cancer and soon to die as well, Hitler was forced to survive by recreating postcard scenes and living off the small pension he earned from them. To avoid military service in Austria, Hitler moved to Munich just as World War I began. Appreciating German customs and traditions, he soon became a member of the Bavarian-German army. Although he showed himself to be very courageous among his compatriots, Hitler did not progress to the high...... middle of paper ...... his citizens, it can be said that he showed others nations the true powers of Germany, and if he had continued to fulfill his mission, Germany could have been prosperous. It's fair to say that people are entitled to their own opinions, but a leader is one who works with others to grow and succeed. As for Adolf Hitler, not only did he oppress and exploit the German people, but his mentality also ruined populations and generations of people. Children, David. Germany since 1918. St. Martin's Press NY 19802. Davidson, Eugene. The defeat of Adolf Hitler. University of Missouri Printing Office. 19963. Fritzsche, Peter. Germans who became Nazis. Harvard University Press 19984. Geary, Dick. Hitler and Nazism. Routledge. 19935. Haffener, Sébastien. The meaning of Hitler. Macmillan Publishing Co. 19796. Irving, D. Hitler's War. London Press 1977