Hitler

Adolf Hitler’s 12 years a ruler of Germany led to the deaths of millions in World War II and earned him the crown of one of history’s most hated villains.

With a passion for art and the penchant to be an architect, young Adolf Hitler spent many years in Vienna. After dropping out of school at the age of 16, he earned his bread by selling paintings on postcards to locals and tourists alike. Without the support of his father in his pursuits, he ran out of money and resorted to living in a homeless shelter. Sun evidence suggests that Hitler was exposed to a great deal of anti-Semitism during his time there, as the city had a large Jewish community. It helped to foster his evolving ideology.

Hitler went to Munich, Germany in 1913 and was fascinated by the art and architecture of the place. However, while he fed his aesthetic hunger, he also joined the Bavarian Army in World War I and served in France and Belgium under Ludwig III. He received a badge for a wound he received from enemy fire.