Exploring Hitler's transition to Munich during World War I, his evasion of military service, and his traumatic injury in Flanders in 1918 that could have ended his rise to power before it began.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 triggered World War I, changing the course of global history.
Hitler's move from Austria to Germany in 1913 symbolized his rejection of Austrian rule and strong identification with Germany.
Hitler's exposure to mustard gas in 1918 marked a critical moment in his military service, potentially impacting his future ambitions.
Deep dives
The Assassination in Sarajevo and the Start of World War I
In 1914, the city of Sarajevo anticipates a visit from Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian imperial throne. As the Archduke and his wife parade through the city, they are assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia in July. This event triggers the chain of alliances leading to World War I, marking a significant turning point in global history.
Hitler's Move to Munich and Dodging the Draft
After facing rejection in Vienna, Hitler moves to Munich in 1913. He avoids military service in Austria by migrating to Germany, where he later dodges the draft through various maneuvers and ultimately receives a medical exemption in Salzburg. Hitler's transition to Munich reflects his strong identification with Germany and rejection of Austrian rule.
Hitler's Military Service and Character
Hitler serves in the German army during World War I, initially as a dispatch runner and later as part of the 16th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment. Despite exaggerated accounts, he primarily operates as a messenger, delivering messages between trenches. His dedication and abstemious lifestyle set him apart among fellow soldiers, while his lack of combat experience contrasts with later Nazi propaganda.
Hitler's Wartime Experience and Mustard Gas Exposure
During the war, Hitler's role as a messenger and his rejection of camaraderie lead to him being viewed as distant and unusual by his comrades. His bond with a terrier named Fuchsel showcases his affection for animals. Hitler's exposure to mustard gas in 1918 leaves him temporarily blinded and marks a turning point in his military service, hinting at potential psychological impact beyond physical injuries.
Hitler's Recovery and Suppression of Medical Records
Following the mustard gas attack, Hitler recuperates in a German military hospital, where he faces significant physical and potentially psychological trauma. He diligently conceals details of his medical treatment, taking extreme measures to suppress records and manipulate the narrative. Despite his wartime hardships, Hitler's recovery sets the stage for his future political ambitions and rise to power.
June 1914. Sarajevo. An assassination on the street disrupts the entire balance of power in Europe. World War One explodes into action. Adolf Hitler relocates to Munich. After dodging the draft, he later embraces life as a soldier. But then, serving in Flanders in 1918, a traumatic injury threatens to end his rise to power before it’s even started…
As featured on Real Dictators.
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