Adolf Hitler: Dark Horse of the Century

If all evil and hate this century can be symbolized by one figure, it would not be Satan, but a funny, middle-aged man with a mustache named Adolf Hitler. Just when civilization in this world seemed commonplace, especially among the most technologically advanced countries, Hitler showed the world how inhumane and immoral mankind can be. With the slaughtering of many, notably the 6 million Jews and others, Hitler was indeed a leader gone wrong. Hitler's rise to the top was achieved through total legitimacy. He gained support during Germany's economic crisis and won loyalty from the workers. His book, Mein Kempf, written during his brief imprisonment for trying to revolt, exemplified many of the core beliefs which would later became a harsh reality. His anti-Semitic feelings were radical from the start and his visions on conquering the world and establishing a thousand-year Reich was frequently used to stir up the crowd's emotion. Hitler was an orator with charm and hypnotic powers. He captured the attention of his people and gained their full support. In 1918, Hitler came into full power when his Nazi party won the ballots in Germany. He soon transcended to the top and became the Führer of Germany. Under fascist rule, Germany believed it had everything in the world to gain, and thus began the 12 years in which Hitler became the greatest threat to freedom on Earth. One might ask why Hitler was not stopped earlier from his pursuits or even assassinated. After many nations realized that they were too late in stopping Hitler, for Hitler had evaded punishment by making false promises, they believed that all would be settled without a war. However, war began as Hitler became more aggressive in gaining territory. Soon, he had brought the United States into the war along with Great Britain and France. The Allies, as the anti-Hitler nations were called, pitted against Hitler and his Axis Powers, consisting of Germany, Italy, and Japan. This came to be known as World War II and what appeared to be a clear path for Germany to dominate soon faltered as Hitler became an erratic and unstable ruler with an obsession to kill Jews rather than supply his army. His crazy behavior influenced the outcome of the war and ultimately led to his suicide. Hitler is no man to praise or follow, but he taught us that taking principles to extremities would result in the most inhumane act of all - the murdering of millions of innocent people. However, he shocked the world and will have a lasting impact on how we measure the immorality in mankind. He was a leader with overwhelming influence, but he turned such talent as a tool for evil, and therefore became the dark horse leader of the century. § by Peter Kang       Go back to main page