Hitler, Adolf

Adolf Hitler was the leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP, Nazi Party) and the dictator of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. Elected democratically, Hitler and the NSDAP quickly consolidated power and led the government to enable Hitler to claim dictatorial authority over the Nazi regime as Fuehrer ("Leader") of the Third Reich.

A virulent antisemite, Hitler blamed the Jews for all the problems facing Germany. His policies aimed at the removal of Jewish populations in order to create “living space” (Lebensraum) for Germans. Hitler's mad goal was formulated into the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question,” a plan to exterminate the Jews of Europe. Under Hitler’s leadership, Nazi Germany systematically murdered approximately six million Jews in mass shootings and killing centers, and through starvation and forced labor in concentration camps. Facing defeat in May 1945, Hitler committed suicide.