Adolf Hitler

[Franconicus]

I know that there has been a lot about the most evil dictator of all times, but I still have one question and I am sure some will be able to help me.

I know Hitler served in WW1 at the western front. After the end of war he soon became member than leader of the NSDAP and then 'Führer'. He was responsible for the death of many million. Now my question is, did he ever kill one personally, not in WW1, but maybe in the time between the wars. I know there was a lot of politically motivated murdering and he was the leader of the most radical and chriminal party, but did he very kill someone by himself?

[Vuk]

The MOST evil dictator of all time? That is disputable...there are just so many to choose from. :P

[Riedquat]

Himself? Geli Raubal?

[Beskar]

Papa Doc, Pol Pot and many others were just simply insane.

[Fisherking]

I know that there has been a lot about the most evil dictator of all times, but I still have one question and I am sure some will be able to help me.

I know Hitler served in WW1 at the western front. After the end of war he soon became member than leader of the NSDAP and then 'Führer'. He was responsible for the death of many million. Now my question is, did he ever kill one personally, not in WW1, but maybe in the time between the wars. I know there was a lot of politically motivated murdering and he was the leader of the most radical and chriminal party, but did he very kill someone by himself?

I have heard speculation that he may have killed a female cousin but I don’t think there is much proof.

But you know he was a vegetarian and an anti-smoker and you know how those people can be.

[PanzerJaeger]

I have never read any solid evidence that he ever personally killed anyone, which matches his character. Unlike many other dictators who relished in killing their perceived enemies, it was always a sacrifice Hitler made for Germany. Hitler did not want to kill off the SA leadership, but their split with the SS threatened the party and his vision. Hitler did not want to kill off the Jews, but they were infecting German society and the Allied nations would not take them. He saw himself as making necessary decisions others were too weak to make - a good man suspending his morals in a time of great national crisis. The psychology behind it all is fascinating.

Your best bet is WW1, but his task precluded much time for engaging the enemy. Runners often did not even carry rifles. I haven't read Mein Kampf in many years, but I do not recall him mentioning killing people.

[Veho Nex]

Yes, he killed his dog.

[Beskar]

He killed himself and his mistress.

[Riedquat]

Hitler did not want to kill off the Jews, but they were infecting German society and the Allied nations would not take them. He saw himself as making necessary decisions others were too weak to make - a good man suspending his morals in a time of great national crisis. The psychology behind it all is fascinating.

Poor Adolf! He was a good man, everybody misunderstood him... especially those infectious Jews...

Note: perhaps I'm to tired and I'm missing something very simple, I find your statement outrageous at the least...

[drone]

PJ is talking about the rationality/mental excuses Hitler made in his mind for his decisions.

Apart from the dog/mistress, I don't think he killed anyone with his own hands. Which fits, he always liked having his underlings do the dirty work.

[Riedquat]

PJ is talking about the rationality/mental excuses Hitler made in his mind for his decisions.

Apart from the dog/mistress, I don't think he killed anyone with his own hands. Which fits, he always liked having his underlings do the dirty work.

Oh, I see... then I apologize for the misunderstanding

[Conradus]

I have never read any solid evidence that he ever personally killed anyone, which matches his character. Unlike many other dictators who relished in killing their perceived enemies...

I thought that was a common treat for a lot of dictators. Just look at Robespierre, essentially a salon scientist, but he instituted one of the most bloody periods in French History.

[Beskar]

Oh, I see... then I apologize for the misunderstanding

Your reply is I thought of as well, when I read Panzer's post.

[PanzerJaeger]

Oh, I see... then I apologize for the misunderstanding

No problem.

I thought that was a common treat for a lot of dictators. Just look at Robespierre, essentially a salon scientist, but he instituted one of the most bloody periods in French History

I was speaking more of 20th century dictators, most of whom were consumed only with personal power. Hitler was a bit more complicated than, say, Stalin or Hussein. Robespierre is an excellent example of the kind of 'ends justify the means' delusions Hitler indulged in, though.

He killed himself and his mistress.

IIRC, Eva committed suicide via cyanide.

[Fragony]

Oh, I see... then I apologize for the misunderstanding

It looked pretty bad.

Anyways, Sebastian Haffner is one of the best historians on WW2 Germany and Hitler in particular, really recommend his work (dunno about any translations)