Why Hitler Joined the German Army

Adolf Hitler's choice to join the German Army over the Austrian Army was driven by a deep-seated love and loyalty towards Germany, which he felt even more strongly than Austria. This decision was influenced by a combination of political convictions, racial ideologies, and practical considerations during a time of war.

Political and Racial Factors

Hitler felt a greater love and loyalty towards Germany than Austria. This sentiment was fueled by his deep-rooted admiration for the German cultural and national identity. As an ardent racist and member of the Pan-German movement, Hitler had a particular disdain for serving alongside Slavs, Muslims, Serbs, Croats, Hungarians, and Jews. The Austro-Hungarian Empire, with its diverse population and patchwork of ethnicities, clashed with Hitler's ideals. It wasn't surprising that when the World War I broke, Hitler evaded the Austrian draft and moved to Germany, where he enlisted in a Bavarian regiment.

The Experience of Joining the German Army

Hitler’s experience with the German Army was initially marked by a sense of mission and purpose. Instead of being deemed unfit for service, as he had been by the Austrian Army, Hitler applied to the Bavarian army and was successful in joining. He served as a runner, an assignment that might seem menial but offered him the chance to serve Germany. On August 1914, he received the Second Class Iron Cross from the recommendation of Lieutenant Gutmann, his closest friend, which Hitler described as the happiest day of his life.

Expectations and Reality of World War I

Hitler, like many young men of his generation, viewed the outbreak of war as a grand adventure. The memory of the Franco-Prussian War, which ended in just seven months, was still fresh in the minds of many, leading them to believe that the current conflict would be similarly brief. Hitler and the Bavarian soldiers were even convinced that they would end up with some of the spoils of war, reflecting their optimistic and naive view of the situation.

However, the actual war turned out to be far different from what they imagined. The war did not end quickly; it became a four-year-long 'meat grinder' as it is often described. This reality diverged significantly from Hitler's initial expectations, which were rooted in romanticized visions of war and the glory of serving his nation.

In conclusion, Adolf Hitler's decision to join the German Army was influenced by his political leanings, racial ideologies, and the practicalities of his time. His service in the German Army marked the beginning of a career that would deeply impact the history of the 20th century.