News of Hitler’s death started spreading among German radio stations on May 1, 1945, one day after he committed suicide within the Führerbunker.
The reports were quickly picked up by western outlets as well. Coming straight from German sources, the first reports indicated erroneously that he had “died at his command post ‘fighting up to his last breath against Bolshevism.’”
This day in history:
Adolf Hitler kills himself alongside Eva Braun in the Führerbunker, as Soviet troops close in on the bunker and take control of Berlin.
Within days the city was captured and the war in Europe had ended.
Taken two days before his death, the photograph above was the last photo taken of Hitler alive, as he peered outside the bunker which he had occupied continually since January of that year.
April 30, 1945 - 67 years ago today.
“Adolf Hitler addresses a rally of the SA (Sturmabteilung - paramilitary stormtroopers).
North Rhine-Westphalia, 1933.”
This day in history:
Adolf Hitler is released from Landsberg Prison, serving less than one year of his original five year sentence stemming from the Beer Hall Putsch; a failed attempt at revolution.
During his time in prison he dictated his book Mein Kampf to Rudolf Hess. Hitler received fan mail from his supporters as well as preferential treatment from prison guards.
While imprisoned he also bought a Mercedes limousine.
December 20, 1924 - 87 years ago today.
Adolf Hitler: Time Magazine’s man of the year for 1938.
Hitler speaking from an open window inside the Reich Chancellery to an adoring crowd, on the day he became Chancellor.
Berlin, Germany - January 30, 1933.
A vintage news bulletin announcing the death of Hitler.
Although he had in fact died, his death was erroneously reported as a stroke rather than suicide.
May 1, 1945 - One day after Hitler’s death
Hitler addressing members of the Reichstag and Nazi Party at the Kroll Opera house in spring of 1938.
It was also at this venue that he would announce his plans for the Holocaust, declare war on the USA, and give himself dictatorial powers to oversee Germany.
Hitler on the day of his release from Landsberg Prison.
After a failed coup attempt Hitler was sentenced five years in prison, but he would end up serving just over one year before his release.
During his time in prison he dictated his book Mein Kampf to Rudolf Hess. Hitler also received lots of fan mail from his supporters as well as preferential treatment from prison guards.
Perhaps most outrageous of all, while imprisoned he bought a Mercedes limousine.
December 20, 1924.
