This paper offers a developmental perspective of Adolf Hitler who rose to power from a man who occupied seemingly insignificant political positions to become the unchallenged leader of Germany until his death (Wiesel, 1998). His dictatorial governmental policies that led to the elimination of political opponents and his hatred of the Jews can be traced back to his childhood influences, developments and experiences (Langer, Murr, Kris & Lawin, 1968). The significance of these influences will be explored in the discussion of the background of Hitler. Furthermore, two theories of personalityùMaslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Erikson's Eight Stages of Manùwill be applied to the discussion of Hitler.
In a comprehensive psychological analysis of Hitler, Langer et al. (1968) illuminated the negative effects of Hitler's home conditions on Hitler's childhood development from a very young age. Although Hitler's father was a civil servant who held a respected position and sought to draw attention to his title from others, he was a drunkard who spent all of his money on drinking and physically abused his wife frequently at home. To Hitler as a child, his father was a poor role model who displayed two irreconcilable facades: a civil servant who commanded authority and obedience and a bully who victimized his wife and children who were unable to fend for themselves. Without a consistent and positive father-figure to guide him in his development, Hitler conceived of the outside world and the people (based on his impressions of his home) as highly dangerous, unjust and unpredictable even in his adulthood.
Furthermore, to compensate for the loss of a father-figure who could guide in him in his development, Hitler spent much of his adult life searching for substitutes such as his army commanders or political party leaders. However, by placing these individuals on a pedestal, Hitler was often frustrated by their failure to live up...