How Did Adolf Hitler Die? The True Story Discussed

Adolf Hitler’s death on April 30, 1945, indeed marked the conclusion of a particularly grim chapter in human history.

As the Soviet forces encircled Berlin and Allied forces closed in from the West, Hitler chose to end his life in his underground bunker, bringing the Nazi regime to a dramatic end.

Before this, Hitler had positioned himself as Germany’s “savior” in the wake of the country’s defeat in World War I and the punitive terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

His message resonated with many Germans who were struggling through the economic hardships of the Great Depression and the humiliation of perceived national decline.

Promising a return to greatness, Hitler and the Nazi Party exploited these grievances, ultimately leading to their rise to power in 1933.

Once in power, Hitler’s regime enacted policies based on extreme nationalism, militarism, and racial ideology, which led to widespread persecution, the outbreak of World War II, and the Holocaust—a genocide that resulted in the deaths of six million Jews and millions of others.

The end of his life brought an end to the Nazi vision for Europe and set the stage for the reconstruction of Germany and Europe in the post-war era.

On April 29, 1945, Adolf Hitler took deliberate steps to prepare for his suicide in the face of the impending Soviet capture of Berlin.

He ordered the destruction of his personal papers and had a cyanide capsule tested on his dog, Blondi, to ensure its effectiveness. This was partly to prevent Blondi from being discovered by the Soviets.

Despite the practical reasons for testing the poison on Blondi, Hitler was deeply distressed by her death, revealing his emotional attachment to the dog.

On the morning of April 30, 1945, as the Red Army closed in on the Führerbunker, Eva Braun was heard crying and expressing her desire to remain with Hitler rather than escape.

At that stage, escaping was nearly impossible due to the encroaching Soviet forces.

Hitler had his final meal, which was pasta with tomato sauce, while Joseph Goebbels attempted to persuade him not to go through with his plan to commit suicide. Despite these efforts, Hitler remained resolute in his decision.

“Doctor, you know my decision,” Hitler said to Goebbels. “There is no change! You can of course leave Berlin with your family.”

Goebbels would not — and neither would his family. Not long after Hitler’s suicide, Goebbels and his wife would kill themselves — and their own children as well.

Hitler assembled his personal staff and shook everyone’s hand. Braun also said her goodbyes. To one of Hitler’s secretaries, Braun said,

“Please do try to get out. You may yet make your way through. And give Bavaria my love.”