Mein Kampf

Mein Kampf

Who: Adolf Hitler

What: “My Struggle” The autobiography and political manifesto of Hitler. Written while he was in jail. Combining anti-Semitism with anticommunism, the book set out at great length the popular theory that Germany had been betrayed by its enemies and that the country needed strong leadership to regain international prominence. 2 volumes

Where: Germany

When: written in 1924; published in 1925; the second volume was published in 1926

Why: Hitler underwent something of an epiphany with regards to his use of violence: from now on everything was to be ostensibly legal. Having chosen this new move, Hitler felt that he needed to make sure that the public knew what he stood for, so began to dictate a book.

Significance: Despite its obvious anti-Semitism, people still claimed to be surprised by Hitler’s attack on the Jews. People still voted him into office as chancellor despite these anti-Semitic views.