For most people, the Holocaust evokes feelings of empathy for the victims and anger toward the persecutors. The Holocaust, defined as “the systematic annihilation of six million Jews by the Nazi regime,” began with the rise of Nazi Germany (“A Historical Summary”). When the Germans lost the First World War, the Jews were to blame. Anti-Semitism, or hatred of Jews, spread like wildfire throughout the nation. Hitler came to power with the idea of ​​a master race, which led to the persecution of many across Europe in what became known as the Holocaust. Although many contributed to the Holocaust, Adolf Hitler remains considered the main catalyst. Born in Austria, Hitler came from humble roots and poor parents (Byers, Overview 23). Adolf decided at an early age to become an artist, as he received the best grades in his elementary school art class. Soon after entering secondary school, Hitler dropped out due to poor grades. After his rejection from art school, Hitler continued to live with his mother until her death. At the age of nineteen Hitler had no education, but he needed money, so he traveled looking for any available work. At this difficult time in his life, Adolf Hitler decided to become an anti-Semite (24). With the start of World War I, Hitler became a German soldier at the age of twenty-five (23-25). His time in the army led Hitler to pursue a career in politics. With Hitler's new political goal, he joined the Nazi party. Quickly reaching the top, Hitler was soon elected “Führer” or leader of the party. Adolf first attempted to gain power in the "Beerhouse Rebellion". He led supporters to Berlin where the uprising was quickly put down. Charged with treason, Hitler …… middle of paper …many innocent lives were lost in vain, including 5 million non-Jews (“Holocaust”). When Adolf Hitler came to power, Europe was trapped in chaos as millions of Jews and other groups suffered persecution at the hands of the Germans. Works Cited Altman, Linda J. The Holocaust, Hitler, and Nazi Germany. Berkeley Heights, NJ: EnslowPublishers, Inc., 1999. Print.Byers, Ann. The Holocaust camps. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, Inc., 1998. Print.- - - . The overview of the Holocaust. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, Inc., 1998. Print. "Holocaust". Compton of Britannica. 01 August 2011: np SIRS Discoverer. Network. 19 February 2012. "The Holocaust: a historical summary". Beyond the Wall of Memory. November 1993: 5-10.SIRS Discoverer. Network. February 19, 2012. Yeatts, Tabatha. Holocaust survivors. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, Inc., 1998.Print.