Hitler’s antisemitism was shaped by the widespread anti-Jewish sentiment in Europe, particularly in Vienna, where he lived as a young man. He capitalized on these prejudices, blaming Jews for Germany’s defeat in World War I, economic hardships, and other societal issues. By using Jews and other minorities as scapegoats, he was able to unite and mobilize his followers.

In Mein Kampf, Hitler described history as a racial struggle, promoting the idea of Aryan superiority while portraying Jews, Slavs, Roma, disabled individuals, and others as threats to his vision of a “pure” German society. His ideology was influenced by pseudoscientific racism and eugenics, which he used to justify policies of persecution and genocide.

Nazi propaganda reinforced and amplified these ideas, systematically dehumanizing targeted groups. This allowed for widespread discrimination, persecution, and ultimately, the Holocaust. Hitler’s actions were not impulsive; they were deeply rooted in his ideology and strategically used to gain and maintain power.