Written By Vivaan Sanghvi (Grade 8)
“Never forget the essence of your spark!”
A historical leader whom I admire very much is Adolf Hitler, the German dictator from the 1900’s. Born in Austria, he moved to Vienna to study fine art. At the start of World War 1, he was enlisted in the Bavarian army. Hitler had stayed in many different cities in Germany including Munich. However, at the end of the war, he was living in a bunker in Berlin. Hitler is remembered as the person who started the World War 2. But most importantly he wanted to eradicate all the Jews because he hated them. Hitler was a very racist leader. He not only hated the Jews but the Romanians as well. During the Second world war, large numbers of Jews were killed. This was known as the Holocaust and is one of the largest mass killings in the world. One important achievement was the rapid economic recovery of Germany in the 1930s. Following the Great Depression, Hitler’s government initiated extensive public works programs, including the construction of the Autobahn, which helped reduce unemployment and stimulate the economy. This era also saw advancements in infrastructure and technology, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries. Though Hitler was a tyrant during World War 2 he helped Germany regain their economy.
What I most admire about Hitler was his determination to expand Germany and make it a larger empire. He used a tactic called Blitzkrieg where he used tanks to quickly take over enemy territory. One of the best things that Hitler had done was to initiate the project of the Autobahn- the German highway. When Germany fought World War 2, over thirteen million soldiers fought for the Nazi party. Most of them were under the age of twenty. However, what I don’t agree with, is how Hitler treated the Jews. Instead of sending them to concentration camps just because he didn’t like their religion, he could have left them with the yellow stars on their shirt or even made an exclusive place in Germany for them to stay. Hitler should have also not been that violent when he took over other European nations. Hitler’s invasions led to the formation of the allies which were Britain and France but if Hitler had just made alliances with other countries, then he would have a greater chance of taking over Europe as the other nations fighting for him. If Hitler had made this one simple change, history would have been a different chapter all together. The only thing I would change about Hitler’s rule would be his dictatorship. Instead of just ruling Germany on his own he should have had a group of people or a group of counsellors who would help him out and make decisions. More people would have different opinions on how to do certain things that would give Hitler a chance to consider their advice and probably make better decisions about the welfare of his people.
Hitler was not born a brutal tyrant. He became one. His hands are stained with the blood of millions and the devastation that followed the Holocaust. Behind the horror, lay a man, who wanted to become an artist. How ironical is was that he painted the canvas with the blood of millions instead of colours.
Featured Image Courtesy – The Globalist
Hi Vivaan,
Your article is a very interesting read.Your
analysis of such a complex historical character is commendable. Your writing style is both lucid and effective. Congratulations in taking this initiative.
When you reach the school leaving or college entry level, I suggest you read this book
“Hitler – A study in tyranny” by Alan Bullock
You will find it interesting. Anyway congrats again and keep your creative instincts alive.
Jayshree, just read the article by Vivaan… great , at such a tender age, to write so beautifully… God bless- Rajni Jhunjhunwala
Jayshree,Vivaan has perceived the essence of Hitler so well and expressed his opinion so beautifully..he has a bright future ahead..God bless him- Vrinda Kanoria
Very intelligent kid to be able to write so thoughtfully all the best to him- Sadhana Agarwal
Yes the credit also goes to the parents too.Vivaan is intelligent and focused guided well by his parents.God bless you- Meena Bansal
Jayshri pl read this to Vivaan I tried to send the comment but could not do it
Congratulations Vivaan for writing such a nice article expressing your interest and views about past history great job keep it up May God bless you with such inspiration and efforts to come up in life- Meena Mehta
The writing is remarkable—mature and thought-provoking. It offers a fresh perspective on Hitler, one that most of us have not even considered. I hope he continues nurturing this incredible talent! 👍👏👏
Ruchira Ajmera
Very well written…. Would love meet him & know, as to why he admired hitler, a man not very popular.- Rita Punwani
Jayshree besides the whole article. My favorite was his last para, very well written 👌🏼congratulations! God bless him🤗- Sangeet Sood
A very well written article Jayshree!!
Congratulations!!- Anushree Kajaria
A very good read .Didn’t know about is role as an economist and autobahn contributor! Unfortunately the creation of allies and the sending of jews to Israel has lead to the present wars.the Palestinians and jews have equal rights to their lands But unfortunately politics and politicians have their own game to play.So well written. A good read. Written with great thought n investigation.- Lina Jairath
So methodically explained ..and his perception of the artist vs tyranny is so well felt . 👍👍👍good one- Sucheta Mehr
Very well properly researched and written 💕Enjoyed reading it …and a big Thankyou for upgrading my knowledge about Adolf Hitler.🤗- Nutan Jayaswal
13 year old and such a great storyteller. Keep up your good work, kiddo. You are very creative and imaginative. Please pass on my message to Vivan.🤗- Namita Agarwal
Jayshree a very well written article…His take on Hitler is amazing 👏 👏
Congratulations to Vivaan- Anuradha Bhagat
Dearest Vivaan
You have the knack & ability to change our thoughts over a man like Hitler,who in the pages of history is shown as a tyrant,but you made us all see a positive side of him,which was an eye opener for most of us.
Keep up the research & the writing
All the best always-lots of love Dadi
Hi Vivaan,
It’s wonderful to see someone your age engaging with history and writing about such a complex topic. You’ve clearly put thought and effort into your article, and it’s great that you’re trying to understand the past. When writing about someone like Hitler, though, it’s important to think about how his actions hurt so many people and to focus on the lessons we can learn from that. History can teach us a lot about kindness, fairness, and how to make the world a better place for everyone. Yes, people make mistakes and can be many things at once, but the kind of terrible things people like Hitler do cannot be excused, no matter what else they do or are. We cannot admire them. There are lots of better people in the world to admire, even those who have made mistakes.
Keep exploring and writing—you’re off to a great start, and I’m excited to see where your curiosity takes you!”
To the adults guiding Vivaan,
I appreciate that you’re encouraging young writers to engage with history and express their thoughts. However, this article raises concerns about how complex and sensitive topics like Adolf Hitler are being discussed without the necessary framing. For instance, suggesting that Jewish people could have been segregated in ‘separate places’ rather than sent to concentration camps still presents segregation as an acceptable solution, which is troubling. It misses the broader point that systemic discrimination and racism are fundamentally unjust at any level.
Additionally, characterizing Hitler’s racism and violence as ‘mistakes’ risks downplaying the deliberate and ideologically driven nature of his crimes. Praising certain aspects of his rule, like the Autobahn or military tactics, without properly contextualizing the atrocities of his regime, could unintentionally glorify a deeply harmful figure.
As mentors, it’s important to guide young writers toward a more nuanced understanding of history, ensuring that their work emphasizes the immorality of such actions while fostering critical thinking. Adding editorial guidance or disclaimers for sensitive topics could help frame these discussions responsibly. Thank you for fostering Vivaan’s curiosity, and I hope this feedback is helpful.”
Hi Hima…
First and foremost, thank you for the feedback/ suggestions and thoughts. This will really help Vivaan and give him a different perspective.
We all understand the deeds and works of Hitler. However, as parents we are trying to teach children not to use words like ‘hate’. That is why the word ‘mistake’ is used.
The topic itself proposes the writer to suggest how he could handled a situation if he was in place of Hitler.
All leaders, whether good or bad come with their baggage. Even a great leader like Gandhi was not faultless.
Thank you once again for taking out the time to not only read but give such a wonderful feedback 😊
Please excuse the errors
Interesting take. It’s a thought and debate provoking one. I admire your clarity of thoughts.
Wow !!! How nicely Vivaan has expressed about Adolf Hitler !!!
I do agree with his views where he honestly explained the good and bad of this person . Appreciate Vivaan style of writing and my congratulations to him and you too for giving good values to him in life !!!!
Congratulations once again !!!
Very well written Vivaan, very interesting article, u have pen down the good side of him for his country which is not there in the history, except the mass killing of Jews which was inhuman, keep it up dear & keep writing like this
Interesting perspective indeed. Yes he had potential to do great things but his mass murder of the jews was enough to banish him to the depths of hell as far as history will tell. Very well multi dimensional article.