Adolf Hitler's reaction to the death of his mother, Klara Hitler, in 1907, is often described as deeply emotional and traumatic for him. Klara had been a significant figure in Hitler's life, and her death profoundly impacted him, marking a key emotional event in his early years.
Background on Klara Hitler’s Death
Klara Hitler, Adolf's mother, had been suffering from breast cancer for several years, and her health had been deteriorating. Hitler was very close to her, and her illness weighed heavily on him. He had been caring for her during her final days, and her death occurred on December 21, 1907. She was only 47 years old at the time of her passing.
Hitler's Emotional Response
Grief and Suffering:
Hitler's response to his mother's death was one of deep sorrow. He was reportedly devastated by the loss and had a hard time coping with the event. It is said that he was so affected by her passing that he withdrew into himself for a period and appeared to lose interest in his usual activities. His biographers suggest that this event may have had a lasting emotional impact on him, possibly influencing his later relationships and behavior.
Emotional Trauma:
Some accounts suggest that Hitler never fully recovered from his mother's death and that it had a profound effect on his emotional development. He had already faced significant struggles earlier in his life, such as the death of his father, and Klara’s death seemed to compound these losses. There are reports that he had an intense attachment to her, which was compounded by her nurturing role in his life.
The Role of His Mother's Death in His Psychology:
Various historians and psychologists have speculated that the loss of his mother may have been a pivotal moment in Hitler's psychological development. Some have suggested that it could have played a role in shaping his later tendencies toward authoritarianism and his obsessive control over his personal life. His emotional attachment to Klara could have influenced his relationship with women in later years, including his detachment from the idea of a traditional family.
Hitler’s Actions After Her Death:
After Klara's death, Hitler did not attend her funeral. Some historians believe that he felt emotionally overwhelmed and chose to retreat from society. He moved to Vienna, where he continued to struggle with poverty and the loss of his mother. This period marked a time of personal and professional failure, as he had not yet found success in his artistic pursuits or political activities.