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Today’s History Lesson marks an event witnessed by none, assisted by few, but celebrated by millions. On April 30, 1945, Mr. and Mrs. Adolf Hitler (one day after tying the knot) committed suicide. Eva took a cyanide capsule, as did Adolf, who simultaneously shot himself. And thus was ended the life of one of history’s greatest tyrants. Their bodies were removed from bunker deep below the Chancellery, placed in a bomb crater, doused with gasoline, and burned.
But suicide had not been the original plan for Hitler. Many of his staunchest supporters had suggested, and even started preparing, escape before the Russians reached Berlin. There was talk of retreat to the Bavarian mountains and a final stand in the redoubts there. And South America offered a possible refuge and a place to start anew.
But on April 22, 1945, after yet another tirade against his Generals, Hitler decided to take his life. So with the Russians just down the street, Hitler did just that…and the mass exodus began. Like rats on a sinking ship, the “citizens” of the Chancellery scattered, hoping to somehow escape. Quite a few did make their getaway, many more did not.
Recommended Reading: Hitler: A Study in Tyranny
