The Merriam- Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines opportunism as "the art, policy, or practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances often with little regard for principles or consequences." An ideologue is defined as "an impractical idealist" or "an often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology." But what happens when a person with strict adherence to the ideology of their creation isn't blindly artisan or impractical? On January 30, 1933 the world found exactly what when Adolf Hitler was named Chancellor of Germany after many years of political struggle. The problem with defining Hitler as on opportunist is that the term implies that he took advantage of circumstances that existed on their own. However, this assumption is incorrect. Hitler, through his strategic use of violence and excellent understanding of the value of propaganda, made his own opportunities. On the other hand, it was his beliefs and values, however twisted they migh!
             t have been, that were his true source of power which led him to be the leader of the German "Third Reich."
             Hitler's beliefs were something he gained early on in life. While a young man, struggling to make a living in Vienna and other cities, Hitler gained a strong sense of nationalism. Yet his nationalism extended beyond borders of state to include all "Germans." Even though he himself was of Austrian birth he saw all people of a certain culture as German. During the time before World War I, he moved about from boarding house to boarding house formulating his ideas and eking out a living. It would be the "Great War" which engulfed Europe that ultimately spurred Hitler's rage and true ability to captivate the people of "his" nation the way he did.
             When the war erupted in June 1914 it gave many men the chance to "prove" themselves and fight for their countries. ...