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Young Lenin, Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao, and Kim: The Early Years of the World's Most Notorious Dictators

Roland Hayes

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Published in Before Evil: Young Lenin Hitler Stalin Mussolini Mao And Kim

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In Young Lenin, Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao, and Kim, acclaimed historian Robert Service examines the early years of six of the most notorious dictators of the 20th century. Drawing on a wealth of new research, Service provides a fascinating and revelatory look at the childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood of these men who would go on to shape the course of history.

Before Evil: Young Lenin, Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao, and Kim

by Brandon K. Gauthier

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6071 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1726 pages

Service's book is a major contribution to our understanding of these complex and enigmatic figures. He shows how their early experiences shaped their later political views and actions, and he provides a fresh perspective on the origins of some of the most destructive ideologies of the 20th century.

Young Lenin, Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao, and Kim is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, or the human condition. It is a powerful and disturbing reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of fighting for freedom and democracy.

The Early Years of Lenin

Vladimir Lenin was born in Simbirsk, Russia, in 1870. His father was a school inspector, and his mother was a doctor. Lenin was a bright and inquisitive child, and he excelled in his studies. He was also a passionate reader, and he developed a deep interest in politics and social justice.

In 1887, Lenin's father died suddenly. This event had a profound impact on Lenin, who became increasingly radical in his political views. He joined a revolutionary group and began to organize protests against the Tsarist government.

In 1895, Lenin was arrested and exiled to Siberia. He spent three years in exile, but he continued to write and organize. In 1900, he escaped from Siberia and went to Western Europe, where he continued his revolutionary activities.

The Early Years of Hitler

Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria, in 1889. His father was a customs official, and his mother was a homemaker. Hitler was a sickly child, and he was often bullied by his classmates. He was also a poor student, and he dropped out of school at the age of 16.

After dropping out of school, Hitler moved to Vienna, where he lived in poverty. He worked as a painter and a laborer, and he spent much of his time reading and studying. In 1913, Hitler joined the Nazi Party, and he quickly rose through the ranks.

In 1914, World War I broke out. Hitler volunteered for the German army, and he fought on the Western Front. He was awarded the Iron Cross for bravery, and he rose to the rank of corporal.

The Early Years of Stalin

Joseph Stalin was born in Gori, Georgia, in 1879. His father was a shoemaker, and his mother was a washerwoman. Stalin was a sickly and introverted child, and he was often teased by his classmates. He was also a poor student, and he dropped out of school at the age of 14.

After dropping out of school, Stalin worked as a laborer and a factory worker. He also became involved in revolutionary politics, and he joined the Bolshevik Party in 1899.

In 1902, Stalin was arrested and exiled to Siberia. He spent five years in exile, but he continued to write and organize. In 1912, he escaped from Siberia and went to St. Petersburg, where he became a leading figure in the Bolshevik Party.

The Early Years of Mussolini

Benito Mussolini was born in Predappio, Italy, in 1883. His father was a blacksmith, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Mussolini was a strong and athletic child, and he excelled in sports. He was also a good student, and he went on to study political science at the University of Bologna.

In 1910, Mussolini joined the Socialist Party. He quickly rose through the ranks, and he became a leading figure in the party. In 1914, World War I broke out. Mussolini supported Italy's entry into the war, and he served in the army.

After the war, Mussolini became disillusioned with the Socialist Party. He founded a new party, the Fascist Party, in 1919. The Fascist Party quickly gained popularity, and Mussolini became Prime Minister of Italy in 1922.

The Early Years of Mao

Mao Zedong was born in Shaoshan, China, in 1893. His father was a wealthy peasant, and his mother was a devout Buddhist. Mao was a bright and inquisitive child, and he excelled in his studies. He was also a passionate reader, and he developed a deep interest in politics and social justice.

In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty. Mao joined the revolutionary movement, and he fought against the warlords who were trying to divide China.

In 1921, Mao helped to found the Chinese Communist Party. He quickly rose through the ranks, and he became the party's leader in 1935.