LIFE.com

Exclusive

Hitler's Humble Beginnings

Adolf's Schoolmates, 1945

Adolf's Schoolmates, 1945

Two of Adolf Hitler's shoolmates from his early days pose for Hugo Jaeger in Fischlham, Austria. Jaeger, who intimately and enthusiastically documented the Nazi's rise to power, was keen to capture the Fuhrer's "Germanic" heritage. For his part, Hitler was a mediocre student, and keenly embarrassed by that fact. In his adult years, he often viciously mocked intellectuals and academics.

Photo: Hugo Jaeger./Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Jan 01, 1945