In September Adolf saw no real reason to stay in high school. He left school at age sixteen. In 1907, Hitler left home, taking with him all the money left behind by his father, who had died a few years earlier. The money would be enough for tuition and board at the art school in Vienna. The Vienna School of Fine Arts had strict entrance requirements. He made no effort to get a job. Hitler tried again to apply to art school. He was judged very poorly and wasnt allowed to take the formal exam. Hitler's drawings were returned saying they were "too wooden and too lifeless." He was rejected. He tried three months later and did not get past the preliminary exam. His career as an artist was over. His mother died two months later on December 21, 1907.Hitler moved into an apartment with his friend in Vienna. He pretended to be a student living off his relatives money. He read many books and sat in on the Austrian government sessions. He loitered about the streets and was hungry. He painted water postcards and sold them on the streets. He drew several advertising posters for such things like soap, cigarettes, and deodorant. Hitler became interested in politics and read many articles about politics. In 1913, Hitler moved to Munich. His life was not much better there until the World War I started in 1914. On August 1, 1914, a huge, enthusiastic crowd including Hitler gathered in a big public plaza in Munich; the occasion was to celebrate the German proclamation of war. While many people were frightened and sad at the thought of a world war, Hitler was delighted. Hitler volunteered for the German Army, enlisting in a Bavarian regiment. He held the rank of corporal, and in forty-seven battles he served on the Western Front as a dispatch runner, delivering messages back and forth between the front lines and the officers in the rear. His courage during one of these missions earned him the Iron Cross, a highly prized medal for bravery th...
