If a man was treated differently as a child, could millions of innocent lives be saved? Many people say that our childhood affects who we become. Michael Jackson once said, “We are all products of our childhood. » Adolf Hitler's childhood and young adult life may have influenced why he started the Holocaust, and it could have been avoided if he had been treated differently. Hitler experienced a callous adolescence and a difficult adult life. If his teenage life had been different, the Holocaust could have been avoided early on. It is commonly believed that Hitler's childhood influenced who he became. Of the six children of Alois Hitler and Klara Polzl, only Adolf and his sister survived childhood (Hitler Youth – The Childhood of Adolf Hitler). Alois had a previous wife who gave birth to a son who was put in prison for theft (Trueman). Hitler's father's reasoning for being restrictive and abusive was that he wanted Adolf to have a better life than his half-brother (Trueman). As a civil servant, Alois wanted Adolf to grow up to be one as well (Trueman). He was against the idea of ​​Adolf becoming an artist (Adolf Hitler: Early Years, 1889-1913). Alois died when Adolf was only thirteen years old (Trueman). Two years later, after his academic performance gradually deteriorated, he dropped out (Trueman). However, after Alois' death, Hitler persuaded his mother to allow him to pursue his dream of becoming an artist (Adolf Hitler: Early Years, 1889-1913). Nevertheless, Adolf Hitler had a very difficult childhood, but it would only get worse. Adolf Hitler's adult life included many other trials and struggles as he progressed. Hitler followed his artistic aspirations and applied to the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna...... middle of paper ......o everyone, regardless of race or religion. We must be observant and ensure that no individual ever has excessive power. We must realize that the small decisions we make can make a big difference in the lives of others and in our society. Treating a child differently could harm or save millions of innocent lives. Works Cited “ADOLF HITLER: EARLY YEARS, 1889-1913.” United States Holocaust Museum. United States Holocaust Museum, June 10, 2013. Web. November 14, 2013. “Hitler Youth – The Childhood of Adolf Hitler.” Hitler's children. Maya Productions. Internet. November 14, 2013. Trueman, Chris. “Adolf Hitler.” Adolf Hitler. History learning site, nd Web. November 18 2013. .