German Chancellor Adolf Hitler, who served as a corporal during the Great War, spoke as leader of the German people at a great gathering of ex-service men at Kassel. Adolph Hitler addressing the meeting of ex-servicemen in Kassel on June 5, 1939. (AP Photo)
Upon the death of German President Paul von Hindenburg, Adolph Hitler assumed the presidency and also became chancellor. He called for oaths of allegiance from all individuals in the army and navy, essentially making himself dictator. He said he desired to be known not as president, but as "führer and reichschancellor."
