During World War I, the German Empire was one of the Central Powers that ultimately lost the war. It began participation with the conflict after the declaration of war against Serbia by its ally, Austria-Hungary. German forces fought the Allies on both the eastern and western fronts, although German territory itself remained relatively safe from widespread invasion for most of the war, except for a brief period in 1914 when East Prussia was invaded. A tight blockade imposed by the British Navy caused severe food shortages in the cities, especially in the winter of 1916-1917, known as the turnip winter.
- Hitler was devastated when he heard the news of the German surrendering
- he was appalled at the anti-war sentiment among the German civilian
- He believed there was an anti-ware conspiracy that involved the Jews and Communists
- He also felt that the German military did not lose the war, but that the politicians (mostly Jews) at home were responsible for the defeat