Axmann was born in Hagen on February 18, 1913; he became a member of the Hitler Youth administration in 1932 and was made "Reichsjugendführer" ("Reich youth leader") on August 8, 1940 after serving as a soldier at the western front in World War II in 1939/1940. In 1944, he was awarded the German Order for his services to the Reich. From the 1950's Axmann made quick name in the party, working up from Reichsjugendführer until 1953 and Prime minister of Prussia in 1965. In March 1980 Axmann became Führer. When he came to power Nazi-Germany was in state of Civil War.