Hermann Göring: The Rise And Fall Of A Nazi Leader (1893-1946)

Hermann Göring was a prominent figure in Nazi Germany, known for his leadership in the Nazi Party and his role in establishing a totalitarian state. His life story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power, addiction, and complicity in war crimes. Through his rise to power, we can gain insights into the complex nature of leadership during one of history's darkest periods.

Who Was Hermann Göring?

Hermann Göring was a leader of the Nazi Party, playing a significant role in the establishment of the Nazi police state in Germany. He was responsible for creating concentration camps intended for the "corrective treatment" of individuals deemed undesirable. In 1946, he was indicted by the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg for war crimes, and though condemned to hang, he took his own life by ingesting cyanide the night before his execution.

Early Life, Nazi Party and World War I

Born in Rosenheim, Germany, on January 12, 1893, Göring was trained for a military career and commissioned as a pilot in 1912. His military service during World War I was notable, but after the war, he transitioned to a career as a commercial pilot. In Denmark and Sweden, he met baroness Carin von Kantzow, who divorced her husband to marry him in February 1923.

Two years before marrying Carin, Göring had met Adolf Hitler and joined the National Socialist German Workers' (Nazi) Party. As a former military officer, he quickly gained command of Hitler's stormtroopers, known as the SA. He participated in the ill-fated Beer Hall Putsch in November 1923, which sought to overthrow the Weimar Republic.

During the failed putsch, Göring sustained severe injuries and became addicted to morphine, a struggle that plagued him for the rest of his life. After the failed coup and a period of exile, he returned to Germany in 1927 and was readmitted to the Nazi Party.

World War II

By 1934, Göring's influence had grown significantly. His Gestapo and the SS executed the "Night of the Long Knives," eliminating 85 political opponents and consolidating Nazi power. His close association with Hitler propelled him into key positions, including commander of the Luftwaffe, Germany's air force, in 1935.

In 1939, Hitler named Göring his successor, marking a high point in his career. However, as the war progressed and the Allies advanced, Göring's position weakened. In April 1945, he tried to seize power from an increasingly isolated Hitler. This act of defiance led to his house arrest and eventual surrender to American forces after Hitler's suicide.

Trial and Death

Awaiting trial for his war crimes, Göring managed to overcome his morphine addiction. He represented himself at the Nuremberg Trials, denying involvement in the regime's atrocities. Despite his defenses, he was sentenced to death, having pleaded for a firing squad instead of hanging.

On October 15, 1946, as his execution loomed, Göring took a cyanide capsule, escaping the gallows. His death marked the end of a controversial and tumultuous life, illustrating the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral failure.

Key Takeaways

Göring's story serves as a reminder of the complexities of human behavior and the potential for individuals to become embroiled in systems of oppression. It challenges us to reflect on our own moral choices and the impact of leadership on society.