Hermann Esser Follower of Hitler, journalist, politician and Gruppenführer Date of Birth: 29.07.1900 Country: Germany

Biography of Hermann Esser

Hermann Esser was a follower of Hitler, journalist, politician, and group leader. Born on July 29, 1900, in Röhrmoos, Kingdom of Bavaria, he served as an editor for the newspaper 'Völkischer Beobachter' from 1919, which later became the official publication of the Nazi Party. Esser was known for his journalistic skills, oratory abilities, and tactical expertise.

Esser joined the German Workers' Party (DAP) in November 1919, becoming the first representative from the social-democratic movement to join the party. He later became the second member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), alongside Dietrich Eckart, Christian Weber, Julius Streicher, and Ernst Röhm. They were considered Hitler's five main followers, with Hitler acknowledging their dedication and praising their influence.

In 1923, Esser played a significant role in the Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup attempt led by Hitler. Despite being sentenced to three months in prison for his involvement, Esser remained blindly loyal to Hitler. Until 1933, he held the position of editor and worked in the Munich city council. He served as a member of the Bavarian Parliament, the Bavarian State Minister, and the head of the Munich State Chancellery.

In 1934, Esser's political influence declined due to a scandal surrounding his divorce and his affair with Frau Strasmeier. However, with Hitler's intervention, he was able to obtain a divorce and married Anna Bachherrl, who gave birth to his son. Despite his anti-Semitic views, Esser continued his political career, holding various positions within the NSDAP, including State Secretary in the Imperial Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda.

After World War II, Esser was considered a minor accomplice of the Nazi regime during the denazification process. He was imprisoned by the Americans from 1945 to 1947. It was not until 1949 that the new German authorities classified Esser as a "major criminal" and sentenced him to five years in labor camps. He regained his freedom in 1952.

Hermann Esser passed away on February 7, 1981, at the age of 81, in Dietramszell, Bavaria.