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Hermann GoringPolitical, statesman and military figure, Reichsmarschall, 'Nazi number two'
Date of Birth: 12.01.1893
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- German Göring: The Notorious Nazi and Luftwaffe Commander
- The Nazi Movement and Rise to Power
- Post-1933 and the Third Reich
- Downfall and Post-War Life
German Göring: The Notorious Nazi and Luftwaffe Commander
Early Life and Military CareerGerman Hermann Göring was born on January 12, 1893, in Rosenheim, Bavaria. His father, a close friend of Otto von Bismarck, had served as the governor of German South West Africa. Inspired by his family's military heritage, Göring pursued a military career. After graduating from the military academies of Bonn and Heidelberg, he served as an officer in the Prussian army.
In 1914, World War I erupted, and Göring eagerly transferred to the nascent air force. He initially served as an observer and later as a pilot in reconnaissance and bombardment squadrons. By the autumn of 1915, he had become a fighter pilot, earning the distinction of shooting down one of the first British "Handley Page" heavy bombers. When he himself was shot down by British fighters, he sustained wounds in his leg and hip, but soon returned to action and was appointed commander of the 27th Fighter Squadron.
By early 1918, Göring had achieved 21 confirmed aerial victories and received the prestigious "Pour le Mérite" order, Germany's highest military honor. In April 1918, he took over command of the famous No. 1 Fighter Squadron, formerly led by Manfred von Richthofen, known as the "Red Baron."
The Nazi Movement and Rise to Power
Göring was demobilized in 1919, still holding the rank of captain. After struggling to find employment, he stumbled upon Adolf Hitler and the nascent Nazi Party in 1922. Impressed by Hitler's oratorical skills and anti-Versailles Treaty rhetoric, Göring wholeheartedly pledged his allegiance to the party.
Göring's military experience and prestige made him a valuable asset to the Nazi movement. In 1923, he became the leader of the Sturmabteilung (SA), the Nazi paramilitary wing. Under his command, the SA transformed into a formidable force, aiding in Hitler's rise to power in 1933.
Post-1933 and the Third Reich
Göring's role in the Nazi regime became crucial. He served as President of the Reichstag, Minister of Interior for Prussia, and Reich Minister for Aviation. He was instrumental in establishing the Gestapo, Germany's notorious secret police, and the first concentration camp at Oranienburg.
In 1935, Göring became the Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, tirelessly working to build up Germany's aerial power. He oversaw the development of advanced aircraft and the training of pilots, transforming the Luftwaffe into one of the most formidable air forces in the world.
By the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Göring had become the second most powerful figure in Nazi Germany after Hitler. He was responsible for directing the Luftwaffe during the Blitzkrieg campaigns, which initially brought stunning victories for Germany.
Downfall and Post-War Life
However, the Luftwaffe's fortunes turned during the Battle of Britain, and Göring's reputation suffered. His addiction to morphine and other substances exacerbated his erratic behavior and decision-making.
After Germany's surrender in 1945, Göring was arrested by the Allies. He was charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg Trials. Göring initially refused to recognize the court's jurisdiction but later apologized for his actions and responsibility for Nazi atrocities.
On October 15, 1946, Göring was sentenced to death by hanging. Two hours before his execution, he committed suicide by ingesting cyanide.
