Jacob Otto Dietrich Party and statesman of Nazi Germany, Reichsleiter Date of Birth: 31.08.1897 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Jakob Otto Dietrich
2. Early Life and Education
3. Career in Journalism
4. Role in the NSDAP and SS
5. Government Positions
6. Contribution during World War II
7. Post-War Years

Biography of Jakob Otto Dietrich

Jakob Otto Dietrich was a prominent figure in Nazi Germany, serving as a party and state official. He held various positions within the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) and the Imperial Government, including Reichsleiter, press secretary, and later, the Chief of Press of the NSDAP and President of the Imperial Chamber of Press.

Early Life and Education

Dietrich was born in Essen, Germany, into a merchant family. He attended a real gymnasium until 1914, and in March 1915, he volunteered for military service and participated in combat actions on the Western Front. By 1918, he had been promoted to the rank of officer and was awarded the Iron Cross for his bravery. After the war, Dietrich returned to his studies, attending universities in Munich, Frankfurt, and Freiburg. He obtained a doctorate degree in political economics from the University of Freiburg.

Career in Journalism

Following his university studies, Dietrich worked as a trade assistant at the Chamber of Commerce in Essen and edited the commercial section of the newspaper "Essener Allgemeine Zeitung." In 1928, he was transferred to Munich by the newspaper management and became the head of the stock exchange department at the nationalist publication "München-Augsburger Abendzeitung." He also worked as a correspondent for the newspaper "Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten." Dietrich's interactions with nationalists led him to join the NSDAP in 1929. Upon returning to Essen, he became the editor of the newly established Nazi publication, the "National Gazette," and actively collaborated with the National Socialists in various capacities, including consultations and facilitating interactions with Rhineland industrialists.

Role in the NSDAP and SS

In 1931, Dietrich assumed the position of deputy chief editor of the "Essener National Zeitung." That same year, he became the head of the Imperial Press Service and the press secretary of the NSDAP. On December 24, 1932, Dietrich joined the SS. Under his leadership, the Imperial Press Service became a key component of the Reichsleiterschaft, the Imperial Leadership of the NSDAP. He was responsible for public relations and oversaw most of the party's press. Dietrich had exclusive rights to issue directives on party matters. When Adolf Hitler came to power on January 30, 1933, all German press fell under Dietrich's control.

Government Positions

In 1936, Dietrich became a member of the Reichstag, and on November 26, 1937, he assumed the position of press secretary for the Imperial Government. Six months later, in April 1938, he became the State Secretary of the Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. Dietrich often clashed with Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. While serving as a State Secretary, Dietrich was Goebbels' immediate subordinate, but their ranks within the NSDAP were equal. According to Goebbels himself, he exerted as much effort in fighting Dietrich as Hitler did with his generals.

Contribution during World War II

During World War II, Dietrich was responsible for overseeing the interpretation of events on the frontlines in the German press. On July 20, 1944, through his personal channel of communication with Goebbels, Dietrich successfully prevented an assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler.

Post-War Years

As the war neared its end, Goebbels convinced Hitler to remove Dietrich from his position as Chief of Press. On May 18, 1945, British forces arrested Dietrich, and he was later tried by the American Tribunal in Nuremberg, receiving a seven-year prison sentence. However, on August 16, 1950, based on the decision of General John McCloy, Dietrich was released.