Hermann Göring
Hermann Göring (1893–1946) was a German Nazi leader, First World War fighter ace, and one of Adolf Hitler’s most powerful subordinates.
Hermann Göring (1893–1946) was a German Nazi leader, First World War fighter ace, and one of Adolf Hitler’s most powerful subordinates. He played a central role in the Nazi regime, including the creation of the Gestapo and the buildup of the Luftwaffe, and was convicted of major war crimes at the Nuremberg Trials before dying by suicide in 1946.
Early life and military career
Göring was born in Rosenheim, Bavaria, on 12 January 1893. He served as a fighter pilot during the First World War and became a highly decorated ace. His military fame helped establish his public profile after the war.
Rise in the Nazi Party
After meeting Adolf Hitler, Göring became an early Nazi supporter and rose rapidly through the party. He held senior positions in the SA, the Reichstag, and the Prussian government during the Nazi takeover of power.
Role in the Third Reich
Göring became one of the most powerful men in Nazi Germany, serving as head of the Luftwaffe and overseeing major parts of the regime’s security and economic apparatus. He was associated with the formation of the Gestapo and the expansion of state repression.
Second World War and downfall
During the Second World War, Göring’s influence declined as German military fortunes worsened, especially after Luftwaffe failures. He was captured by Allied forces in 1945 and later brought before the Nuremberg Trials.
Nuremberg and death
The International Military Tribunal convicted Göring of crimes including conspiracy, crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. He was sentenced to death by hanging but died by suicide with poison shortly before the execution was to take place.
Key facts
- Göring was a decorated German fighter pilot in the First World War before entering politics.
- He joined the Nazi Party in the early 1920s and became one of Hitler’s closest allies.
- He helped consolidate Nazi control in Germany and was involved in establishing the Gestapo and the Nazi police state.
- He was tried at the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg and found guilty on all four counts.
- He was sentenced to death by hanging but died by suicide with poison shortly before the execution was to take place.
For Canadian readers, Göring is most relevant as a central figure in Nazi Germany and a defendant at the Nuremberg Trials, which shaped postwar international criminal justice and were closely followed in Allied countries, including Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Hermann Göring?
What was Göring’s role in Nazi Germany?
Was Hermann Göring convicted at Nuremberg?
How did Hermann Göring die?
Was Göring a World War I pilot?
References
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hermann-GoringSupports: Birth and death dates, Nazi leadership role, Luftwaffe command, Prussian offices, and death by suicide.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Hermann-GoringSupports: Overview of Göring’s rise in the Nazi Party, roles in the regime, and Nuremberg conviction.
- New York State Department of Financial Services — https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/holocaust_claims/perpetrators_methods/bio/hermann_g%C3%B6ringSupports: Capture by U.S. troops, Nuremberg convictions, and suicide before execution.
- PBS — https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/goebbels-goring/Supports: First World War flying ace background, Nazi Party rise, Prussian Interior Ministry role, and postwar capture and trial.
- Yad Vashem — https://wwv.yadvashem.org/odot_pdf/Microsoft%20Word%20-%206309.pdfSupports: Nazi leadership role, Gestapo connection, Luftwaffe command, conviction, and suicide.