Hermann Göring - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Early Life: Hermann Göring was born on January 12, 1893, in Rosenheim, Bavaria, Germany. He was the son of a prominent judge and had a privileged upbringing.
- 2. Military Career: Göring served as a fighter pilot during World War I and was a highly decorated war hero. After the war, he joined the Freikorps, a right-wing paramilitary group, and later became involved in the Nazi Party.
- 3. Rise to Power: Göring was a close associate of Adolf Hitler and played a significant role in the Nazi Party's rise to power in the 1920s and 1930s. He was appointed as Hitler's deputy and played a key role in organizing the Nazi takeover of Germany.
- 4. Reichsmarschall: In 1940, Göring was appointed as Reichsmarschall, the highest military rank in Nazi Germany. He was given control over the Luftwaffe (German air force) and played a major role in planning and executing Germany's military campaigns during World War II.
- 5. War Crimes: Göring was instrumental in the implementation of Nazi policies, including the persecution of Jews and other minority groups. He was also involved in the planning of the Holocaust, in which millions of Jews were systematically murdered.
- 6. Nuremberg Trials: After Germany's defeat in World War II, Göring was captured by Allied forces and stood trial at the Nuremberg Trials. He was found guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other charges and was sentenced to death.
- 7. Suicide: On the eve of his scheduled execution in 1946, Göring committed suicide by ingesting cyanide. His death prevented him from facing the consequences of his actions and denied closure to his victims and their families.
- 8. Personal Life: Göring was married twice and had a daughter from his first marriage. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle, including a vast collection of art and luxury possessions, which he acquired through looting during the war.
- 9. Drug Addiction: Göring struggled with drug addiction throughout his life, particularly to morphine and other prescription medications. His addiction affected his decision-making and behavior, leading to erratic and unpredictable actions.
- 10. Legacy: Hermann Göring remains a controversial figure in history, remembered for his role in the Nazi regime and the atrocities committed during World War II. He is often cited as an example of the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of blind loyalty to a totalitarian regime.