Hermann Goering

Hermann Goering was a prominent leader in the Third Reich, known for his close friendship with Hitler and his influential role in Germany during World War II.

War Figure

January 12, 1893

Capricorn

October 15, 1946

53

Rosenheim, Bavaria, Germany

Hermann Goering was a prominent Nazi politician and military leader during World War II, best known for his role as commander-in-chief of the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe, and his involvement in establishing concentration camps. He was also a key figure in the Beer Hall Putsch, the Reichstag fire, and the founding of the Gestapo secret police. Additionally, Goering was known for his extensive stolen art collection.

Before his rise to prominence, Goering was a trained pilot who flew combat missions as a fighter pilot in the German Air Force, the Luftstreitkräfte, during World War I. He eventually became a squadron commander, which significantly influenced his later military career and leadership of the Luftwaffe in World War II. Goering was also an avid hunter and owned a large hunting estate in Germany, where he hosted events for high-ranking Nazi officials and foreign dignitaries.

As a leader of the Nazi Party, Goering played a crucial role in organizing the Nazi police state in Germany and establishing concentration camps. Born into a privileged family, he became a successful fighter pilot in World War I before joining the Nazis in 1922 and gaining entry into Hitler’s inner circle. In 1928, he was elected to the Reichstag and later became its president. During the first year of Nazi rule, Goering purged Communists, Jews, and dissidents, paving the way for a one-party state. He held various positions, including Reich Commissar for Aviation and head of Germany’s largest police force, and used coercion to bind the nation’s industries to the Nazis. As one of the most powerful figures in the Third Reich, Goering had close ties to Hitler and significant influence over Germany and the course of the war.