Heinrich Himmler

Write an account of the role of Heinrich Himmler in the NSDAP [15]

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• 1923
  • Himmler takes part in the Munich Putsch, Hitler’s failed attempt to seize power.
  • Although it fails, Himmler remains committed to Nazi ideas.
• 1925
  • Joins the NSDAP and quickly becomes active in the party’s paramilitary groups.
  • He joins the SS (Schutzstaffel), which was originally a small unit guarding Hitler.
• 1929
  • Appointed leader of the SS by Hitler.
  • Under Himmler, the SS grows from a few hundred men into a powerful, elite organisation separate from the SA.
  • He promotes strict discipline, racial purity, and loyalty to Hitler.
• 1933
  • After Hitler becomes Chancellor, Himmler uses his position to expand the SS’s power.
  • Helps establish the first concentration camp at Dachau for political opponents.
  • Works closely with Hermann Göring and Heinrich Heydrich to crush opposition.
• 1934 – Night of the Long Knives
  • Himmler and the SS help Hitler remove the SA and its leader, Ernst Röhm, in a series of political murders.
  • This eliminates a rival power group and strengthens Himmler’s position.
  • After this, the SS becomes the dominant force in Nazi policing and security.
• 1936
  • Himmler is appointed Chief of all German police, giving him control of the Gestapo (secret police) and criminal police.
  • He merges them under SS control, creating a powerful police state.
  • Uses terror and surveillance to eliminate opposition.
• 1939–1945 (World War II)
  • Himmler plays a key role in the Holocaust:
    • Oversees the creation and running of death camps like Auschwitz.
    • Organises the mass murder of Jews, Roma people, disabled people, and other groups.
    • Leads the Einsatzgruppen, mobile killing squads operating in Eastern Europe.
  • Promotes the idea of racial superiority and the Nazi aim of a "pure Aryan" Germany.
• 1943–1945
  • Becomes increasingly involved in military and administrative matters, despite having little military experience.
  • Begins losing influence with Hitler, especially as the war goes badly.
• April 1945
  • As Nazi Germany collapses, Himmler tries to make peace with the Allies behind Hitler’s back.
  • Hitler finds out and dismisses him from all positions.
• May 1945
  • Himmler is captured by British forces.
  • Before he can be put on trial, he commits suicide using a cyanide capsule.