​Hermann Göring

Write an account of ​Hermann Göring's involvement in the NSDAP [15]

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• 1914–1918 (World War I)
  • Göring serves as a fighter pilot and becomes a war hero, winning the Iron Cross.
  • His reputation as a decorated veteran boosts his status in post-war Germany.
• 1922
  • Meets Adolf Hitler and joins the NSDAP.
  • Is made commander of the SA (Sturmabteilung) for a time.
  • Becomes one of Hitler’s most trusted followers.
• 1923 – Munich Putsch
  • Takes part in the Munich Putsch, where he is wounded.
  • Escapes arrest by fleeing Germany. Göring fled first to Austria, and then lived in Italy and Sweden for periods but returns later and remains loyal to Hitler.
• 1928–1932
  • Elected to the Reichstag (German parliament) and becomes its president in 1932, showing the Nazis’ growing influence. This allowed the Nazis to block laws and spread their influence in parliament.
• 1933 – Hitler becomes Chancellor
  • Appointed Minister of the Interior for Prussia, Germany’s largest state.
  • Uses this power to control the police, including creating the Gestapo (secret police).
  • Helps crush opposition parties and communists after the Reichstag Fire.
• 1934 – Night of the Long Knives
  • Works with Hitler, Himmler, and the SS to remove Ernst Röhm and the SA.
  • Strengthens his own position and helps Hitler consolidate power.
• 1935
  • Becomes Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force).
  • Plays a key role in Germany’s rearmament and violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
• 1936–1939
  • Put in charge of the Four-Year Plan to prepare Germany’s economy for war.
  • Focuses on making Germany self-sufficient and building up military production.
• 1939–1940 – Early WWII
  • Göring leads the Luftwaffe during early Nazi victories, including the invasions of Poland and France.
  • After these successes, Hitler names him his official successor.
• 1940–1941 – Battle of Britain
  • Göring’s Luftwaffe suffers a major defeat in the Battle of Britain.
  • His reputation as a military leader begins to decline.
• 1942–1945
  • Gradually loses influence as the war turns against Germany.
  • Blamed for the Luftwaffe’s failures and criticised for enjoying luxury while Germany suffers.
  • Becomes increasingly sidelined by Hitler.
• April 1945
  • As Nazi Germany collapses, Göring sends a message asking if he should take over as leader (as agreed earlier).
  • Hitler sees this as treason and removes him from power.
• May 1945 – Captured by Allies
  • Göring is captured and held for trial.
• 1946 – Nuremberg Trials
  • Put on trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including organising the Gestapo and planning aggressive war.
  • Found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.
  • Commits suicide with cyanide the night before his execution.