Literature
Was Hermann G?ring Hitlers Legal Successor or Did Rudolf Hess Hold This Position?
Was Hermann G?ring Hitler's Legal Successor or Did Rudolf Hess Hold This Position?
The Second World War was a complex and chaotic era, with a myriad of political figures vying for positions of power and succession. Among the most intriguing debates involves the roles of two high-ranking Nazi officials, Hermann G?ring and Rudolf Hess, as potential successors to Adolf Hitler.
Hitler's Willingness to Designate G?ring as His Successor
- On June 29, 1941, Adolf Hitler officially named G?ring as his successor in a decree, confirming that G?ring would take the reins of the Third Reich in the event of Hitler's incapacitation or demise. This move ensured that the Nazi party's leadership would remain in tact and in line with Hitler's vision, despite the increasingly complex and tumultuous political landscape.
- Until the mid-war period, G?ring was often considered the second-in-command after Hitler, a position that brought with it a high level of authority and influence. Hitler's decree to name G?ring as his successor demonstrated the considerations he made for the continuity of his regime and the stability of the Nazi party.
Rudolf Hess's Unexpected Detour
- However, barely two years into this arrangement, the landscape shifted dramatically. On May 10, 1941, Rudolf Hess took an uncanny flight to Scotland, a move that none of his superiors had anticipated. Hess's intentions were vague and contradictory; some believed his actions were influenced by a desire for peace, while others viewed his departure as a betrayal. Hitler, in his desperation to prevent any misinterpretations of this action, ordered Hess to be shot upon his return and expressed a wish for him to drown in the Black Sea.
- Despite his reputation as a devout Nazi and a staunch supporter of Hitler's policies, Hess's actions during this period were enigmatic. His piloted flight to Scotland has long been a subject of speculation, with prevailing theories ranging from mental instability to a genuine desire for peace. Theories surrounding his motives, such as his claimed belief in a "divinely inspired" mission, have added to the intrigue and ambiguity of this historical event.
The Nuremberg Trials and Beyond
- At the Nuremberg trials, Hess's image had sharply deteriorated. Described as a deeply mystical, almost broken man, he made dim-witted assertions, such as claiming to see "spirit-like Jewish figures" around the courtroom judges. His credibility was significantly damaged, and his role as a potential successor to Hitler was further diminished. Hess's career in the Nazi party suffered irreparable damage following his tumultuous and controversial flight to England.
- It is important to note that Hess's status as a potential successor was not defined by his title alone. Historians have stressed that his position was more a contingency plan than an official succession plan. In reality, both G?ring and Hess were secondary to Hitler's direct command, and neither succeeded him following the war.
- For further reading and detailed analysis, refer to the work by Max Williams (2015), which provides extensive insights into the roles of senior Nazi leaders, including G?ring and Hess. The book, SS Elite: The Senior Leaders of Hitler's Praetorian Guard Volume 1 A-J, offers a comprehensive perspective on the complexities of Nazi leadership during the era.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the concept of Hitler's successors in the Nazi regime is complex and multifaceted. G?ring's designation as Hitler's successor was a significant factor during the war, but the irregularity of Hess's actions changed the trajectory of the Third Reich's leadership. Both figures played crucial roles in Nazism, but their potential for succession was contingent on various unpredictable events and circumstances.