The Path to Power and Wealth: Hermann Goring's Rise in Nazi Germany

Hermann Goring, one of the most controversial figures of Nazi Germany, was not born into a wealthy family. His journey from a modest background to gaining immense power and wealth through a combination of opportunistic behavior, confiscation, and strategic business ventures is a complex and often controversial narrative.

Childhood and Early Life

Unlike many high-ranking Nazi officials, Goring did not come from a wealthy background. His father, a colonial official, provided a stable enough income, but it was not enough to support his large family of seven children. Goring's early life was heavily influenced by the financial assistance provided by his godfather, a wealthy Jewish doctor and businessman who was involved in an affair with Goring's mother. While Goring lived a life surrounded by the trappings of wealth, his family did not fully enjoy the benefits of that wealth. When the affair ended, the family was forced to confront relative poverty.

Political Ascension and Strategic Offerings

When Goring joined the Nazi party, he was primarily interested in a career, not just a cause. The Nazis, supported by wealthy individuals and companies, provided a fertile ground for ambition. Senior party officials received salaries and expenses, and patrons often offered interest-free loans that were rarely repaid. As the party gained power, Goring and other officials were appointed to positions within government and public institutions, often with no real duties but substantial incomes and perks. Goring became a member of the Reichstag and held multiple government posts, often delegating the real work to subordinates while pocketing the salary.

Industrial Conglomerates and Business Ventures

One of Goring's most significant business ventures was the establishment of the Herman Goring Werk, an industrial conglomerate. As the Minister for the Five Year Plan, Goring used his position to form this conglomerate where he and his friends and family held substantial shareholdings. For business owners seeking government contracts, offering Goring or one of his proxies a place on their board was a strategic move. This not only provided opportunities for personal gain but also created a network of influence and support within the Nazi government.

Confiscation and Extortion

While Goring was known for his virulent anti-Semitism, his approach to acquiring wealth extended beyond mere confiscation. He frequently extorted money, jewelry, and artwork from Jews and other individuals. The Nazis, recognizing Goring's administrative skill and influence, appointed him to the position of head of the Four Year Plan, a role that encompassed the sabotage and dissolution of German industry to free resources for the military. His special Luftwaffe unit, staffed by art experts, was tasked with scavenging occupied Europe for art treasures, which were often confiscated from Jews and claimed by the Reich, with Goring at the forefront of these operations.

Evaluation and Legacy

Essentially, Hermann Goring was a massive crook. His rise to power and wealth was a combination of opportunism, manipulation, and the strategic exploitation of his positions within the Nazi government. While he was deeply involved in the confiscation and theft of property and wealth, he also appears to have engaged in legitimate business ventures and inheritance. His rise and subsequent fall serve as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which opportunists will go to secure and control wealth.

Keywords: Hermann Goring, Nazi Germany, wealth acquisition, confiscation, legitimate business