Herman Goring was born on 12th January 1893 in Rosenheim, Germany. He came from a privileged background, with his father being a judge and his mother coming from a wealthy family. As a young man, Goring showed a talent for leadership and was known for his charismatic personality.
During World War I, Goring served as an ace fighter pilot and was awarded the highly prestigious Pour le Mérite for his courage and skill in combat. His time in the war shaped his beliefs and ideologies, setting him on a path that would lead him to become one of the most powerful figures in Nazi Germany.
After the war, Goring became involved in politics and joined the Nazi Party early on. He played a key role in the failed Beer Hall Putsch of 1923, where he stood by Adolf Hitler's side in an attempt to overthrow the Weimar government. Despite the coup's failure, Goring remained loyal to Hitler and continued to rise through the ranks of the party.
When Hitler became Germany's chancellor in January 1933, Goring was appointed to several important ministerial positions. He served as minister without portfolio, Minister of the Interior for Prussia, and Reich Commissioner of Aviation. In these roles, Goring played a significant role in shaping Nazi policy and implementing Hitler's vision for Germany.
Goring was also the founder of the Gestapo, the secret police force responsible for enforcing Nazi ideology and suppressing dissent. As Hitler's number two, Goring wielded immense power and authority, overseeing the brutal actions of the Gestapo and other state agencies.
After World War II, Goring was captured by Allied forces and stood trial at the Nuremberg Trials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. He was the highest-ranking Nazi official to be tried and was sentenced to death. However, on the night before his scheduled hanging, Goring committed suicide, denying his captors the satisfaction of seeing him pay for his crimes.
In April 1935, Goring married actress Emmy Sonnemann, with whom he had a daughter. Despite his public persona as a ruthless and brutal leader, Goring was known to be a loving husband and father in private.
Even decades after his death, Goring's legacy continues to loom large in history. His role in shaping Nazi Germany and his brutal actions as head of the Gestapo have left a lasting impact on the world. Though he ultimately escaped justice, Goring's name remains synonymous with the horrors of the Third Reich and serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and extremism.