Hermann Göring was the second most powerful man in Nazi Germany, a decorated WWI ace who rose to become Hitler’s designated successor and commander of the Luftwaffe. But his legacy is marred by fatal strategic mistakes, drug addiction, and his conviction for war crimes at Nuremberg.
Born: 12 January 1893 | Died: 15 October 1946 (suicide) | Role: Second highest ranking after Hitler | Titles: Reichsmarschall, Commander of Luftwaffe | Nuremberg Verdict: Guilty, sentenced to death | Notable: Once Hitler’s designated successor
Rise to Power
- Born in 1893, WWI ace pilot
- Joined Nazi Party early, became Hitler’s deputy
- Founded Gestapo in 1933
Key Mistakes
- Failed Battle of Britain air campaign
- Overestimated Luftwaffe strength
- Drug addiction worsened judgment
Capture and Death
- Surrendered in May 1945
- Sentenced to death at Nuremberg
- Committed suicide in 1946
Personal Life
- Married twice, daughter Edda
- Wife Emmy lived until 1973
- Liked luxury and hunting
| Full Name | Hermann Wilhelm Göring |
| Born | 12 January 1893, Rosenheim, Germany |
| Died | 15 October 1946, Nuremberg (suicide) |
| Party Role | Reichsmarschall, commander of Luftwaffe |
| Convictions | Crimes against peace, war crimes, crimes against humanity |
| Spouse | Emmy Sonnemann (married 1935) |
| Children | Edda Göring (born 1938) |
Who was more powerful, Goering or Himmler?
Göring was second in command after Hitler for much of the war, while Himmler controlled the SS and Gestapo, rivaling Göring’s influence. Himmler’s power grew later, while Göring’s declined.
How did their roles differ in the Nazi hierarchy? The table below shows key differences.
| Aspect | Hermann Göring | Heinrich Himmler |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Rank | Reichsmarschall, second after Hitler | Reichsführer-SS |
| Power Base | Luftwaffe, Prussian state, Four Year Plan | SS, Gestapo, concentration camps |
| Influence Peak | 1938-1941 | 1943-1945 |
The implication: Göring’s power was positional and economic; Himmler’s was organizational and terror-based.
How was Hermann Goering captured?
Göring surrendered to US Army on 6 May 1945 near Radstadt, Austria. He was taken to Augsburg, then Nuremberg for trial.
The catch: Despite his high rank, he offered little resistance and seemed to expect leniency.
What were Hermann Goering’s mistakes?
- Overestimated Luftwaffe capabilities (Battle of Britain) – Holocaust Historical Society
- Failed to prevent Stalingrad supply collapse
- Became increasingly reliant on morphine
Why did his military decisions fail? His drug use and overconfidence contributed to critical errors.
“Until almost the very last I thought German victory was possible.” – Hermann Göring at Nuremberg, USHMM Collections
What happened to Hermann Goering’s family?
Daughter Edda Göring was born 1938, last known alive as of 2018. Wife Emmy Göring was imprisoned briefly, died in 1973. Edda worked as a secretary and avoided public life.
Is Goering’s daughter still alive?
Edda Göring’s death has not been publicly reported; she was alive as of 2018 according to German media.
What happened to Hermann Goering’s wife after the war?
Emmy Göring was arrested in 1945, held for several months, and released. She published memoirs and died in 1973.
Was Goering a nice guy?
Known as charming and jovial by some colleagues, but responsible for ordering Nazi terror and plunder of Europe. Contradiction between personal charisma and war crimes.
“Göring was responsible, with Ernst Udet and Erhard Milch, for organizing the rapid build-up of the aircraft industry and training of pilots.” – Holocaust Historical Society
The pattern: He could be personally affable yet institutionally ruthless.
What was the IQ of Goering?
No official IQ test result exists; estimates vary widely. Often described as intelligent but lazy and corrupt. Rivalry with Himmler and Speer over intellectual status.
How did his intelligence compare to other Nazi leaders? The table below summarizes perceptions.
| Leader | Perceived Intelligence | Noted Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Hermann Göring | High but undisciplined | Laziness, drug addiction |
| Heinrich Himmler | Methodical, bureaucratic | Lack of strategic vision |
| Albert Speer | Technocratic, efficient | Moral blindness |
The catch: Without formal testing, IQ remains speculative.
Miscellaneous facts about Hermann Goering
What were his last words?
Multiple versions exist; one common report: “The air force belongs to the Reichsmarschall.”
How tall was Hermann Goering?
Approximately 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in).
Timeline of Hermann Göring’s life
- 1893 – Born in Rosenheim – DFS.NY.gov
- 1914-1918 – WWI ace pilot, awarded Pour le Mérite
- 1922 – Joined Nazi Party
- 1933 – Appointed prime minister of Prussia, founded Gestapo
- 1935 – Appointed commander of Luftwaffe – DFS.NY.gov
- 1939-1945 – Led Luftwaffe during WWII; strategic failures
- 6 May 1945 – Surrendered to US forces – DFS.NY.gov
- 1946 – Sentenced to death at Nuremberg, suicide – USHMM Holocaust Encyclopedia
What this means: Göring’s arc from war hero to war criminal was complete in 53 years.
en.wikipedia.org, famous-trials.com, law2.umkc.edu, digital.library.cornell.edu, newworldencyclopedia.org, famous-trials.com, collections.ushmm.org, wwv.yadvashem.org, aussiepulsehub.org
For a deeper look into the questions surrounding his trial and legacy, see Hermann Goerings trial and legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Hermann Goering’s role in the Holocaust?
He authorized the “Final Solution” planning via a July 31, 1941 order to Heydrich – USHMM Holocaust Encyclopedia
Why did Hitler remove Goering from power in 1945?
Hitler saw Göring’s attempt to assume leadership as treason; he stripped him of all offices in April 1945.
How did Goering die?
He committed suicide by cyanide on October 15, 1946, hours before his scheduled hanging – USHMM Holocaust Encyclopedia
Was Goering a drug addict?
Yes, he became dependent on morphine after a 1923 injury; use intensified during the war.
Which Nazi leaders were tried at Nuremberg?
22 major war criminals, including Göring, Hess, Speer, and Ribbentrop – USHMM Holocaust Encyclopedia
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