Goering: Nazi Number One

Goering's dreams of chivalry and grandeur began in his childhood at Veldenstein Castle in southern Germany. After success as an air ace with von Richthofen in World War I (he was awarded the Pour le Merite, the highest military award), Goering spent time in Sweden, where he met Carin von Fock. She left her husband and son for him. After her death, Goering was inconsolable, and later built the manor Carinhall in her memory, even though he was married to actress Emmy Sonnemann by then. Goering joined Hitler in the 1923 coup and was put in charge of the SA. He was injured, and this led to his lifelong addiction to morphine.

Since September 1, 1939 Hermann Goering leads as Chief of the Air Force a war that he himself did not wanted. He sees his riches and his power threatened by a battle with an uncertain outcome. But despite all the misgivings Goering carries Hitler's War of Extermination from the outset. At his command all Polish Jews and forcibly recruited Polish civilians are dispossessed for the German armaments industry. 1940 at the height of his military successes, Goering receives the highest military rank specially created for him, "Reichsmarschall of the Greater German Reich." But at the fronts it is becoming increasingly clear that the Air Force is not prepared for this war. Goering's prestige takes massive damage, especially when Hitler trusts him less and less.

Goering's incompetence led to a decline in the strength of the Luftwaffe. Half the young German pilots sent out on missions towards the end of the war died, because of the unrealistic demands made on them. Goering abused the pilots and called them cowards. He retreated to his luxurious estate, Carinhall, where he showed more interest in hunting than the Luftwaffe. Near the end of the war, he went to Obersalzberg. He thought that Hitler was dead, and attempted to take over as his appointed successor. However, Hitler was still alive and ordered Goering arrested.