Meet the Hitlers explores the interconnectedness of Adolf Hitler, the notorious dictator, with the Volkswagen Beetle, the iconic motor vehicle; the systemic racism and anti-Semitism prevalent during World War II; and the profound impact of war on society.
Closeness to Adolf Hitler
Who Was Hitler’s Inner Circle?
Adolf Hitler, the infamous dictator of Nazi Germany, had a tight-knit circle of followers who held various levels of influence and closeness to him. Based on their actions and proximity to Hitler, historians have assigned “closeness scores” to these individuals, revealing a hierarchy of power and loyalty within the Nazi regime.
Inner Sanctum: The Untouchables (Score 9-10)
At the pinnacle of Hitler’s inner circle stood a select few who enjoyed his utmost trust and confidence. Among them were Heinrich Himmler, the ruthless head of the SS; Joseph Goebbels, the master of propaganda; Martin Bormann, Hitler’s personal secretary; and Rudolf Hess, his devoted deputy. Hitler himself, of course, occupied the highest closeness score of all.
Eva Braun: The Complicated Love (Score 8)
Eva Braun, Hitler’s longtime mistress and eventual wife, held a unique position in his life. While she lacked the political influence of the inner sanctum, she shared a deep personal connection with Hitler, earning her a moderate closeness score of 8.
Middle Ring: The Trusted Few (Score 7-8)
A step below the inner sanctum were individuals who played significant roles in Hitler’s regime but did not quite reach the same level of intimacy. Hermann Göring, the ambitious Luftwaffe commander; Albert Speer, the architect of Nazi grandeur; Joachim von Ribbentrop, the foreign minister; and Wilhelm Keitel, the chief of the Wehrmacht, all occupied this middle ring with closeness scores in the 7-8 range.
High Closeness (Score 9-10)
Those Who Were Hitler’s Inner Circle
Adolf Hitler, the infamous dictator of Nazi Germany, had a select group of individuals who held positions of extreme trust and influence. These individuals, known as Hitler’s inner circle, were granted unprecedented access to his innermost thoughts and decision-making processes.
Heinrich Himmler: The Ruthless Enforcer
Among the most prominent members of Hitler’s inner circle was Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS and Gestapo. Himmler was a fanatical Nazi who carried out Hitler’s darkest orders with unwavering loyalty. His closeness to Hitler earned him a score of 10, indicating the supreme level of trust Hitler placed in him.
Joseph Goebbels: The Master of Propaganda
Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda, was another key figure in Hitler’s inner circle. Goebbels was a brilliant manipulator who used his mastery of media to spread Nazi ideology and control public opinion. His closeness score of 10 reflects the essential role he played in shaping the Nazi narrative.
Martin Bormann: The Secretive Secretary
Martin Bormann, Hitler’s personal secretary, was a shadowy figure who wielded immense power behind the scenes. He controlled access to Hitler and managed the intricate web of Nazi bureaucracy. Bormann’s score of 10 signifies his indispensable role as Hitler’s closest confidant.
Rudolf Hess: The Devoted Deputy
Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s deputy, was a loyal follower who shared Hitler’s radical views. Hess was tasked with handling foreign policy and played a key role in the rise of the Nazi Party. His score of 10 reflects the high esteem in which Hitler held him.
Adolf Hitler Himself: The Supreme Leader
At the pinnacle of Hitler’s inner circle stood the man himself. Hitler possessed absolute authority and controlled every aspect of Nazi Germany. His score of 10 represents his unmatched influence and the unwavering loyalty he commanded from his closest associates.
Eva Braun: The Woman Behind the Curtain
In the dark tapestry of Adolf Hitler’s inner circle, there existed a fascinating figure who, despite her moderate closeness score of 8, played a pivotal role in the Führer’s life. Enter Eva Braun, the enigmatic woman who held Hitler’s heart but remained largely hidden from the public eye.
Braun’s relationship with Hitler was a peculiar one, characterized by both affection and isolation. She had no official title or political influence, yet she was the only woman Hitler ever considered marrying. Their bond was deeply personal, confined to the walls of Hitler’s private residence at the Berghof.
Unlike the other Nazi leaders who constantly jostled for Hitler’s favor, Braun sought no power or glory. She was content to remain in the shadows, accompanying Hitler on his infamous wartime retreats to the Obersalzberg mountain. Her devotion to him was unwavering, even in the face of his erratic behavior and the impending downfall of the Nazi regime.
Despite their closeness, there were limits to Braun’s influence over Hitler. When it came to matters of state, she was often sidelined, with decisions made by the likes of Himmler and Goebbels. But in private, she could exert a calming influence on Hitler, providing a momentary respite from the madness that surrounded him.
As the end drew near, Braun refused to abandon Hitler. She chose to remain by his side until the very last moment, committing suicide alongside him in the Führerbunker on April 30, 1945. Eva Braun’s legacy remains a complex and enigmatic one. She was a woman who lived in Hitler’s shadow, yet her presence left an indelible mark on the life of one of history’s most infamous dictators.
Lower Closeness to Hitler (Score 7-8)
While Heinrich Himmler, Joseph Goebbels, Rudolf Hess, and Co. basked in Hitler’s inner circle, a slightly less intimate group existed, with scores ranging from 7 to 8. Let’s meet the members of this “outer circle”:
- Hermann Göring: The flamboyant Luftwaffe chief, Göring’s closeness to Hitler fluctuated like a yo-yo. Initially a close confidant, his influence waned as the war progressed.
- Albert Speer: A talented architect and Minister of Armaments, Speer’s charm and organizational skills earned him Hitler’s respect, but his distance from the core clique kept him at a “7” on the closeness scale.
- Joachim von Ribbentrop: The Foreign Minister, von Ribbentrop was a master of diplomacy—at least in his own mind. However, his overzealousness and incompetence often irritated Hitler, resulting in a lower closeness score.
- Wilhelm Keitel: The Chief of the Armed Forces High Command, Keitel was a loyal soldier but not exactly a close friend of Hitler. His rigid military mindset kept him from truly understanding the Führer’s erratic nature.
Well, folks, that wraps up our little journey into the lives of the folks on the Hitler block. Thanks for sticking with us and sharing in the stories of these unique individuals. Just remember, they’re not your typical Hitlers, so don’t go judging a book by its cover. Keep in mind that we’ve got plenty more fascinating tales up our sleeve, so be sure to check back soon for more laughter and surprises. Until then, stay curious and keep your eyes peeled for more out-of-the-ordinary stories!