Hermann Göring: A Detailed Biography

Hermann Wilhelm Göring (1893–1946) was the second-most powerful man in Nazi Germany — Reichsmarschall, Hitler’s designated successor, founder of the Gestapo and Luftwaffe, and architect of the Four-Year Plan. WWI flying ace, morphine addict, and notorious art looter, he was the highest-ranking defendant at the Nuremberg trials. This biography covers his Bavarian childhood, rise in the Nazi Party, wartime roles, and suicide on the eve of execution, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the National WWII Museum.

Early Life and World War I

Birth in Rosenheim

Born on January 12, 1893, in Rosenheim, Bavaria, Göring was the son of a colonial official. He joined the Prussian army in 1912 and became a celebrated fighter pilot, winning the Pour le Mérite and succeeding Richthofen as commander of the “Flying Circus”.

Rise in the Nazi Party

Meeting Hitler in 1922, Göring joined the NSDAP and commanded the SA during the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch — he was badly wounded and became addicted to morphine. Elected to the Reichstag in 1928, he became its president in 1932.

Power in the Third Reich

Founder of the Gestapo and Luftwaffe

After Hitler’s 1933 seizure of power, Göring created the Gestapo (later handed to Himmler) and became Prussian Minister-President. As Luftwaffe chief from 1935, he promised air supremacy that never materialised, as detailed by the History.com.

Art Looting and Corruption

Göring amassed one of history’s largest private art collections — over 1,000 paintings looted from Jewish families and museums, stored at Carinhall, his lavish estate, as documented by the Göring Collection Catalogue.

World War II and Decline

The Luftwaffe failed in the Battle of Britain (1940). Göring’s prestige collapsed after Stalingrad (1942–1943). Hitler stripped him of power in April 1945.

Nuremberg Trial and Suicide

Captured in May 1945, Göring was the highest-ranking defendant at Nuremberg. Convicted on all four counts, he was sentenced to hang. On October 15, 1946 — two hours before execution — he swallowed a cyanide capsule smuggled in a jar of skin cream, as recorded by the UK National Archives.

Personal Life

Married Carin von Kantzow (1923–1931, she died of tuberculosis) and actress Emmy Sonnemann (1935). One daughter, Edda. Known for flamboyant uniforms and love of hunting.

Death and Legacy

Hermann Göring’s Enduring Impact

Göring’s suicide denied the Allies a public execution. His looted art continues to be restituted. He remains the archetype of the corrupt, ostentatious Nazi leader, as analysed by the BBC History.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hermann Göring

Why Is Hermann Göring Famous?

Hitler’s deputy, Luftwaffe commander, and highest-ranking Nazi at Nuremberg.

What Was the Göring Art Collection?

Thousands of looted masterpieces — many recovered after the war.

Where Was Hermann Göring Born?

Rosenheim, Bavaria, January 12, 1893.

Did Göring Fly in World War II?

No — only in WWI (22 victories).

Was Göring Addicted to Morphine?

Yes — lifelong after 1923 Putsch wound.

Was Göring Sentenced to Death at Nuremberg?

Yes — committed suicide before hanging.

How Did Hermann Göring Die?

Cyanide suicide on October 15, 1946.