The long-lost interview with Hermann Göring, conducted on July 25, 1945, sheds new light on the mindset of one of history’s most notorious figures during World War II. As the head of the Luftwaffe and a prominent member of the Nazi regime, Göring’s perspectives on the war and the United States offer a unique glimpse into the strategic considerations of the time.
Göring’s larger-than-life persona, characterized by his imposing stature and flamboyant attire, often overshadowed his military accomplishments. He was a decorated war hero, having received the prestigious Pour le Mérite for his service in World War I. Nevertheless, his surrender to American forces on May 8, 1945, marked a dramatic shift in his life. Expecting a more favorable treatment as a defeated leader, he was taken aback when his military honors were stripped away, leading to his confinement at Prisoner of War Camp No. 32, colloquially known as the “Ashcan.”
The interview, overlooked for over six decades, was conducted by Major Kenneth W. Hechler of the U.S. Army Europe’s Historical Division, with Captain Herbert R. Sensenig acting as translator. It reveals Göring’s thoughts on the military capabilities of the United States and the strategic landscape of the war.
Strategic Insights from Göring
During the interview, Göring expressed his concerns about the American war potential. He noted that, while he believed the United States had not yet fully mobilized its industrial capacity, he recognized the vast economic and technological resources available to the nation. He warned that it would be relatively simple for American factories, particularly those in the automobile industry, to pivot to war production.
Göring recalled advising Hitler to avoid provoking the United States, highlighting that the American public’s traumatic experiences from World War I would deter them from entering another conflict. He stated, “I told Hitler, I consider it a duty to prevent America going to war with us.” His belief was that the U.S. would be slow to engage militarily, a miscalculation that would later have significant repercussions.
The discussion turned to the operational decisions made by the Nazi leadership, including the fateful declaration of war on the United States following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. Göring admitted, “I was astonished when Germany declared war on the United States,” suggesting that the decision was regrettable and ultimately unnecessary.
The Aftermath of the Interview
Following this significant interrogation, Göring was transferred to Nuremberg, where he faced charges related to the war’s atrocities during the infamous Nuremberg Trials. These trials, beginning on November 20, 1945, aimed to hold Nazi leaders accountable for their actions. Despite his attempts to defend himself and the regime, Göring’s arguments were undermined by the overwhelming evidence of war crimes presented during the proceedings.
On October 1, 1946, Göring was convicted on all counts and sentenced to death by hanging. He evaded execution by committing suicide with cyanide on October 15, just hours before his scheduled execution. His death marked the end of a controversial and complex figure whose actions and decisions continue to evoke debate among historians and scholars.
The recently rediscovered interview not only enriches the historical narrative surrounding Göring but also offers an essential perspective on the strategic considerations of Nazi leadership in the face of an emerging superpower. As scholars continue to dissect this critical period, Göring’s insights underscore the importance of understanding the motivations and miscalculations that shaped the course of history.
