Abstract
Heinrich Himmler was known as Hitler's executioner, the Architect of Genocide, an evil genius, a murderous monster, and der treue Heinrich. But the Reichführer SS, once a sickly child bent on placating and pleasing all of those around him had a great deal of influence during his rise to become one of the most dangerous individuals of the twentieth century. His rivalries formed his political career just as much as his friendships--interestingly enough, the two lines often crossed. This work examines Himmler's rivalries on his rise, and peak of power. Some would argue that his downfall was also brought on by his enemies, but the evidence contained in this work states otherwise. Himmler was the cause of his own fall from power with at the very most, mere assistance from an outside source. Himmler was naive, manipulative, easily persuaded, an obsessive people pleaser, and had a weak personality. These qualities and faults ultimately were self-damaging to Himmler. This work specifically focuses on Himmler's relationships with Göring and Heydrich, discussing his rise to power, and Bormann is studied in relation to Himmler's peak of and halt to power. The first two men assisted Himmler in his ascent, and Bormann, wavering between friend and enemy, quite literally acts as the preventative gatekeeper between the Reichsführer-SS and Hitler, and thus prevents any further ascent to power. By examining these rivalries we are able to get a better view into Himmler's mind and personality. Each of these relationships were quite diverse, and Himmler was able to gain various positions, knowledge, and experience. Hitler was supportive of rivalries within his Reich, and many of these have been closely examined by contemporary historians. What this work offers which has previously not been scrutinized is a close examination of the relationship of Himmler and Bormann. Though the thesis is dense through this chapter, its preceding chapters are vital to building knowledge of Himmler's interactions with various other leaders. Additionally, the Bormann chapter examines Himmler's ability to retain power until Bormann prevented his further ascension, subsequently leading to Himmler's fall from power. This thesis includes primary and secondary documentation from sources such as diaries, captured German records, memoirs, and monographs.