Eva Hitler, geb. Braun (1/2): Leben und Sterben mit dem Führer | SPIEGEL TV
DER SPIEGEL・28 minutes read
Adolf Hitler's mistress Eva Braun played a significant role in his private life, documenting their relationship through photos and supporting his decisions, including the decision to go to war with Poland despite concerns from others. Despite being disapproved of by her family and portrayed as apolitical, Eva Braun secured her position as Hitler's companion at his Alpine retreat, contributing to Hitler's downfall as he pursued war plans with Poland and relied on his inner circle for support.
Insights
- Eva Braun's role as Hitler's devoted companion and confidante, despite being portrayed as apolitical, highlights her determination and strategic positioning to secure a lasting place in history.
- Hitler's meticulous concealment of Eva Braun as his mistress, alongside his reliance on a select inner circle for emotional support and strategic planning, underscores the complex dynamics of his private life and political decisions, shaping the course of history.
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Recent questions
Who was Eva Braun and what was her relationship with Adolf Hitler?
Eva Braun was a young, sporty woman who became Hitler's uncompromising companion for over thirteen years. Despite being portrayed as apolitical, she was determined and goal-oriented, saving herself a place in history. Private footage and photographs show a close relationship between Eva Braun and Hitler, based on loyalty and shared interests like movies and opera. Her family disapproved of the relationship, considering her a courtesan due to the lack of marriage. Eva Braun secured her position as Hitler's mistress by driving away competitors and embracing her role as the mistress of a powerful man.
How did Eva Braun secure her position as Hitler's mistress?
Eva Braun secured her position as Hitler's mistress by driving away competitors and embracing her role as the mistress of a powerful man. Despite disapproval from her family and society, she maintained a close relationship with Hitler for over thirteen years. Eva Braun's determination, loyalty, and shared interests with Hitler, such as movies and opera, solidified her place by his side. Through her unwavering commitment and ability to navigate the complexities of Hitler's inner circle, she established herself as his uncompromising companion.
What was the significance of Eva Braun's private photographs with Hitler?
Eva Braun's private photographs with Hitler revealed a close relationship based on loyalty and shared interests like movies and opera. These photos showcased an unusual bond between the two, capturing intimate moments and staged settings at Hitler's Alpine retreat near Berchtesgaden. Despite the public image of Hitler as a powerful dictator, Braun's photos depicted him as a caring family man, highlighting a different side of his persona. Through her passion for filming and photographing, Eva Braun documented significant moments in their relationship, offering a unique perspective on their bond.
How did Hitler conceal Eva Braun's existence from the public eye?
Hitler concealed the existence of Eva Braun as his companion by claiming "My bride is Germany" to Nazi propaganda. Despite their close relationship and her significant role in his private life, Hitler maintained a facade of being married to the nation, emphasizing his dedication to Germany above all else. By keeping Eva Braun hidden from the public eye and portraying himself as wedded to the country, Hitler aimed to maintain a certain image and narrative, distancing himself from personal relationships in the eyes of the public.
What role did Eva Braun play in Hitler's inner circle at the Berghof?
Eva Braun played a significant role in Hitler's inner circle at the Berghof, alongside individuals like Albert Speer, Joachim von Ribbentrop, and Heinrich Hoffmann. Despite not being involved in political discussions, Braun provided emotional support and a sense of normalcy in Hitler's private life. Her passion for filming and photographing captured moments of their life at the retreat, showcasing a different side of Hitler to the public. Through her presence and unwavering loyalty, Eva Braun contributed to the surrogate family dynamic at the Berghof, offering a glimpse into Hitler's personal life away from the political spotlight.
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Summary
00:00
Eva Braun: Hitler's loyal mistress and confidante
- Adolf Hitler's Alpine retreat near Berchtesgaden is where he hides from the public eye with his mistress, Eva Braun.
- Eva Braun, a young, sporty woman, becomes Hitler's uncompromising companion for over thirteen years.
- Despite being portrayed as apolitical, Eva Braun was determined and goal-oriented, saving herself a place in history.
- Private footage shows Eva Braun with her sister and Albert Speer's wife, picking flowers at the Berghof.
- Eva Braun's private photographs reveal a close relationship with Hitler, based on loyalty and shared interests like movies and opera.
- Eva Braun's family disapproved of her relationship with Hitler, considering her a courtesan due to the lack of marriage.
- Eva Braun's manic and depressive episodes are documented in her diary, showing her struggles and suicide attempts.
- Hitler gifts Eva Braun a house in Bogenhausen, where she lives with her sister Gretel and hosts lavish parties.
- Eva Braun's father initially disapproves of her relationship with Hitler but eventually accepts it, becoming a guest at Obersalzberg.
- Eva Braun secures her position as Hitler's mistress by driving away competitors and embracing her role as the mistress of a powerful man.
19:10
Hitler's Secret Life: Eva Braun's Influence
- Hitler concealed the existence of a woman at his side, claiming "My bride is Germany" to Nazi propaganda.
- Eva Braun's passion for filming and photographing led her to capture Hitler in staged settings at the Berghof.
- Braun's photos, sold to Heinrich Hoffmann, depicted Hitler as a caring family man, contrary to his public image.
- Hitler relied on Braun, Hoffmann, and a select circle at the Berghof for emotional support and private life.
- Hitler's inner circle included Albert Speer, Joachim von Ribbentrop, and Heinrich Hoffmann, among others.
- Hitler's private life at the Berghof was separate from his biological family, focusing on a surrogate family.
- Discussions at the Berghof included political matters, such as Austria's future after the Anschluss.
- Hitler's routine at the Berghof involved late lunches, walks with guests, and discussions with Ribbentrop.
- Eva Braun's relationship with Hitler was documented through photos, showcasing their unusual bond.
- Hitler's downfall began in 1939 with his determination to go to war, despite previous successes.
38:35
"Hitler's Accelerated War Plans: Poland Targeted"
- Hitler planned to start a war, with Poland as his first target, accelerating his plans due to fears of falling ill or dying prematurely.
- Eva Braun documented significant moments leading to the war, including Hitler's decision to attack Poland and the signing of a non-aggression pact with Stalin.
- Hitler's inner circle, including Himmler, Heydrich, and Ribbentrop, played crucial roles in preparing for the war and ensuring the brutal suppression of Poland.
- Despite attempts to stop Hitler, he declared war on Poland, with Eva Braun expressing concern about the future and ensuring ample supplies were stocked at the Berghof.
