INFORMATION TO USERS The most advanced technology has been used to photograph and reproduce this manuscript from the microfilm master. U M I films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or p o o r quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand corner and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6" x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UM I directly to order. University Microfilms International A Bell & Howell Information Com pany 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 I I 73-6537 BOONE, Jr., Jasper C., 1935- THE OBERSALZBERG: A CASE STUDY IN NATIONAL SOCIALISM. Middle Tennessee State University, D.A. , 1972 History, modern University Microfilms, A XEROX Company, Ann Arbor, Michigan (C) Copyright by Jasper C. Boone, Jr. 1972 THIS DISSERTATION HAS BEEN MICROFILMED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED. I THE OBERSALZBERG A CASE STUDY IN NATIONAL SOCIALISM By Jasper C. Boone, Jr. A dissertation presented to the Graduate Faculty of Middle Tennessee State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Arts December, 1972 THE OBERSALZBERG A CASE STUDY IN NATIONAL SOCIALISM APPROVED: Graduate Committee: Major Professor ^ Minor Professor Committe^Member ' 'er Head of the Department of History Dean of ihe Graduate School PLEASE NOTE: Some pages may have indistinct print. Filmed as received. University Microfilms, A Xerox Education Company ABSTRACT THE OBERSALZBERG A CASE STUDY IN NATIONAL SOCIALISM By Jasper C. Boone, Jr. The purpose of this investigation is to present a comprehensive study of the Obersalzberg as a point of departure in teaching the National Socialist movement of the second quarter of the twentieth century. Utilizing the case study method, the Obersalzberg and the activities there from 1923 to 1945 serve as a focal point for the broader issues and events in which Adolf Hitler and his regime were involved. Located in the Bavarian Alps on a plateau area of the Kehlstein mountain, the Obersalzberg overlooks the medieval German village of Berchtesgaden. Although the area has been well known to Germans for centuries, its international prominence dates no farther back than the Hitler era. Hitler first visited the Obersalzberg in 1923, following the Munich Putsch, and returned again in 1925, after his release from prison where he completed writing the second volume of Mein Kampf. After having rented the Haus Wachenfeld for two years, he purchased it Jasper C. Boone, Jr. in 1928. Following three renovations, the small chalet emerged as Hitler's fashionable villa, the Berghof. From this nucleus, there developed a thriving community of National Socialists, which included the homes of Martin Bormann, Hermann Goering, Joseph Goebbels, Heinrich Himmler, and Albert Speer. Authors, such as Alan Bullock, imply that Hitler's function at the Berghof was that of a prophet. To be sure, Hitler did dream great dreams there, but he also trans­ lated many of them into reality while at the Berghof, a fact verified by a number of incidents. At the Berghof, the Anschluss was realized; Hitler's position on the Sudeten question was unequivocally stated; the planning for, and news received of, the successful conclusion of the Russo-German Non-aggression Pact; the planning and imple­ mentation of the invasion of Poland; the planning for "Operation Sea Lion," and "Operation Barbarossa"; news was received of Hess's flight to Scotland, of the Russian offensive which led to the German defeat at Stalingrad, and of the allied invasion of Normandy. At the Berghof, the whole range of Hitler's person­ ality is evidenced. In conversations with David Lloyd George, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Francois-Poncet, and Lord Halifax, Hitler was a personable host. Schuschnigg, Chamberlain, Lipski, Beck, Henderson, Burckhardt, and Jasper C. Boone, Jr. King Leopold of Belgium saw yet another aspect, that of a diplomatic intriguer. At his military conferences, the Fuehrer displayed characteristics of a strategist who intuitively determined moves of the German Army without regard for his generals' advice. Toward the conclusion of World War II, Hitler was expected to command Germany's last stand from the Obersalz­ berg as a part of the "Alpine Redoubt." Eisenhower's headquarters was so thoroughly convinced of the redoubt myth, that it became a primary consideration in the decision to stop western troops at the Elbe. As a factor in that decision, the Obersalzberg takes on considerable significance. The study is based on a variety of materials which include interviews with Paula Wolf, Hitler's sister; Hans Baur, Hitler's personal pilot; and Johanne Langwieder, Hitler's First Sergeant during World War I. In addition to these sources, documents, memoirs, diaries, and key- secondary material were utilized. An integral part of the study is the guide to teaching the unit. Suggestions are made with regard to procedures, methodology, and evaluation. Included in the guide are discussion and research topics with an annotated bibliography for each, a media section which lists materials collected and held by the writer, and relevant commercially produced films. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS During the years 1958 to 1960, I served the United States Army as Director of Publicity for the Armed Forces Recreation Center located in Berchtesgaden, Germany. My position and experiences there led me to investigate the Obersalzberg and to seek out individuals who were acquainted with the area during the Hitler era. Astonished by the tales told by tour guides and by myths that had been propagated through the years, I sought to uncover facts that would present an accurate perspective of the area, an endeavor that has continued since. Whatever success I have had in putting together the bits and pieces for this project is due to the efforts of a number of people. I am greatly indebted to "Freddie," my photography technician in Berchtesgaden, who, as a resi­ dent of the area, assisted me in making numerous contacts with such people as Paula Wolf, Hans Baur, Johanne Langwieder, and Otto Widl. I am particularly grateful to Professor Roscoe Strickland of the history department of Middle Tennessee State University and chairman of my doctoral committee, for his patience, advice, and consultation during the researching and writing of the study. To the other members of my committee, whose cooperation and guidance ii made my doctoral studies a pleasure, I express my thanks. To Dr. Robert E. Corlew, Chairman of the History Depart­ ment at Middle Tennessee University, I acknowledge with appreciation the encouragement and interest he has shown me from the time of my first visit to the University. Most of all, I am grateful to my family, whose willingness to sacrifice made the past two years of study possible. My children, Kathy and David, have shown unusual patience and understanding during the hours I spent researching and writing this dissertation. To my wife, Ann, whose sympathetic understanding during my moments of discouragement and whose long tedious hours of typing have made the study a reality, I can only express my appreciation and affection. CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION 1 Chapter I. THE OBERSALZBERG: ITS SETTING 5 II. LIFE AT THE OBERSALZBERG 43 III. POLITICS AND DIPLOMACY, 1933-1938 69 IV. DIPLOMACY AND WAR, SEPTEMBER, 1938-MARCH, 1941 107 V. WAR AND THE OBERSALZBERG 143 VI. GUIDE TO TEACHING THE UNIT 181 VII. CONCLUSIONS 212 SOURCES CONSULTED 220 iv INTRODUCTION The National Socialist movement of the second quarter of the twentieth century is both interesting and relevant to students of western civilization. In study­ ing the movement, however, too much time often is spent describing conferences, political events, and military strategy, with the human element overlooked. This dis­ sertation concentrates on the Obersalzberg as a point of departure in teaching the history of the period in order to emphasize the human element in the development of National Socialism and its subsequent activities. Located near the medieval German village of Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps, the Obersalzberg became well known during the Nazi era as a retreat area for Adolf Hitler and his closest associates. Hitler first went there in 1923, following the "Munich Putsch," and returned again in 1925 after being released from prison. From then and until the end of World War II, there developed a community of Nazi "VIP's" surrounding Hitler's villa, the Berghof. Hitler considered the Berghof his home, although he had a residence in both Berlin and Munich. The Fuehrer felt an extremely strong attachment to his Obersalzberg home and expressed fear over what would 1 2 happen to it at his death. I can already see the guide from Berchtesgaden showing visitors over the rooms of my house: "This is where he had breakfast. ..." I can also imagine a Saxon giving avaricious instructions: "Don't touch the articles, don't wear out the parquet, stay between the ropes.