Hitler's Hangman

Synopsis

A chilling biography of the head of Nazi Germany's terror apparatus, Reinhard Heydrich-a key player in the Third Reich whose full story has never before been told

"Gerwarth dispassionately examines Heydrich's rise and assassination, which resulted in a horrific series of Nazi reprisals in Czechoslovakia. The best account of Heydrich."-Jacob Heilbrunn, The Daily Beast 

"Meticulously takes us inside the Third Reich, . . . revealing as few texts do how the bureaucracy of evil worked."-Kirkus Reviews

Reinhard Heydrich is widely recognized as one of the great iconic villains of the twentieth century, an appalling figure even within the context of the Nazi leadership. Chief of the Nazi Criminal Police, the SS Security Service, and the Gestapo, ruthless overlord of Nazi-occupied Bohemia and Moravia, and leading planner of the "Final Solution," Heydrich played a central role in Hitler's Germany. He shouldered a major share of responsibility for some of the worst Nazi atrocities, and up to his assassination in Prague in 1942, he was widely seen as one of the most dangerous men in Nazi Germany. Yet Heydrich has received remarkably modest attention in the extensive literature of the Third Reich.

Robert Gerwarth weaves together little-known stories of Heydrich's private life with his deeds as head of the Nazi Reich Security Main Office. Fully exploring Heydrich's progression from a privileged middle-class youth to a rapacious mass murderer, Gerwarth sheds new light on the complexity of Heydrich's adult character, his motivations, the incremental steps that led to unimaginable atrocities, and the consequences of his murderous efforts toward re-creating the entire ethnic makeup of Europe.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Rise of Reinhard Heydrich
The first chapter of Hitler’s Hangman: The Life and Death of Reinhard Heydrich begins with his early life and upbringing in Halle, Germany. Heydrich was the son of a successful composer and opera singer, who instilled in him a sense of discipline and ambition. However, Heydrich’s relationship with his parents was strained due to their disapproval of his later actions.

Real example: Heydrich’s childhood ambition and discipline were evident in his rise to become one of the most powerful men in Nazi Germany. Despite his parents’ disapproval, he pursued a military career and achieved high ranks in the SS. His ambition and determination were also seen in his involvement in the planning of the Holocaust.

Chapter 2: The Road to Power
In this chapter, the focus shifts to Heydrich’s involvement with the Nazi party and his rise to power. Heydrich was drawn to the Nazis’ anti-Semitic ideology and quickly became a trusted member of the party. He quickly rose through the ranks of the SS and took on leadership roles in the Gestapo and the SD, two of the most feared and influential organizations in Nazi Germany.

Real example: Heydrich’s rise to power was fueled by his cunning and strategic thinking. In 1941, he was placed in charge of the Final Solution, the systematic extermination of Jews in Europe. Heydrich used his power and influence to facilitate this genocidal plan, showing his unwavering commitment to the Nazi cause.

Chapter 3: The Butcher of Prague
Heydrich’s brutal and ruthless nature is explored in this chapter, which details his rule as the Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia. Heydrich was responsible for the murder of thousands of civilians and was known for his sadistic methods of torture and interrogation. He also played a key role in the suppression of the Czech resistance.

Real example: Heydrich’s reign of terror in Prague is exemplified by the assassination of Heydrich on May 27, 1942. The Czech resistance carried out the attack, which resulted in Heydrich’s death eight days later. This event had a significant impact on the course of World War II, as it led to Hitler’s orders for brutal retaliation and increased fear and violence against the Jewish population.

Chapter 4: The Final Solution
This chapter delves deeper into Heydrich’s involvement with the Final Solution and his role in implementing the genocide of Jews in German-occupied Europe. Heydrich’s meticulous planning and efficient execution of the Final Solution is discussed, as well as his rivalry with other key figures in the Nazi regime.

Real example: Heydrich’s implementation of the Final Solution was characterized by his manipulation and deceit. He created a system of deception, in which he presented the plan to Nazi leaders as a way to “solve the Jewish question” without explicitly mentioning the mass murder of millions of people.

Chapter 5: ‘The Hangman’
The title of this chapter refers to Heydrich’s infamous nickname, which he earned due to his role in planning and executing the Holocaust. The chapter explores Heydrich’s personality and how his cruelty and ambition made him both feared and admired by his colleagues in the Nazi party.

Real example: Heydrich’s nickname and reputation as ‘The Hangman’ were solidified by his involvement in the infamous Wannsee Conference in January 1942. Heydrich chaired the meeting, where final plans for the extermination of Jews were discussed and finalized. This conference solidified Heydrich’s position as one of the main architects of the Holocaust.

Chapter 6: Operation Anthropoid
In the final chapter, the book recounts Heydrich’s assassination and the aftermath of his death. The details of the operation, carried out by Czech and Slovak soldiers, are described in detail, including the betrayal that led to Heydrich’s whereabouts being revealed.

Real example: The aftermath of Heydrich’s assassination was marked by a brutal and destructive retaliation by the Nazi regime. Thousands of people were arrested and tortured in an attempt to find Heydrich’s killers, and an estimated 5,000 Czech civilians were killed in reprisal, including the village of Lidice being burned to the ground. This event serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of Heydrich’s actions and his legacy as ‘Hitler’s Hangman.’