 |
| Rainer Hoess Source: UK Telegraph |
I had taken a hiatus from posting interesting history-related things, especially in regards to World War II because I was enjoying almost 12 months of various research projects. However, I was told by my Uncle that I should watch the BBC's documentary entitled Hitler's Children. Personally, I thought what new information could I get in regards to the world's most infamous dictator and his loyal band of thugs?
Hitler's Children is not about Hitler, but a question that I have had in my mind since I was eleven years old after standing at the gate of Dachau looking up at the funny words "arbeit macht frei". I had finished my exploration of the camp much ahead of my parents and grandmother and needed a couple minutes to myself to think. A million questions poured out of me, it would not be until we returned home to the States and I began to learn the horrors of the Third Reich, more specifically, the Holocaust, that the burning question of what happened to the family members of Nazis?
I will be the first to admit that when I was younger I wanted nothing more then every member of the Nazi elite's family to realize what their loved one did and somehow be punished for it. However, as I ventured down the path of a historian, grew older, and received more education I realized the sins of the father should not necessarily be slapped onto the child. Do I believe it is necessary to keep Holocaust education alive in Germany? Yes. Do I believe it is necessary to keep Holocaust education alive throughout the world? Yes.
Hitler's Children offers an exploration of what it was like to grow up in the shadow of evil: Niklas Frank, the son of Hans Frank who became the Governor-General of Poland. Bettina Goering, the great-niece of Hermann Goering. Monika Hertwig, the daughter of Amon Goeth, the Commandant of Plaszow, whose brutality was made famous by Ralph Fiennes portrayal in Steven Spielberg's 1993 masterpiece, Schindler's List. Katrin Himmler, the great-niece of Heinrich Himmler, one of the architect's of the 'Final Solution'. Rainer Hoess, the grandson of Rudolf Hoess, the Camp Commandant of Auschwitz.
Each one of their stories is slightly different, yet just as heartbreaking. At one time one states that they feel like the only reason they were born was to remember the sins of their grandfather. Two of them have written books on their notorious relatives, including Niklas Frank, who writes about his parents' evilness within the Third Reich hierarchy. Rainer Hoess visits Auschwitz, and is terrified that he will be recognized as Rudolf Hoess' relation.
Bettina Goering is the 'child' that left me the most shocked. She did not want the risk of bringing any more evil into the world since she looks so much like her uncle, Hermann Goering, that she and her brother had themselves sterilized. I cannot even begin to imagine the thought process of deciding to do such a thing. The guilt that must be placed on not only her shoulders, but the shoulders of the rest of the family must be incredible.
Many ask why do survivors and families of survivors want to remember the horrible things that happened to them. It is so it does not happen again. However, nearly 80 years later it seems rather cliche to say that when looking back the world still hasn't learned with such genocides as Colombia, Kosovo, Rwanda, and Darfur. The pain and guilt that many feel for their family's participation is still fresh. However, Hitler's Children does an excellent job exploring what it is like to live with the guilt of their Father\Grandfather\Uncle's ruthless and barbaric actions during the war.
To view Hitler's Children on YouTube, click here
For more information on Bettina Goering, click here or here
For books by Niklas Frank click here
For articles on Katrin Himmler click here or here
To purchase Katrin Himmler's book The Himmler Brothers on Amazon click here
To watch Monika Hertwig discuss her Father, Amon click here
To buy Inheritance, click here
No comments:
Post a Comment