Rudolf Hess

Rudolf Hess should not be confused with another prominent Nazi, Rudolf Höß (also spelled Höss or Hoess.)

Hitler's deputy

After the war he went to Munich and joined the Thule Society, assisting the Freikorps in their struggle against Communism. He enrolled in the University of Munich where he studied political science, history, economics, and geopolitics under Professor Karl Haushofer. After hearing Hitler speak in May 1920, he became completely devoted to his leadership. For commanding an SA battalion during the Beer Hall Putsch, he served seven and a half months in Landsberg prison. Acting as Hitler's private secretary, he edited Hitler's book Mein Kampf and eventually rose to deputy party leader and third in leadership of Germany, after Hitler and Hermann Göring.

Related Topics:
Munich - Thule Society - Freikorps - Communism - University of Munich - Political science - History - Economics - Geopolitics - Karl Haushofer - 1920 - SA - Battalion - Beer Hall Putsch - Landsberg prison - Mein Kampf - Hermann Göring

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Hess had a privileged position as Hitler's deputy in the early years of the Nazi movement but was increasingly marginalized throughout the 1930s as Hitler and other Nazi leaders consolidated political power. Hitler biographer John Toland described Hess' political insight and abilities as somewhat limited and his alienation increased during the early years of the war as attention and glory were focused on the generals along with Hermann Göring, Joseph Goebbels and Heinrich Himmler. Several historians have characterised Hess' personality as "neurotic."

Related Topics:
1930s - John Toland - Joseph Goebbels - Heinrich Himmler

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