Episode 31: The Making of Baldur von Schirach and the Hitler Youth

In this episode, Katja and Chris explore the life of Baldur von Schirach, leader of the Hitler Youth and one of the more unlikely figures in the Nazi elite. Born into a wealthy, cosmopolitan family with American roots, Schirach enjoyed the privilege and connections to pursue almost any career. Instead, he threw himself into the fledgling Nazi movement long before it had any prospect of power. From his antisemitic schooling in Weimar and starstruck first encounter with Hitler to his mobilisation of ultranationalist university students and his ambition to forge an entire generation of children in Nazism’s image, Katja and Chris explore Schirach’s rise within the Nazi movement. They trace how a sensitive young aristocrat became a convicted war criminal, culminating in his role in the deportation of Vienna’s Jews. They also examine how his grandson, the bestselling author Ferdinand von Schirach, has grappled with this troubling inheritance, and what his response reveals about Germany’s continuing struggle with the memory of Nazism.

Join us as we untangle this complex story, dispelling the popular myths and misapprehensions about a national history that still shapes the world we live in. 

Do you like our podcast?

Then please leave us a review, it helps us a lot!

Host: Katja Hoyer & Dr Christopher Dillon

https://battleguide.co.uk/reichs-republics#host

To comment and ask questions, please join our community: https://reichs-and-republics.com/supporters

Support via Paypal: http://battleguide.co.uk/rr-paypal

Merchandise and Shop: https://reichs-and-republics.com/collections/all

Our WW1 Podcast: https://listen.not-so-quiet.com/

Our WW2 Podcast: https://listen.both-sides-of-the-wire.com

Untitled History Podcast: http://listen.untitled-history.com/