What was Ernst Hanfstaengl's full name and his notable nickname?

Ernst Hanfstaengl's full name was Ernst Franz Sedgwick Hanfstaengl. He was widely known by his nickname, "Putzi."

When and where was Ernst Hanfstaengl born, and where did he die?

Ernst Hanfstaengl was born on February 2, 1887, in Munich, which was then part of the German Empire. He died on November 6, 1975, in Munich, West Germany.

What was Ernst Hanfstaengl's nationality and educational background?

Ernst Hanfstaengl held German American nationality. He received his education at Harvard University.

What were Ernst Hanfstaengl's primary occupations and what was he most known for?

Ernst Hanfstaengl was a businessman who was formerly associated with the Nazi Party and later worked for the U.S. government. He is primarily known for being a close friend and confidant of Adolf Hitler.

Who was Ernst Hanfstaengl's spouse and children?

Ernst Hanfstaengl was married to Helene Hanfstaengl, with whom he had two children: a son named Egon and a daughter named Hertha. His daughter Hertha died at the age of five.

Describe Ernst Hanfstaengl's family background and its influence on his early life.

Ernst Hanfstaengl was born into a family with both German and American roots. His father, Edgar Hanfstaengl, was a German art publisher who established an American branch of his business, while his mother, Katharine Wilhelmina Heine, was American. This background facilitated his move to the United States and his education at Harvard University.

What significant connections did Ernst Hanfstaengl make during his time at Harvard University and in New York City?

While attending Harvard College, Ernst Hanfstaengl became acquainted with notable figures like Walter Lippmann and John Reed. Later, in New York City, where he managed his father's art publishing business, he met Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt at the Harvard Club. His circle of acquaintances also included William Randolph Hearst, the author Djuna Barnes (to whom he was briefly engaged), and the actor Charlie Chaplin.

How did World War I affect Ernst Hanfstaengl and his family's business?

At the outbreak of World War I, Ernst Hanfstaengl sought to return to Germany but was unsuccessful. During the war, the American branch of his father's art publishing business was confiscated as enemy property, impacting the family's financial standing in the United States.

When did Ernst Hanfstaengl first encounter Adolf Hitler, and what was his initial impression?

Ernst Hanfstaengl first heard Adolf Hitler speak in a Munich beer hall in November 1922. He was profoundly fascinated by Hitler's oratory abilities, describing them as capable of creating a "rhapsody of hysteria" and calling Hitler the "living unknown soldier of Germany."

What role did Ernst Hanfstaengl play in the early Nazi movement and Adolf Hitler's rise?

Hanfstaengl became an intimate follower of Hitler and played a significant role in polishing Hitler's public image by introducing him to Munich high society. He also provided financial support for the publication of Hitler's book, *Mein Kampf*, and the Nazi Party's newspaper, the *Völkischer Beobachter*. He even composed marches for the party's paramilitary groups.

How did Ernst Hanfstaengl's wife, Helene, allegedly intervene during the aftermath of the Beer Hall Putsch?

Following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, Adolf Hitler sought refuge in Hanfstaengl's home. According to accounts, when police arrived to arrest Hitler, Helene Hanfstaengl allegedly dissuaded him from committing suicide by using a jujitsu technique to disarm him.

What was Ernst Hanfstaengl's claimed contribution to Nazi Party chants and symbols?

Ernst Hanfstaengl claimed to have devised the famous Nazi chant "Sieg Heil." He also composed marches for the party's Brownshirts and Hitler Youth, which were patterned after his Harvard football songs.

Describe Ernst Hanfstaengl's interaction with Winston Churchill in 1932.

In 1932, Ernst Hanfstaengl met Winston Churchill in Munich and offered to arrange a meeting with Adolf Hitler. During their conversation, Churchill questioned Hitler's intense anti-Semitism, asking why he was prejudiced against people based on their birth. Following this discussion, Hitler reportedly cancelled the planned meeting with Churchill.

What was Ernst Hanfstaengl's role during the Reichstag fire incident?

During the Reichstag fire, Ernst Hanfstaengl was staying at Hermann Göring's official residence. He observed the fire and subsequently alerted members of the Nazi Party.

Explain the alleged "parachute joke" incident involving Ernst Hanfstaengl.

In 1937, Ernst Hanfstaengl was ordered to parachute into Nationalist-held territory during the Spanish Civil War for alleged negotiations. However, he feared a plot and learned from the pilot that the mission was a deception, possibly intended to have him dropped into Republican territory, which would have been fatal. According to Albert Speer, this was an elaborate practical joke orchestrated by Hitler and Goebbels to punish Hanfstaengl for critical comments he made about German soldiers' fighting spirit.

What happened to Ernst Hanfstaengl after the "parachute joke" incident?

Alarmed by the "parachute joke" incident, Ernst Hanfstaengl defected from Nazi Germany. He first made his way to Switzerland and later moved to Great Britain.

What was Ernst Hanfstaengl's experience during World War II regarding internment?

Upon moving to Great Britain at the start of World War II, Ernst Hanfstaengl was interned along with other German nationals. He was later transferred to a prison camp in Canada as part of Britain's policy for handling internees.

What was the significance of Ernst Hanfstaengl's contribution to the OSS report on Hitler's personality?

In 1943, Hanfstaengl collaborated with experts like Henry Murray and Walter Charles Langer to help create the report titled *Analysis of the Personality of Adolph Hitler* for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). This report aimed to provide psychological insights into the Nazi leader for the U.S. government.

What happened to Ernst Hanfstaengl after his cooperation with the U.S. ended?

In 1944, Ernst Hanfstaengl was returned to British custody. At the conclusion of World War II, he was repatriated to Germany.

What books did Ernst Hanfstaengl write about his experiences?

Ernst Hanfstaengl wrote a memoir titled *Unheard Witness*, published in 1957, which was later re-released under the title *Hitler: The Missing Years*. He also authored "Zwischen Weißem und Braunem Haus."

What notable event did Ernst Hanfstaengl attend in 1974?

In 1974, Ernst Hanfstaengl attended his 65th reunion at Harvard University. During the event, he shared stories with the Harvard University Band about the composers of various Harvard fight songs.

When did Ernst Hanfstaengl marry Helene Niemeyer, and what children did they have?

Ernst Hanfstaengl married Helene Elise Adelheid Niemeyer on February 11, 1920. They had a son, Egon Ludwig, who later enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and a daughter, Hertha, who tragically died at the age of five.

What is the title and year of the biography written about Ernst Hanfstaengl by Peter Conradi?

Peter Conradi authored a biography of Ernst Hanfstaengl titled *Hitler's Piano Player: The Rise and Fall of Ernst Hanfstaengl, Confidant of Hitler, Ally of FDR*, published in 2004.

In what popular culture works has Ernst Hanfstaengl been depicted?

Ernst Hanfstaengl has been portrayed in several television productions: Liev Schreiber played him in *Hitler: The Rise of Evil* (2003), Randy Quaid in *Inside the Third Reich* (1982), and Ronald Pickup in *The Nightmare Years* (1989). He is also mentioned in Saul Bellow's novel *Herzog* as Hitler's personal pianist.

What was the context of the image showing Hanfstaengl with Hitler and Göring?

The source material includes an image depicting Ernst Hanfstaengl alongside Adolf Hitler and Hermann Göring in Berlin during 1932. This photograph captures key figures within the Nazi movement during a critical period of its ascent to power.

What does the image featuring Hanfstaengl and Diana Mitford depict?

The source material references an image showing Ernst Hanfstaengl with Diana Mitford at a Nazi Party rally held in Nuremberg in 1934. This visual context places Hanfstaengl within significant Nazi gatherings during the party's consolidation of power.

What is the significance of the "More citations needed" notice at the beginning of the article?

The "More citations needed" notice indicates that the article requires additional references to reliable sources to verify its information. It encourages readers or editors to add citations, suggesting that unsourced material may be challenged or removed.

What was Ernst Hanfstaengl's relationship with Djuna Barnes?

Ernst Hanfstaengl was once engaged to the author Djuna Barnes. This engagement was part of his social circle in New York City before his return to Germany.

What was the "S-Project" that Ernst Hanfstaengl worked on for Franklin D. Roosevelt?

The "S-Project" was an initiative by U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt during World War II for which Ernst Hanfstaengl provided intelligence. Hanfstaengl revealed information on approximately 400 Nazi leaders, contributing to the Allied effort against Nazi Germany.

How did Ernst Hanfstaengl's nickname "Putzi" contrast with his physical stature?

Ernst Hanfstaengl's nickname, "Putzi," which translates to "little fellow," was notably at odds with his adult height of 1.93 meters (6 feet 4 inches). This contrast highlights a potential irony or a playful aspect of his persona.

What was the role of Ernst Hanfstaengl's father's business in his life?

Ernst Hanfstaengl's father, Edgar Hanfstaengl, was an art publisher who established a branch of his business in New York City. Ernst managed this American branch after graduating from Harvard, and his father's business connections influenced his early career and social interactions in the United States.

What was the nature of Hanfstaengl's association with the Nazi Party, specifically regarding membership?

Although Hanfstaengl became a close follower and confidant of Adolf Hitler in the early 1920s, he did not formally join the Nazi Party until 1931. His association was deep and influential even before official membership.

What is mentioned about Ernst Hanfstaengl's musical talents?

Ernst Hanfstaengl was a gifted pianist. He composed several songs for Harvard's football team, and later claimed to have composed marches for the Nazi Brownshirts and Hitler Youth based on these songs. He also stated he could soothe Hitler to sleep with his piano playing.

What was the context of Ernst Hanfstaengl's defection from Nazi Germany?

Ernst Hanfstaengl defected from Nazi Germany after falling out of favor with Hitler and experiencing a dangerous incident involving a supposed mission to Spain, which he believed was a plot against his life. This event, coupled with his earlier disputes with Goebbels and denouncement by Unity Mitford, prompted his departure.

What happened to Ernst Hanfstaengl's son, Egon?

Ernst Hanfstaengl's son, Egon Ludwig, eventually enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. This indicates that Egon followed a path aligned with the United States, contrasting with his father's earlier involvement with the Nazi regime.

What is the significance of the 'Authority control databases' section at the end of the article?

The 'Authority control databases' section provides links to standardized identifiers for Ernst Hanfstaengl across various international and national library and archival catalogs. This helps researchers find consistent information about him and ensures his identity is clearly distinguished from others.

What was Ernst Hanfstaengl's role in relation to the publication of 'Mein Kampf'?

Ernst Hanfstaengl helped finance the publication of Adolf Hitler's autobiographical book, *Mein Kampf*. This financial support was crucial in disseminating Hitler's ideology during the Nazi Party's formative years.

What was the nature of the disputes between Hanfstaengl and Joseph Goebbels?

As the Nazi Party consolidated power, disputes arose between Ernst Hanfstaengl and Joseph Goebbels, who served as the Reich Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. These conflicts contributed to Hanfstaengl's eventual removal from Hitler's staff.

What is the meaning of the German term 'Putzi' in relation to Ernst Hanfstaengl?

The nickname 'Putzi,' used for Ernst Hanfstaengl, is of German origin and means 'little fellow.' This nickname was given despite Hanfstaengl being quite tall as an adult.

What was Ernst Hanfstaengl's connection to the Union Army general John Sedgwick?

Ernst Hanfstaengl's maternal grandfather, Wilhelm Heine, was a cousin to John Sedgwick, a Union Army general during the American Civil War. This connection highlights Hanfstaengl's familial ties to American history.

What happened to the American branch of the Franz Hanfstaengl Fine Arts Publishing House during World War I?

After 1917, the American branch of the Franz Hanfstaengl Fine Arts Publishing House, which Ernst Hanfstaengl managed, was confiscated as enemy property due to the United States entering World War I.

What was the context of Hanfstaengl's claim about devising the 'Sieg Heil' chant?

Hanfstaengl claimed that he devised the chant 'Sieg Heil,' a prominent slogan used at Nazi rallies. This claim, if true, suggests his significant, though perhaps informal, role in shaping Nazi propaganda and symbolism.

What was the outcome of Ernst Hanfstaengl's repatriation to Germany after World War II?

After being handed back to the British in 1944 and subsequently repatriated to Germany at the end of World War II, Ernst Hanfstaengl lived out his final years in Munich. He remained a figure of historical interest, writing memoirs and attending reunions.

What is the significance of the 'See also' section in the article?

The 'See also' section provides links to related Wikipedia articles and portals that offer further context and information on topics connected to Ernst Hanfstaengl, such as lists of books about Hitler, related historical events, and biographical portals.

What is the purpose of the 'Further reading' section?

The 'Further reading' section lists additional books and resources that provide more in-depth information about Ernst Hanfstaengl and his life, offering avenues for readers who wish to explore the subject beyond the scope of the main article.

What does the image caption 'Hanfstaengl in 1934' refer to?

The image caption 'Hanfstaengl in 1934' refers to a photograph of Ernst Hanfstaengl taken in that year, providing a visual representation of him during a period of significant Nazi influence.

Ernst Hanfstaengl Wiki: Ernst Hanfstaengl: The Enigmatic Confidant of Power

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Early Life and Education

Heritage and Family

Ernst Franz Sedgwick Hanfstaengl, nicknamed "Putzi", was born in Munich, Bavaria, on February 2, 1887. He hailed from a family with strong artistic and academic ties; his father, Edgar Hanfstaengl, was a prominent German art publisher. His mother, Katharine Wilhelmina Heine, was American, the daughter of Wilhelm Heine, a cousin to American Civil War Union Army general John Sedgwick. His godfather was Duke Ernst II of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Hanfstaengl had four siblings: Erna, Edgar, Egon, and Erwine.

Academic Pursuits

Hanfstaengl spent his formative years in Germany before relocating to the United States to attend Harvard College. There, he formed connections with notable figures like Walter Lippmann and John Reed. A talented pianist, he even composed songs for Harvard's football team, graduating in 1909. His early life laid the groundwork for a unique blend of German and American cultural influences.

New York and Business

After Harvard, Hanfstaengl moved to New York City to manage the American branch of his father's Franz Hanfstaengl Fine Arts Publishing House. In this vibrant metropolis, he mingled with influential individuals, including Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt, and author Djuna Barnes, to whom he was briefly engaged. His time in New York exposed him to the American elite and shaped his social and professional trajectory.

World War I Interlude

Upon the outbreak of World War I, Hanfstaengl sought to return to Germany but was unsuccessful in his attempts to be smuggled back. He remained in the United States throughout the war. Following the U.S. entry into the conflict, the American branch of the family's business was confiscated as enemy property, marking a significant disruption to his established life.

Career Trajectory

Encountering Hitler

Returning to Germany in 1922, Hanfstaengl first heard Adolf Hitler speak in a Munich beer hall. A chance encounter facilitated by Captain Truman Smith of the U.S. Embassy led Hanfstaengl to observe Hitler's political rallies. Fascinated by Hitler's oratory skills and the fervor he ignited, Hanfstaengl soon became an intimate follower, though he did not formally join the Nazi Party until 1931.

Intimate Associate

Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, Hanfstaengl cultivated a close friendship with Hitler. He played a crucial role in introducing Hitler to Munich's high society, helping to refine his public image. Hanfstaengl also provided financial support for Hitler's autobiography, Mein Kampf, and the Nazi Party's newspaper, the Völkischer Beobachter. He even composed marches for the party's paramilitary groups, reportedly patterning them after his Harvard fight songs, and is credited by some with devising the "Sieg Heil" chant.

Churchill and the Reichstag Fire

In 1932, Hanfstaengl offered to arrange a meeting between Hitler and Winston Churchill in Munich. Churchill, curious about Hitler at the time, questioned Hitler's intense anti-Semitism. Hanfstaengl relayed this to Hitler, who subsequently canceled the meeting. Hanfstaengl was also present at Hermann Göring's residence during the Reichstag fire, alerting Nazi officials to the blaze.

Fall from Grace

As the Nazi regime consolidated power, Hanfstaengl's influence waned. Disputes arose with Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels, leading to Hanfstaengl's removal from Hitler's staff in 1933. His relationship with Hitler deteriorated further after being denounced by Unity Mitford, a close associate. His divorce from Helene in 1936 also marked a personal turning point.

The Spanish Civil War Deception

In 1937, Hanfstaengl was ordered on a mission to parachute into Nationalist-held territory during the Spanish Civil War. Fearing a plot against his life, he learned from the pilot that he was intended to be dropped into Republican territory. The pilot, however, landed near Leipzig, allowing Hanfstaengl to escape. Albert Speer later described this as an elaborate prank orchestrated by Hitler and Goebbels to punish Hanfstaengl for critical remarks about German soldiers.

Internment and Defection

Alarmed by the Spanish Civil War incident and his declining standing, Hanfstaengl defected. He made his way to Switzerland and then Great Britain. Following the outbreak of World War II, he was interned as a German national and later transferred to a prison camp in Canada. This period marked a stark contrast to his former privileged position.

Cooperation with the U.S.

In 1942, Hanfstaengl was handed over to the United States. He collaborated with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "S-Project," providing extensive intelligence on approximately 400 Nazi leaders, including detailed personal information about Hitler. He also contributed to a significant psychological profile of Hitler for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in 1943.

Post-War and Return

After the war, Hanfstaengl was repatriated to Germany by the British. Journalist William Shirer, who knew Hanfstaengl from his time in Nazi Germany, described him as an "eccentric, gangling man, whose sardonic wit somewhat compensated for his shallow mind." He spent his later years reflecting on his experiences.

Personal Life

Family Ties

On February 11, 1920, Ernst Hanfstaengl married Helene Elise Adelheid Niemeyer of Long Island. Together, they had a son, Egon Ludwig, who later enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. The couple also had a daughter, Hertha, who tragically died at the age of five. The marriage eventually ended in divorce in 1936.

Death and Legacy

Final Years

Ernst Hanfstaengl passed away in Munich on November 6, 1975, at the age of 88. His complex and often contradictory life, marked by his close association with Adolf Hitler and subsequent cooperation with Allied intelligence, continued to draw scholarly interest. In 2004, Peter Conradi published a comprehensive biography, Hitler's Piano Player: The Rise and Fall of Ernst Hanfstaengl, Confidant of Hitler, Ally of FDR, shedding further light on his remarkable journey.

In Popular Culture

Fictional Portrayals

Hanfstaengl's unique life story has captured the imagination of filmmakers and authors. He has been portrayed in several television productions, including Liev Schreiber's depiction in the 2003 miniseries Hitler: The Rise of Evil and Randy Quaid's role in the 1982 film Inside the Third Reich. Ronald Pickup also played him in the 1989 miniseries The Nightmare Years. These portrayals highlight his role as a significant, albeit controversial, figure in the historical narrative.

Literary and Personal Accounts

In literature, Hanfstaengl appears in Saul Bellow's novel Herzog, where he is mentioned as Hitler's personal pianist. Hanfstaengl himself confirmed this ability, noting in a 1969 interview that he could soothe Hitler to sleep with his piano playing. His own memoir, Unheard Witness (later re-released as Hitler: The Missing Years), offers a firsthand account of his experiences. Alexander Woollcott also referenced an encounter with Hanfstaengl in his story "The Sacred Grove."

References

Sources

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

Toland, John. (1976). Adolf Hitler. Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company. ISBN 9780385037242.
Shirer, William L. (1960). The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9780671624200.
Sedgwick Genealogy: Descendants of Deacon Benjamin Sedgwick.
Axess. (n.d.). "Fiendens fiende". Retrieved October 27, 2024.
Fischer, Klaus P. (2011). Hitler & America. Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Hanfstaengl, Ernst (1957). Hitler: The Memoir of a Nazi Insider that Turned Against the Fuhrer. New York, New York: Arcade Publishing.
Winston Churchill. (2015, March 5). "Meeting Hitler, 1932".
Churchill, Winston S. The Gathering Storm. Chapter V. 1948.
Spartacus Educational. (2014, March 15). "The Reichstag Fire".
Speer, Albert. Inside the Third Reich. Sphere Books, 1971.
Shirer, William. Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Simon & Schuster, 1960.
Bellow, Saul (2003). Herzog. Penguin Group. ISBN 0142437298.

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References

The initial encounter was on 22 November 1922 at the Kindlkeller, a large L-shaped beer hall. Toland, p. 128.

The Gathering Storm. By Winston S. Churchill. Chapter V. 1948

Albert Speer, Inside the Third Reich, (Sphere Books, 1971), Chpt.9, pp. 188-9.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Ernst Hanfstaengl Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. The subject matter involves sensitive historical and political contexts.

This is not historical or political analysis. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, academic consultation, or nuanced political analysis. Always consult primary sources and scholarly works for a comprehensive understanding of historical figures and events.

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Ernst Hanfstaengl: The Enigmatic Confidant of Power

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Education 🎓

🇩🇪🇺🇸 Heritage and Family

🏛️ Academic Pursuits

🏙️ New York and Business

⚔️ World War I Interlude

Career Trajectory 📈

🎙️ Encountering Hitler

🤝 Intimate Associate

🗣️ Churchill and the Reichstag Fire

📉 Fall from Grace

✈️ The Spanish Civil War Deception

🔒 Internment and Defection

🇺🇸 Cooperation with the U.S.

📰 Post-War and Return

Personal Life 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

💍 Family Ties

Death and Legacy ⚰️

📍 Final Years

In Popular Culture 🎬

📺 Fictional Portrayals

🎶 Literary and Personal Accounts

References 📚

🔗 Sources

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Education

Heritage and Family

Academic Pursuits

New York and Business

World War I Interlude

Career Trajectory

Encountering Hitler

Intimate Associate

Churchill and the Reichstag Fire

Fall from Grace

The Spanish Civil War Deception

Internment and Defection

Cooperation with the U.S.

Post-War and Return

Personal Life

Family Ties

Death and Legacy

Final Years

In Popular Culture

Fictional Portrayals

Literary and Personal Accounts

References

Sources

Teacher's Corner

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References

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Important Notice