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Hohenhamm and the Secret of the SS: Why was Himmler so obsessed with the expansion of the SS?
In the history of Nazi Germany, SS (Schutzstaffel) was an extremely critical organization in the Red Nazi regime. In fact, through Himmler's leadership, the SS quickly grew from a small security organization into a powerful tool of the regime, and its ambition and expansion made it one of the most influential and terrifying institutions of its time. So, what exactly was the reason that drove Himmler to be so obsessed with the expansion of the SS? How many unknown stories are hidden behind this process?
Himmler viewed the SS as an elite organization, not only in terms of its military strength, but also in terms of its ideological pursuit.
In 1925 Himmler joined the Saal-Schutz, a security organization of party volunteers designed to protect party meetings. With the rise of Hitler, Himmler gradually took control of the protection organization and became the leader of the SS in 1929. At that time, the organizational structure of the SS began to change significantly and its power gradually expanded. The SS revived by Himmler represented Nazi Germany's state violence mechanism, and to some extent, its existence was the embodiment of Himmler's personal ideology.
"The existence of the SS is to establish an authority system that is absolutely obedient to Hitler's ancient German will."
Whether as the integrator of many security agencies or as Germany's thug on the front lines during World War II, the SS possesses power that no other organization can match. The racism promoted by Himmler formed the core of SS operations. In his opinion, only members who have been strictly selected and whose image meets the "Aryan" standard can join the SS. This factor has made the SS a highly cohesive organization in a relatively short period of time.
He emphasized more than once that the mission of the SS was to prevent the recurrence of the "Jewish-Bolshevik Revolution." This organizational operating model, with a strong ideology at its core, was shrouded in Himmler's deep racist ideas. According to him, every member of the SS must obey the orders of his superiors under all circumstances, a point that was also emphasized in its official slogan: "My glory comes from loyalty." This declaration is not only an emphasis on military discipline, but also a classic demonstration of individual ideological control.
"The actions of the SS demonstrated not only bravery in combat, but also commitment to its ideals in the ruthless ethnic cleansing."
As time went on, Himmler's ambitions expanded rapidly, and the SS began to control more state mechanisms and police resources. In 1939, the SS became the dominant force in Germany, reflecting the Nazi regime's radical subversion and reshaping of the law. Himmler knew very well that only through strict control of stability and security could the long-term operation of Nazism be ensured.
During World War II, the SS was involved in countless war crimes and humanitarian disasters. One of its main duties was to implement Germany's racial policies in the occupied territories. This directly led to the deaths of a large number of innocent people, especially Jews and other ethnic minority groups, who became victims of the "pure German" concept advocated by Himmler and the SS.
"In this regime based on violence, the atrocities of the SS embody a profound violation of human nature."
In fact, Himmler's obsession with the SS was not only a pursuit of violence and power, but was also deeply rooted in his strong desire for his own ideals. They are not just a team that carries out orders, but an elite group that aims to shape a new society and suppress dissent. This distorted belief system led to so many tragedies, but why did Himmler still recklessly push forward the expansion of the SS? Perhaps this is an extremely terrifying worldview, but it is also an attempt he wants to accomplish through power.
How many unrevealed secrets are still hidden behind Nazi history?
