Did Hitler Like High-Ranking Nazis?

It is often said that Hitler did not like all of the high-ranking Nazis around him, but the truth is more nuanced. While some individuals enjoyed his favor, others served purely as tools to carry out his orders. This article explores the complex dynamics of Nazi hierarchy and the relationships between Hitler and his key officials.

Hitler's Perspective on Key Members

Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler:
Hitler saw Himmler as a critical asset for his plans rather than someone he particularly liked. Himmler’s role in the SS and his loyalty to Hitler’s vision often outweighed any personal liking or disliking. Himmler held significant power without being part of the inner circle, proving his usefulness in executing Hitler's policies. However, their relationship lacked personal warmth.

Joachim von Ribbentrop and Alfred Rosenberg:
Both these men were met with indifference by Hitler. He considered them pompous and lacking in practical talent. They remained in power due to their adherence to Nazi ideology and the fulfillment of their roles. Despite their positions, they did not hold a central place in Hitler's inner circle.

Bock von Goering:
Frankly, Goering was kept around despite his seniority because he fulfilled his role of a capable organizer and enforcer. However, he was not at the center of Hitler's admiration, and their relationship was marked more by mutual convenience than genuine respect.

Actual Friendship and Companionship

Of the individuals closest to Hitler, one could argue that he had a genuine bond with two figures:

Joseph Goebbels:
Goebbels was almost a sycophant, completely devoted to Hitler. His subservience served as a stark contrast to the occasional disagreements Hitler had with other high-ranking officials. Goebbels firmly remained within the sphere of loyalty and compliance, never challenging Hitler's authority or vision.

Albert Speer:
One of the few who dared to offer dissent, Speer was an exception. Despite his disagreements, Hitler seemed to enjoy his company, possibly because of Hitler’s own delusions of his artistic capabilities. Speer's boldness and adherence to certain ethical standards, even when going against Hitler’s orders, set him apart from other Nazi leaders.

Admiration and Dislike Among Nazi Leaders

Hitler did not particularly care for friendship and instead valued obedience and competence. While he did not like everyone, he allowed some key figures to remain in power to ensure the smooth functioning of the Third Reich:

Werner Best:
In 1940, Best was ordered to take over Denmark following the country’s offer to become a protectorate. Best was already one of Hitler's disfavored individuals. His reluctance to resolve internal issues and his failure to act as expected further aggravated Hitler. Best's dismissal was followed by a harsher treatment for Denmark. This illustrates that despite dislike, Hitler allowed some to remain in power if they complied with his demands.

Conclusion

In summary, while Hitler did not “like” all high-ranking Nazis, he did maintain a favorable relationship with some based on their loyalty and capability. His admiration was reserved only for a few, such as Goebbels and Speer, who aligned with his vision in different ways. However, those who did not comply faced severe consequences, underlining the harsh reality of the Nazi regime.