Adolf Hitler’s Marriages and Love Interests
Adolf Hitler, the infamous political leader of Nazi Germany prior to and during World War Two, was never married. Despite this, there is an understanding and wide-acceptance among historians, journalists and other non-fiction authors that he had multiple serious love interests. An understanding of his multiple relationships helps to provide us with an insight into the nature of Hitler’s personal life, at least during the thirties and forties, for the most part.
Most of what is known about Hitler’s relationships is due to the revelations made by former Nazis, such as Speer and others who wrote autobiographies and histories covering the period of Hitler’s life found in the Third Reich. What follows is an overview of some of the more significant relationships that Adolf Hitler had during his lifetime.
The most commonly accepted account of who Hitler married is his longtime mistress, Eva Braun. After a lengthy affair, the two were wed on April 29, 1945 – just one day before their joint suicide. Hitler’s relationship with Eva was, by all accounts, quite complex and it is easy to see, upon hearing of their relationship, why they remained together. Many sources that document their relationship point to the fact that Eva was not only loyal to Hitler, but also offered sympathy and comfort in his difficult times.
In addition to his relationship with Eva, there are sources which suggest that Hitler may have had what could be called a “secret” marriage while with Eva as well. This alleged marriage is to Geli Raubal, Hitler’s niece, who killed herself in 1931. Although there is debate among historians over this marriage and whether it did actually occur, there is an understanding that the two did spend a great deal of time together and were very close, which may have resulted in an unofficial union.
In addition to Eva Braun and Geli Raubal, there are other women with whom Hitler is alleged to have been involved with, including Unity Mitford and Leni Riefenstahl. With regard to Unity, she was a British journalist who was initially drawn to Hitler during his rise through politics in Germany. While her intentions were never clear, then even Hitler himself is quoted as saying; “To me she was the most wonderful and attractive person. But I had to limit my relationship with Unity to nothing more than occasional meetings”.
Leni Riefenstahl was an actress, film director and photographer and spent a considerable amount of time with Hitler in his later years. Their relationship was also extremely complicated and while they seem to have had a strong, personal relationship, it remains difficult to know if there were any romantic entanglements.
Early Love Interests
Historians have outlined several people with whom Hitler had a romantic relationship with much earlier in life. These include nurses that he had a relationship with whilst he was recovering from a poison gas attack early in the First World War. Later on, in 1920, he began a romantic relationship with a wealthy widow by the name of Mrs. Raubal, who lived in a flat around the corner from Hitler’s. Historians have outlined that although their relationship was never sexual, it was still very much platonic and lasted for a number of years.
At the same time, historians have noted that the two were having an affair and that, at least at some point, involved an exchange of love letters. Later, in 1922 or 1923, Hitler began a romantic relationship with his great love – a woman by the name of Stefanie Isak. Although they were never married, the two seem to have had a deep and serious relationship.
Despite the fact that most of the details of Hitler’s romantic relationships are clouded in mystery, Hitler seems to have had a long string of affairs and relationships throughout his lifetime. It may not be possible to fully understand the power dynamics between Hitler and the women that he chose to spend his life with, but it is possible to make some observations.
Analysis of Hitler’s Relationships
When assessing Hitler’s relationships and sex life, it is important to consider the context in which he lived and the values that were held in his time. Specifically, it is important to note that many of the people with whom Hitler was supposedly involved with were not of the same social class as him. In a society where social hierarchies determine interpersonal relationships and sexual encounters, it is important to note that many of the people that he was allegedly involved with were considered to be lower class, stunting the possibility that any type of meaningful relationship could exist.
Another consideration is the perception of women at the time. While there were some advances in women’s rights, such as the right to vote, there was still a sexist view of women that many people held. Women were mostly expected to take on housework and family responsibilities, rather than have a full-time career outside of the home. This may have been something that contributed to Hitler’s choice of partners, as well as to the power dynamics that existed within his relationships.
Scholars in Hitler studies have been critical of the notion that Hitler had a “sexual obsession”. Rather, they point out that Hitler’s relationships may have been based more on emotional connections than physicality. Whatever the case may be, it is clear that the level of complexity within Hitler’s interpersonal relationships should not be underestimated.
Hitler and Female Sexuality
It is also important to consider how Hitler viewed female sexuality. From his public statements, it seems that he held traditional views of the role of women in relationships. He did not seem to support the notion of women participating in sexual relationships outside of a marriage. In his book, Mein Kampf, he outlines his beliefs about women and sexuality and his overall view of women as objects for male pleasure. As a result, it is likely that Hitler had an authoritarian approach to relationships and viewed women more as property, rather than as equal partners.
It is also worth considering the effect of Hitler’s views on female sexuality, as well as the effect of his relationships with women on Germany, during the years he was in power. During his time as leader, there was a great deal of emphasis placed on the traditional nuclear family and the role of women as mothers and housewives. This was in line with Hitler’s public statements on female sexuality and relationships, suggesting that his views had an influence on German society.
Male Perception of Hitler’s Relationships
When looking at Hitler’s relationships, it is also important to consider how they were perceived by the male population. An interesting aspect to consider is how other men would have viewed Hitler’s relationships, and how they might have been interpreted in the public’s view. For instance, scholars have suggested that men in Hitler’s circle may have viewed him as a womanizer, due to his ongoing romantic liaisons. This perception could also have been influenced by the fact that Hitler was unmarried and had a seemingly inconstant relationships with different partners.
Scholars have suggested that Hitler might have also been viewed as a person who was more emotionally vulnerable than other men, which could have been a contributing factor in the way he was perceived. His relationships with women may have been seen as a sign of his need for affection and security, rather than a sign of strength or power. It is unknown how other men might have seen Hitler’s relationships, but this perspective is interesting to consider, and provides an insight into the power dynamics that existed in Hitler’s personal life.
The Impact of Hitler’s Relationships on Society
Finally, when looking at Hitler’s relationships with women, it is important to consider the impact they had on society. While it is difficult to determine whether Hitler’s relationships had much of an impact on the political and social climate of Germany, it is likely that they did, given the power dynamics that likely existed in them. Scholars have suggested that, as a result of his relationships, Hitler was able to develop an aura of trust and understanding, which made it easier for him to lead and manipulate the German people.
It has also been suggested that Hitler’s relationships may have had an impact on the gender roles in Germany at the time. Specifically, historians have proposed that the relationships in which Hitler was involved may have contributed to the idea that women’s roles in relationships were characterized by subservience and obedience. This could have had an effect on the role of women in German society, which was very much in line with the values held by Hitler during the time he was in power.
Overall, it is clear that Hitler had a number of relationships throughout his lifetime. Many of these relationships were complex and had a significant impact on Hitler as a person, as well as on the political and social climate of Germany during his time as leader.
