The Disappearance of Hitler’s Wealth: Where Did All of Hitler’s Money Go?
After the fall of Nazi Germany, the question of what happened to Adolf Hitler's wealth remains a topic of ongoing fascination and intrigue. The same fate befell Hitler's wealth as Saddam Hussein's gold during the Gulf War—it likely ended up in the pockets of the victors. This article delves into the disposition of Hitler's wealth, focusing on the various aspects that contributed to its eventual fate.
Where Did Hitler's Wealth Go?
The immediate aftermath of Hitler's death saw his assets confiscated by the Allies. It is widely known that much of Saddam Hussein's gold disappeared from his palace after the US Army Navy SEALs stormed the place during the Gulf War. Similarly, a significant part of Hitler's wealth likely fell into the hands of those who defeated his regime.
Mein Kampf and its Royalties
The royalties from Mein Kampf made Hitler a very wealthy man. Originally written as a political tract and to fund his treason trial in 1924, the book was translated into 16 languages and sold around eight million copies by Hitler's death in 1945. It is estimated that the book earned around one million dollars per year in royalties, which financed Hitler's purchase and expansion of his Alpine retreat, the Berghof, near Berchtesgaden. However, Hitler was a rather ascetic character with little interest in money and, once in power, had no need for it personally. In fact, he even chose to forgo his Reich Chancellor's salary and carried no money on him.
Hitler's business manager, Max Amann, a director of his publisher Franz Eher Verlag in Munich, administered the royalties. Max Amann was one of the richest and most influential publishers in Nazi Germany. Despite Hitler's aversion to money, his estate was included in his will, which left his possessions and estate to the Nazi Party. However, with the abolition of the party after the war, Bavaria, the state of which he was a registered resident, inherited his remaining assets.
Bavaria and Hitler's Legacy
Bavaria has taken a particularly strong stance regarding Hitler's legacy. They have prevented the publication of Mein Kampf in German-speaking territories and have sought, with limited success, to restrict it elsewhere. Under German law, the copyright on Mein Kampf expired on the 70th anniversary of the author's death, which was April 30, 2015.
Despite these restrictions, heavy demand for the first edition of Mein Kampf to be printed in Germany since Hitler's death took its publisher by surprise. The Guardian reported that orders received were almost four times the initial print run. The Guardian noted that the Institute of Contemporary History IfZ in Munich planned to launch a sixth print run in January 2017.
Conclusion
The ultimate fate of Adolf Hitler's wealth remains an enigma. While much of his material possessions were confiscated, the royalties from Mein Kampf provided a significant financial lifeline. Bavaria, the state of Hitler's registered residence, has played a crucial role in controlling access to Hitler's legacy, particularly through the restrictions placed on Mein Kampf.
Keyword Cloud
Hitler's wealth, Mein Kampf, Nazi Germany, Swiss banks, Bavaria