Himmler, Heinrich

One of the most powerful figures of the Third Reich, Himmler was Reich Leader (Reichsfuehrer, or highest commander) of the SS and Chief of the German Police. Under his command, the SS grew into an elite corps with far-reaching authority to maintain the internal security of the Reich.

As head of the SS, Himmler consolidated the police forces of Nazi Germany under SS control. He oversaw the establishment and operation of the Nazi concentration camp system from 1933 on, creating an extrajudicial system for the neutralization of political opponents to the Nazi regime. After the Nazi invasion of Poland and throughout the war, Himmler was a key architect of the “Final Solution,” overseeing its planning and implementation.

Himmler was captured by Russian soldiers in May 1945 and turned over to the British, in whose custody he committed suicide on May 23, 1945.