January 16 - Hitler Descends to His Führerbunker

This Day in History: 16 January 2020

 

16 January 1945

 

75 years ago, today, Adolf Hitler took up residence in his underground bunker, called theFührerbunker, in Berlin, Germany, where he would marry Eva Braun and commit suicide. This was an air raid shelter and had been part of a subterranean bunker complex. It was also the last of the Führer Headquarters used by Hitler in the Second World War. The shelter consisted of 18 small rooms, and as well, was fully self-sufficient, as it had its own water and electrical supply. The dictator retired to the bunker after deciding to stay in Berlin for the last great siege of the war, but left only rarely, and spent most of the time micromanaging what was left of his German defenses, while also entertaining Nazi colleagues, such as Hermann Goering and Heinrich Himmler. At his side during his time in the bunker was his partner, Eva Braun and his dog, the Alsatian, Blondi.

A few months later, on April 29, Hitler married Eva while in the bunker. The two had met while Eva was an assistant to Hitler's official photographer. She spent time with Hitler out of the public eye but had no visible influence on Hitler's role as a political leader. Eva was still loyal to Hitler and provided him with somewhat of a domestic life. Less than 40 hours after the two were wed, the couple committed suicide. Hitler had learned of the death of his Italian ally and fellow dictator, Benito Mussolini, while fearing the Soviet Red Army that was closing in on his location. He had received cyanide capsules from Heinrich Himmler, but did not trust the capsules contents, so tested the pills onBlondi, who died as a result. However, Hitler had already planned to haveBlondi killed so she did not fall into the hands of the Russians. The two newly-weds then both swallowed the capsules themselves, and for good measure, Hitler shot himself with his pistol.

 

Want to read more about the Führerbunker, and the events that took place there during the war and after? Clickhere for more information, orhere.