Austrian-German politician who served as the Gauleiter of Upper Austria during World War II and was a convicted war criminal. He was known for his brutal suppression of opposition and his role in the Holocaust.
August Eigruber was a notorious Austrian-born Nazi Gauleiter and Reichsstatthalter of Reichsgau Oberdonau (Upper Danube) and Landeshauptmann of Upper Austria, infamous for his involvement in war crimes at Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp, which ultimately led to his conviction and execution.
Eigruber was born on April 16, 1907, in Steyr, Austria. After completing middle school, he underwent training in geodesy and fine mechanics at the Austrian Federal Teaching Institution for Iron and Steelworking. He was active in his profession before joining the National Socialist Worker Youth of Austria in November 1922, eventually becoming its leader in 1925.
In April 1928, Eigruber joined the Nazi Party, and despite the party being banned in Austria, he continued to rise through the ranks, taking up the Steyr-Land district leadership in October 1930. His activities in the NSDAP led to several months in prison, but this did not deter him from his commitment to the party.
After the Anschluss in 1938, Eigruber's career in the Nazi state accelerated. He was appointed Landeshauptmann of Upper Austria on March 14, 1938, and was elected as a member of the German Reichstag, representing Austria, on April 10, 1938.
On June 1, 1938, Eigruber joined the SA, with the rank of SA-Brigadeführer, and on July 25, 1938, he also joined the SS as a Standartenführer. His rapid rise continued, and on May 22, 1938, Adolf Hitler appointed him Gauleiter of Reichsgau Oberdonau, uniting the highest party and governmental offices in his jurisdiction under his control.
Eigruber's involvement in war crimes at Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp ultimately led to his downfall. He was convicted of war crimes and sentenced to death by hanging, which was carried out on May 28, 1947.
August Eigruber's legacy is one of controversy and infamy. His involvement in the Nazi regime and war crimes at Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp serve as a reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II.
In conclusion, August Eigruber's life and career serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind allegiance and the devastating consequences of war crimes.
Born in 1897
The 15th Federal Chancellor of Austria, a strong opponent of Nazi Germany, who tried to maintain Austria's independence before its annexation in 1938. He's known for his courageous but ultimately unsuccessful resistance against Hitler's regime.
Born in 1892
Leader of Austria during the 1930s, implemented authoritarian regime, and assassinated by Nazi agents. Known for his anti-Nazi stance and attempts to preserve Austrian independence.
Born in 1879
A German nobleman who served as Chancellor of Germany in 1932, known for his role in appointing Adolf Hitler as Chancellor, paving the way for the Nazi regime.
Born in 1889
The dictator of Nazi Germany, responsible for the genocide of six million Jews and millions of other people during World War II, and infamous for his extreme nationalist and anti-Semitic ideology.
Born in 1893
A high-ranking Nazi official, he was a decorated World War I fighter pilot and later became a prominent politician, serving as Minister President of Prussia. He's infamous for his role in the Nazi regime and war crimes trials.
Born in 1893
A German diplomat who served as the Nazi regime's Foreign Minister, orchestrating key alliances and treaties that led to World War II. He was a close associate of Adolf Hitler and played a crucial role in shaping Nazi foreign policy.
