Erik Jan Hanussen, a mesmerist and clairvoyant, intrigued many with his alleged influence over Hitler and the Nazis. This episode delves into his mysterious life, the Reichstag fire, the allure of the occult in Berlin, and his support for National Socialism. The podcast also explores the control of the media landscape in Nazi Germany.
Erik Jan Hanussen, a renowned entertainer and mystic in 1920s and 30s Europe, had connections to the Nazi party and there were claims that he taught Adolf Hitler the art of mesmerizing an audience.
Hanussen's newspaper, the Berliner Wochenschau, catered to the public's appetite for sensational stories, astrology, and pro-Nazi propaganda.
Deep dives
The Rise and Fall of Erich Jan Hannusen
Erich Jan Hannusen, a renowned entertainer and mystic in 1920s and 30s Europe, was both revered and denounced for his supposed psychic abilities. He entertained crowds and provided spiritual insight to wealthy patrons, including members of the Nazi party. There were claims that Hannusen influenced Adolf Hitler himself, teaching him the art of mesmerizing an audience. The podcast explores the Reichstag fire of 1933 and the subsequent rise of Hitler to power, with speculation about Hannusen's possible involvement in the fire. It discusses Hannusen's mysterious background, his connections to the Nazi party, and his newspaper, the Berliner Wochenschau, which became a prominent pro-Nazi publication. The episode delves into conflicting sources and rumours surrounding Hannusen's Jewish ancestry, his alleged association with high-ranking Nazis, and his untimely demise at the hands of Nazi stormtroopers.
Berlin's Occult Scene and Hannusen's Influence
The podcast delves into the vibrant occult scene in 1920s Berlin and the public's fascination with psychics, mediums, and hypnotists. It explores the cultural and psychological context of the Weimar years, marked by economic struggles and political crises. Against this backdrop, Hannusen's act thrived, gaining popularity among the theatre-going public and the city's wealthy elite. The episode highlights Hannusen's success as a stage performer, film actor, and publisher, particularly with his tabloid newspaper, the Berliner Wochenschau, which catered to the public's appetite for sensational stories, astrological predictions, and pro-Nazi propaganda.
Hannusen's Alleged Connection to Nazis
The podcast examines the controversy surrounding Hannusen's alleged connection to high-ranking Nazis, including Nazi paramilitary leader Wulf Heinrich von Haldorf. While the extent of their relationship is uncertain and based on questionable sources, there is evidence that Hannusen's newspaper supported the Nazi party and published favourable reports about Hitler. The episode explores claims that Hannusen financially supported the Nazis, hosted fundraisers, and potentially even bought military equipment for them. It also delves into allegations of blackmail and Hannusen's alleged possession of compromising film footage that could have jeopardized the careers of senior Nazis.
The Mysterious Death of Hannusen
The podcast discusses the events surrounding Hannusen's disappearance and death in March 1933. It explores possible motives for his elimination, including financial disputes, political rivalries, personal conflicts, and his alleged Jewish ancestry. The episode notes the rise of Nazi control over the media and the subsequent shutdown of Hannusen's newspaper. It concludes with the discovery of Hannusen's body, with three bullet holes, suggesting that he was a victim of Nazi stormtroopers. However, due to conflicting and unreliable sources, the true circumstances surrounding his death remain uncertain.
A legend and a mystery in his own lifetime, the decades following his death have only added to the mystique — and confusion — about who Jan Erik Hanussen really was and what his role in the rise of the Nazis might have been. We find out about the various dubious accounts that have shaped public perception about this once-famous mesmerist and clairvoyant, and how an entire subcategory of popular history was born — Occultism and the Nazis.
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Assassinations Podcast was created by Niall Cooper, who also researches and writes the show. Lindsey Morse is our editor and producer. Our theme music was created by Graeme Ronald. If you’d like to hear more from Graeme, check out his band, Remember Remember. You’ll find them on iTunes.
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