Max Amann

Max Amann (1891-1957) was a German Nazi official, businessman, and journalist. He was a leading figure in Nazi propaganda and publishing during the Third Reich.

Born in Munich, Amann served in the Bavarian Army during World War I, where he was Adolf Hitler's regimental sergeant. This connection proved crucial to his later career.

After the war, Amann became the business manager of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in 1922. He consolidated and controlled the Nazi Party's publishing empire, including the Völkischer Beobachter newspaper. Through his company, Eher Verlag, he became the dominant figure in the German press by systematically acquiring, often through coercion and intimidation, competing newspapers and publishing houses. This monopolistic control allowed the Nazi Party to disseminate its propaganda effectively and silence dissenting voices.

Amann profited immensely from the Nazi regime, becoming one of the wealthiest men in Germany. He held numerous positions within the Nazi hierarchy, including Reichsleiter (National Leader) of the Nazi Party for the Press and President of the Reich Press Chamber. These positions gave him immense power over the German media landscape.

Following the end of World War II, Amann was arrested and tried for his role in supporting the Nazi regime. In 1948, he was classified as a Hauptschuldiger (Chief Culprit) and sentenced to ten years in a labor camp. He was released early due to ill health and died in poverty in 1957. His assets were largely confiscated.