New: The Hitler Diaries Scandal (from The History Podcast)
Summary
This episode recounts the 1945 crash of a German transport plane and the subsequent discovery of 60 handwritten volumes claimed to be Adolf Hitler’s diaries. Narrator Andrew Hunter-Murray explores how this crude forgery deceived prominent figures, including historian Hugh Trevor Roper and Rupert Murdoch’s Sunday Times, for nearly four decades. The story highlights the post-war trade in Nazi memorabilia and features the background of Konrad Kujau, the forger behind the scandal.
Topics discussed
Sponsorships and podcast introductions
The 1945 plane crash in Bernersdorf
The discovery of the fake Hitler diaries
Reflections on misinformation and fact-checking
Hitler's final days and the courier planes
Post-war rumors about Hitler's survival
Hugh Trevor Roper's investigation into Hitler's death
The rise of the Nazi memorabilia trade
Introduction of Konrad Kujau and his background
Hidden History podcast promotion
Listen ad-free on Castria