The rise of the Nazis
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Richard Strauss: 15 facts about the great composer
11. The rise of the Nazis
In the early 1930s, Strauss did not join the Nazi party. For reasons of expediency, however, he initially cooperated with the early Nazi regime in the hope that it would promote German art and culture. Much of Strauss's motivation in his conduct during the Third Reich was, however, to protect his Jewish daughter-in-law and grandchildren from persecution. Strauss used his considerable influence to prevent them from being sent to concentration camps. He is seen here talking to German Minister Ernst Roehm in Berlin on 7 December 1933.
