Hans V. Kaltenborn, a man of German descent, found himself entangled in a web of controversy in 1933, as the Nazi regime rose to power under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. Initially, Kaltenborn may have been enamored with the discipline and precision exhibited by the Nazi German youth, which he perceived as a desirable trait.
However, his admiration was short-lived, as he refused to believe reports of the brutal treatment meted out to American visitors who failed to show sufficient respect for the Nazi regime's street parades or did not reciprocate the Nazi salute. According to documented accounts, Kaltenborn's son was physically assaulted by S.A. roughnecks, while Kaltenborn himself was subjected to verbal insults, a stark contrast to the discipline and precision he had initially admired.
This jarring experience served as a rude awakening for Kaltenborn, and he subsequently lodged a complaint with the American Consulate in Berlin. Unfortunately, his efforts to seek redress were unsuccessful, leaving a lasting impression on the journalist.
The incident is meticulously chronicled in Erik Larson's book, "In the Garden of Beasts," providing a poignant insight into the complexities of Kaltenborn's experiences during this tumultuous period in history.
