The document summarizes key events from 20 July 1944 to 9 May 1945 during the final year of Nazi Germany. It describes the failed 20 July assassination attempt on Hitler by Claus von Stauffenberg and the subsequent crackdown. It also discusses the increasing role of the Nazi party in the war effort as the military situation deteriorated. Major Allied offensives like Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge are summarized, along with Hitler's declining physical and mental state as defeat loomed.
A Case Study in Early Joint Warfare: An Analysis of the Wehrmacht's Crimean C...Professor Joel Hayward
Military theorists and commentators believe that joint operations prove more effective in most circumstances of modern warfare than operations involving only one service or involving two or more services but without systematic integration or unified command. Many see Nazi Germany's armed forces, the Wehrmacht, as early pioneers of 'jointness'. This essay demonstrates that the Wehrmacht did indeed understand the value of synchronizing its land, sea and air forces and placing them under operational commanders who had at least a rudimentary understanding of the tactics, techniques, needs, capabilities and limitations of each of the services functioning in their combat zones. It also shows that the Wehrmacht's efforts in this direction produced the desired result of improved combat effectiveness. Yet it argues that the Wehrmacht lacked elements considered by today's theorists to be essential to the attainment of truly productive jointness - a single tri-service commander, a proper joint staff and an absence of inter-service rivalry - and that, as a result, it often suffered needless difficulties in combat.
Stalingrad: An Examination-of Hitler's Decision to Airlift, by Professor Joel...Professor Joel Hayward
After February 1943, the shadow of Stalingrad ever lengthened ahead of Adolf Hitler. The battle for that city had ended in disastrous defeat, shattering the myth of his military "Midas touch," ending his chances of defeating the Red Army, permanently damaging relations with Italy, Rumania, Hungary, and other allied nations, and, of course, inflicting heavy losses on his eastern armies. More than 150,000 Axis soldiers, most of them German, had been killed or wounded in the city's approaches or ruins; 108,000 others stumbled into Soviet captivity, 91,000 in the battle's last three days alone. (Although Hitler never learned of their fate, only six thousand ever returned to Germany.) The battle has attracted considerable scholarly and journalistic attention. Literally scores of books and articles on Stalingrad have appeared during the 50 years since Stalin's armies bulldozed into Berlin, bringing the war in Europe to a close. Most have been published in Germany and, to a lesser degree, Russia, where the name "Stalingrad" still conjures up powerful and emotional imagery. Comparatively few have been published in the English-speaking world, and this is understandable. Because no British, Common wealth, or American forces took part in the battle, they can number none of their own among its many heroes, martyrs, prisoners, and victims. Moreover, although the German defeat at Stalin grad was immediately seen in the West as a turning point, its effects were not directly felt by the Anglo- - American nations. The main focus of Stalin grad historiography, including the dozen books published in 1992 and 1993 to commemorate the battle's 50th anniversary, has been the fighting, encirclement, suffering, and destruction of Generalfeldmarschall Friedrich Paulus's Sixth Army. Few books and articles have devoted adequate attention to the activities of the Luftwaffe, although it made substantial contributions to all battles throughout the 1942 summer campaign—of which Stalingrad was the climax—and it alone was responsible for the maintenance of Sixth Army after Marshal G. K. Zhukov's forces severed it from all but radio contact with other German army formations. Even fewer works—and none in English—have analyzed in depth Hitler's decision to supply the forces trapped at Stalin grad from the air, even though this decision led to the destruction of those forces after the Luftwaffe failed to keep them adequately supplied.
The German Use of Airpower at Kharkov, May 1942, by Professor Joel HaywardProfessor Joel Hayward
This archival source-based analysis of the role and effectiveness of airpower during the Battle of Kharkov in May 1942 demonstrates that it was the critical factor in determining German success. Masterfully commanded by Generaloberst Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen, the Third Reich's leading close air support expert, the Luftwaffe delivered highly effective support to the German army and prevented a major Soviet encirclement attempt from succeeding.
A Case Study in Early Joint Warfare: An Analysis of the Wehrmacht's Crimean C...Professor Joel Hayward
Military theorists and commentators believe that joint operations prove more effective in most circumstances of modern warfare than operations involving only one service or involving two or more services but without systematic integration or unified command. Many see Nazi Germany's armed forces, the Wehrmacht, as early pioneers of 'jointness'. This essay demonstrates that the Wehrmacht did indeed understand the value of synchronizing its land, sea and air forces and placing them under operational commanders who had at least a rudimentary understanding of the tactics, techniques, needs, capabilities and limitations of each of the services functioning in their combat zones. It also shows that the Wehrmacht's efforts in this direction produced the desired result of improved combat effectiveness. Yet it argues that the Wehrmacht lacked elements considered by today's theorists to be essential to the attainment of truly productive jointness - a single tri-service commander, a proper joint staff and an absence of inter-service rivalry - and that, as a result, it often suffered needless difficulties in combat.
Stalingrad: An Examination-of Hitler's Decision to Airlift, by Professor Joel...Professor Joel Hayward
After February 1943, the shadow of Stalingrad ever lengthened ahead of Adolf Hitler. The battle for that city had ended in disastrous defeat, shattering the myth of his military "Midas touch," ending his chances of defeating the Red Army, permanently damaging relations with Italy, Rumania, Hungary, and other allied nations, and, of course, inflicting heavy losses on his eastern armies. More than 150,000 Axis soldiers, most of them German, had been killed or wounded in the city's approaches or ruins; 108,000 others stumbled into Soviet captivity, 91,000 in the battle's last three days alone. (Although Hitler never learned of their fate, only six thousand ever returned to Germany.) The battle has attracted considerable scholarly and journalistic attention. Literally scores of books and articles on Stalingrad have appeared during the 50 years since Stalin's armies bulldozed into Berlin, bringing the war in Europe to a close. Most have been published in Germany and, to a lesser degree, Russia, where the name "Stalingrad" still conjures up powerful and emotional imagery. Comparatively few have been published in the English-speaking world, and this is understandable. Because no British, Common wealth, or American forces took part in the battle, they can number none of their own among its many heroes, martyrs, prisoners, and victims. Moreover, although the German defeat at Stalin grad was immediately seen in the West as a turning point, its effects were not directly felt by the Anglo- - American nations. The main focus of Stalin grad historiography, including the dozen books published in 1992 and 1993 to commemorate the battle's 50th anniversary, has been the fighting, encirclement, suffering, and destruction of Generalfeldmarschall Friedrich Paulus's Sixth Army. Few books and articles have devoted adequate attention to the activities of the Luftwaffe, although it made substantial contributions to all battles throughout the 1942 summer campaign—of which Stalingrad was the climax—and it alone was responsible for the maintenance of Sixth Army after Marshal G. K. Zhukov's forces severed it from all but radio contact with other German army formations. Even fewer works—and none in English—have analyzed in depth Hitler's decision to supply the forces trapped at Stalin grad from the air, even though this decision led to the destruction of those forces after the Luftwaffe failed to keep them adequately supplied.
The German Use of Airpower at Kharkov, May 1942, by Professor Joel HaywardProfessor Joel Hayward
This archival source-based analysis of the role and effectiveness of airpower during the Battle of Kharkov in May 1942 demonstrates that it was the critical factor in determining German success. Masterfully commanded by Generaloberst Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen, the Third Reich's leading close air support expert, the Luftwaffe delivered highly effective support to the German army and prevented a major Soviet encirclement attempt from succeeding.
At the same time as the American Revolution some amazing work was being done in the Pacific world. This was primarily the consequence of Captain James Cook's three voyages of discovery. This session will describe how the age-old problem of longitude was solved and how contact with aboriginal peoples was a sad counterpart to the Enlightenment discoveries of Oceania.
The Age of the Democratic Revolution, R.R. Palmer's phrase, begins with the British North American colonies in the 1760s. This session will take the story from origins to the first turning point, the Battle of Saratoga, 1777.
Sieg im Westen, 1939-1940; part 3 of 12-Year ReichJim Powers
This presentation describes the first year of the war, Poland, the Phony War, Denmark and Norway, the Low Countries, France, the Blitz, and Hitler's dilemma when Britain fails to give in.
The Twelve-Year Reich, part 1-Establishing the dictatorshipJim Powers
This six part series traces the Nazi dictatorship from 1933-1945. Part 1 traces events from 30 January 1933 through the remilitarization of the Rhineland, March, 1936
Sea power 2-session 7-napoleon and nelsonJim Powers
Two famous leaders continue their rise to prominence, each in his own domain. Napoleon will conquer Egypt, but Nelson will destroy the French Med fleet. Napoleon will overthrow the Directory, but Nelson will gut the League of Armed Neutrality.
Sea power 2 session 10-decline and fall of the French EmpireJim Powers
The last conflict of the Second Hundred Years War. Now British Sea Power has established the nineteenth century era of relative peace wherein Britain establishes her second empire.
Sea power 2-session 6 -french revolutionJim Powers
After a decade of peace Britain is once again at war with her ancient enemy. Two significant victories continue to erode adherence to the restrictive influence if the Fighting Instructions (ROE).
At the same time as the American Revolution some amazing work was being done in the Pacific world. This was primarily the consequence of Captain James Cook's three voyages of discovery. This session will describe how the age-old problem of longitude was solved and how contact with aboriginal peoples was a sad counterpart to the Enlightenment discoveries of Oceania.
The Age of the Democratic Revolution, R.R. Palmer's phrase, begins with the British North American colonies in the 1760s. This session will take the story from origins to the first turning point, the Battle of Saratoga, 1777.
Sieg im Westen, 1939-1940; part 3 of 12-Year ReichJim Powers
This presentation describes the first year of the war, Poland, the Phony War, Denmark and Norway, the Low Countries, France, the Blitz, and Hitler's dilemma when Britain fails to give in.
The Twelve-Year Reich, part 1-Establishing the dictatorshipJim Powers
This six part series traces the Nazi dictatorship from 1933-1945. Part 1 traces events from 30 January 1933 through the remilitarization of the Rhineland, March, 1936
Sea power 2-session 7-napoleon and nelsonJim Powers
Two famous leaders continue their rise to prominence, each in his own domain. Napoleon will conquer Egypt, but Nelson will destroy the French Med fleet. Napoleon will overthrow the Directory, but Nelson will gut the League of Armed Neutrality.
Sea power 2 session 10-decline and fall of the French EmpireJim Powers
The last conflict of the Second Hundred Years War. Now British Sea Power has established the nineteenth century era of relative peace wherein Britain establishes her second empire.
Sea power 2-session 6 -french revolutionJim Powers
After a decade of peace Britain is once again at war with her ancient enemy. Two significant victories continue to erode adherence to the restrictive influence if the Fighting Instructions (ROE).
1 Volume 7. Nazi Germany, 1933-1945 Telex Message.docxjoyjonna282
1
Volume 7. Nazi Germany, 1933-1945
Telex Message by the Conspiratorial Stauffenberg Group to the Holders of Executive Power
(July 20, 1944)
What is probably the best known and broadest conspiracy against the Nazi regime was headed
by Claus Graf Schenk von Stauffenberg (1907-1944), who attempted to assassinate Hitler on
July 20, 1944, and then led the subsequent, failed coup. Stauffenberg had initially supported the
military goals of the Nazis, but when Hitler’s aggression and his methods of warfare came to
light later in the 1930s, he shared in the increasing alienation felt by some other high-ranking
Wehrmacht officers. Since the Gestapo and the Security Service (SD) of the SS could only
penetrate the Wehrmacht to a limited extent, it was the only organization that had at its disposal
the instruments of power for a potentially successful coup. Nonetheless, earlier attempts at
assassination and sabotage that had come from various resistance groups within the
Wehrmacht had failed. It would appear that it was only Germany’s imminent defeat that
prompted many of the co-conspirators, who were also recruited from the ranks of the police and
the state administration, to engage in active resistance.
On Thursday, July 20, 1944, Stauffenberg, in his capacity as chief of staff to the Commander of
the Reserve Army [Befehlshaber des Ersatzheeres, BDE], flew to a briefing at the Führer’s East
Prussian headquarters, the Wolf’s Lair [Wolfsschanze]. He set off a bomb there and fled. On his
way back to Berlin, Stauffenberg believed that the assassination attempt had been successful,
but Hitler, in fact, had only been slightly injured. Thus, Stauffenberg was operating under the
assumption that the coup would be completed according to the so-called Valkyrie Plan
[Walküreplan], whereby the military would assume executive power and eliminate the party’s
most important sources of power – the Gestapo, the SS, and the SD.
As the following proclamation by Stauffenberg reveals, the conspirators were hoping to blame
Hitler’s assassination on a fictitious clique of party functionaries as a way of justifying the
takeover of power by the Reserve Army. In the absence of official word about Hitler’s death, the
follow-up actions of the co-conspirators were too slow and uncoordinated, and the attempted
coup was quickly quashed by supporters of the regime. Stauffenberg was shot that same night.
In the wake of the extensive Gestapo investigation, which lasted until the end of the war, about
1,500 people were imprisoned and 200 killed.
The Führer Adolf Hitler is dead!
I. An unscrupulous clique of party leaders without frontline service have exploited this situation
to stab the fighting front in the back and to seize power for their own selfish ends.
2
II. In order to maintain law and order in this situation of acute danger the Reich Government has
declared a state of martial law and has transferred the exec ...
1
Volume 6. Weimar Germany, 1918/19–1933
Hamburg Schoolteacher Louise Solmitz on Hitler’s Seizure of Power (January-February 1933)
Hamburg schoolteacher Louise Solmitz’s enthusiastic response to the news that a cabinet of
“national” concentration had been formed with Hitler as chancellor was characteristic of the
attitude of the nationalist conservative middle class. Like Hitler’s allies in the conservative elite,
members of this segment of society believed that Hitler’s radicalism would be tamed in an
alliance with conservative ministers. Besides Hitler, there were only two other National
Socialists in the cabinet: Wilhelm Frick, Reich Interior Minister, and Hermann Göring, Reich
Minister Without Portfolio and acting Prussian Interior Minister. The promise of a vague chance
of national unity dispelled any reservations people may have had about the National Socialists.
Louise Solmitz’s response also shows the extent to which anti-Semitism was underestimated –
particularly in light of the fact that Solmitz herself was married to a baptized Jew.
30. January 1933
And what did Dr H. bring us? The news that his double, Hitler, is Chancellor of the Reich! And
what a Cabinet!!! One we didn’t dare dream of in July. Hitler, Hugenberg, Seldte, Papen!!!
On each one of them depends part of Germany’s hopes. National Socialist drive, German
National reason, the non-political Stahlhelm, not to forget Papen. It is so incredibly marvelous
that I am writing it down quickly before the first discordant note comes, for when has Germany
ever experienced a blessed summer after a wonderful spring? Probably only under Bismarck.
What a great thing Hindenburg has achieved! How well he neutralized Hammerstein who was
presumptuous enough to bring politics into the Reichswehr!
Huge torchlight procession in the presence of Hindenburg and Hitler by National Socialists and
Stahlhelm, who at long last are collaborating again. This is a memorable 30 January!
[ . . . ]
6. February 1933
Torchlight procession of National Socialists and Stahlhelm! A wonderfully elevating experience
for all of us. Göring says the day of Hitler’s and the nationalist Cabinet’s appointment was
something like 1914, and this too was something like 1914; after Dr H. had only recently
2
remarked that damned little of this spirit had survived on the way from Berlin to Hamburg
between 30 January and 3 February.
On Sunday, the Reds waded through relentless rain—Gisela saw them—with wives and
children to make the procession longer. The Socialists and Reds will inevitably have to give in
now.
But now the weather was beautiful. Dry and calm, a few degrees above freezing. At 9.30 p.m.
we took up our position, Gisela with us. I said she should stay till the end for the sake of the
children. So far the impressions they had had of politics had been so deplorable that they
should now have a really strong impression of nationhood, as we h ...
American History 1877-PresentEssayHow long do the essays h.docxnettletondevon
American History 1877-Present
Essay
How long do the essays have to be?
You just have to answer the question. Having said the great non-answer of all essays questions, keep these points in mind:
1. These are mini-research papers, not the standard handwritten blue book exercises you may get in a traditional in class/course where you have 45 minutes to read, prepare and write the essay.
2. You can see the questions in advance. The Essays are listed in the introduction screen of the essay content item. You can prepare the essay in advance while you are completing the module readings, lectures and viewing the on line links. You must answer one of the questions listed.
3. I expect far more than a short answer/outline type of response, we require a fully developed essay. The essays fall into different categories - a straight factual essay "Describe ...; a topical "Compare ....; or opinion " What was ......" or a "Make or Break the following argument" Some of the essays contain a main question and then a follow-up; read the questions carefully.
I am looking for a fully mature college level essay - solid topical paragraph that re-states the question and outlines your key points or opinions; a paragraph or paragraphs for each of those key points providing facts and details to prove your statement or opinion and that you fully understand the concept under discussion; a solid closing paragraph that sums up your argument or keys points. Although I do not specify a word count, you will find that it will be difficult to answer these questions in less than 350 - 500 words or 2-3 pages.
What we are looking for is a solid topical paragraph that restates the question and outlines your key points. Then a series of paragraphs that address each part of your argument and provide enough detail to demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter and proves your point. Finally, a strong closing that wraps up your argument and repeats your key points.
The mini-research question
Jonah Goldhagen contends that the Germany people were willing accomplices to the holocaust, citing the lack of resistance and the gains many common citizens enjoyed as his chief proof. Attached is Charles Weber's review of his classic work Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust. You buying or selling?
Institute for Historical Review
Review
Goldhagen's 'Evil' Indictment of Germans
· Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust, by Daniel Jonah Goldhagen. New York: Knopf, 1996. x+622 pages. $30.00.
Reviewed by Charles E. Weber
This is an evil book, as evil as the well-known incitement to hatred against Germans by Elie Wiesel, who praises this thick volume as "a tremendous contribution to the understanding and teaching of the Holocaust."
Author Goldhagen's basic thesis is that a harsh "eliminationist" hostility toward Jews was so deeply ingrained in Germany that "ordinary Germans" were "willing executioners" of the Third Reich's murdero.
19 c Europe, Part 1, 1815-1848; General ObservationsJim Powers
The introduction to this twenty-two part series on nineteenth century Europe, 1815-1914. It also describes the college textbook which I have chosen to illustrate and annotate.
19 c Europe, session 1; The Great Powers and the Balance of Power, 1815 1848Jim Powers
Beginning with the Vienna settlement, 1814-15, we follow the efforts of the Concert of Europe to preserve the peace and prevent revolutionary disturbances.
19 c Europe, part 1, session 3; France: The Restoration and the July MonarchyJim Powers
We begin with the economic and social effects of the Revolution. Next, we follow the last of the Bourbons, 1814-1830. Then, the July Monarchy of Louis Philippe. Finally, a survey of religion and the arts.
19 c Europe, session 2.9; The German Question, 1850-66Jim Powers
Now we look at the question which had faced Germans since the great upheaval of 1848, should Germany be unified with or without the Austrian Empire. It will be decided in the Seven Weeks War.
19 c Europe, session 2.10; The Reorganization of Europe, 1866-1871Jim Powers
We conclude Part Two of this mid-century survey with Great Britain from Palmerston to Gladstone, Russia under Alexander II, and the showdown between France and Germany.
19 c europe, session.3.14; third french republic Jim Powers
The French Republic from humiliating defeat, the Paris Commune, and the end of royalism to republican success and three crises, to the coming of the Great War.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty,
International FDP on Fundamentals of Research in Social Sciences
at Integral University, Lucknow, 06.06.2024
By Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
11. 20.Juli.1944
Hitler shows the Duce his close call
12. Origins of the Army resistance
as early as 1933 Gen’l Hammerstein-Equord looked in vain for fellow officers who
would move against Hitler
the first serious group who planned his removal by death if necessary, gathered
around Gen’l Ludwig Beck during the Czech crisis, summer of 1938
the Munich “victory” took the wind out of their sails; as did the string of diplomatic,
then military successes over the next four years
Stalingrad changed all that
several centers began building a dangerous series of plots to kill Hitler and stage a
coup seizing the reins of the Nazi state
Army Group Center on the Ostfront--Chief of Staff, Col Henning v. Trescow
the Abwehr, military intelligence--Adm Wilhelm Canaris & Col Hans Oster
Generals Guderian & Hoepner, plus some of their staff officers
14. Four big obstacles
Der Führer Eid (the Führer oath)
assassination, honor and sin
the Casablanca Conference
the power of Hitler’s personality
15. Der Führer Eid
quot;Ich schwöre bei Gott diesen heiligen Eid, dass ich
dem Führer des deutchem Reiches und Völkes,
Adolf Hitler, dem Obersten Befehlshaber der
Deutschen Wehrmacht, übertrage unbedingten
Gehorsam, und als tapferer Soldat bereit sein will,
jederzeit für diesen Eid mein Leben einzusatzen.quot;
The Führer Oath
“I swear by God this sacred oath, I will render
unconditional obedience to the Führer of the
German Reich and people, Adolf Hitler, supreme
commander of the Wehrmacht, and, as a brave
soldier, I will be ready at any time to stake my life
for this oath.”
August 2, 1934
and thereafter
16. Bonhoeffer
assassination, honor, and sin
Stauffenberg
18. “...it took a very strong personality indeed to stand
up to the dictator. Those who knew him still speak
of the overwhelming power of Hitler’s presence--
something no photograph or film can convey. One
should never forget that he was very far from the
ridiculous figure that he has become to us through
overexposure and pastiche. He was the most
formidable enemy humanity has ever known. The
German Resistance could not have been up
against anything worse.”
Anton Gill, An Honourable Defeat, p.127
19. civilian ROTE KAPELLE
(Red Orchestra)
USSR military
resistance KPD resistance
groups groups
Leber, Mierendorff
& SPD intellectuals
Center
Group
Kreisauer Tresckow,
Moltke, Yorck &c Stauffenberg &c
Goerdeler, Beck,
& conservative Abwehr
England civilian opposition
Oster, Canaris
USA
Sweden Foreign
Switzerland Office
Trott zu Solz &c
various
Vatican, NSDAP generals
Switzerland
Gestapo
confessing Nebe
church Helldorf
Schulenburg
Bonhoeffer
Gisevius
Niemöller &c
27. Solution:die Walküre Pläne
(Operation Valkyrie)
autumn, 1943--Stauffenberg & Tresckow decide on an existing
plan for mobilizing the reserve army within Germany in the event of
serious internal unrest
now, not anti-Nazi subversives, but putschists within the Nazi
Party itself would be the supposed target
“an unscrupulous clique of non-combat Party leaders has tried to
exploit the situation...to seize power for selfish purposes”
‘Valkyrie’ had been intended to protect the regime; it was now
transformed into a strategy for removing it
28. Hitler greets Fromm, 15. Juli
Stauffenberg, Fromm’s adjutant, looks at his
target
37. “The generals are not opposed to the Führer
because we are experiencing crises at the front.
Rather, we are experiencing crises at the front
because the generals are opposed to the
Führer.”
Goebbels, diary, 3 Aug 1944
39. Hitler’s physical condition
his ruptured eardrums were the worst
injury
frequent dizziness and malaise
his balance when walking was impared
his blood pressure was too high
the left side tremor disappeared briefly
but returned by September
his paranoia became pronounced
at military briefings all were searched
for weapons and explosives
his food and medicines were tested for
poison
Bruno Ganz as the final Hitler in Untergang (Downfall)
40. Bormann’s Posen
Conference, 3-4 August
all the Reichsleiter and Gauleiter
summoned to attend
to boost morale, Speer told of far
greater armaments production than they
had thought
Himmler, now head of the Reserve Army,
told of plans to prevent a recurrance
Goebbels--the state and army had only
caused problems for the Führer “that is
going to end now. The Party will take
over”
next day they all travelled to
Wolfsschanze for a “laying on of hands”
by the infirm Führer --“I need you now”
42. Goebbels made
Reichsbevollmächtiger fur den
totalen Kriegseinsatz
his decisive role in putting down the
coup led to Hitler’s finally giving him this
job
now all the desk jobs would be combed
out to provide more combat “bodies”
a drastic radicalization of the home front
about a million men were added
between August and December
all between the ages of 16 and 60
“It takes a bomb under his arsch to
make Hitler see reason.”-- Goebbels’
diary
44. From the Battlefront for the Battlefront
Volkssturm
Suggestions and Reports on Technical Management
instruction
sheet
Shooting at night with
the machine gun
46. Kolberg
at the same time as he was combing
out civilian manpower for the fronts,
Goebbels pulled 187,000 soldiers
from active duty to be extras in a
propaganda film
directed by Veit Harlan in the fall of
1944. Goebbel’s favorite. The last film
made in the Third Reich.
commemorating a successful
resistance in 1807 against Napoleon
the mayor --“Better to be buried under
the rubble than to capitulate!”
as with all Nazi propaganda--not too
subtle!
56. the
Germans
fought
to contain the
beachhead, just as
they had at Anzio a
half year earlier
SS Standartenführer Fritz Klingenberg (1912 - 1945)
Ritterkreuztrager
Commander, 17.SS-Panzergrenadier Division
Götz von Berlichingen
57. M-5 Stuart tank with plow
in the fight to break out from the Normandy
beachhead this device was crucial
58. surrender at St Lo, 18 July
behind them a Sherman with the “plow” for
punching through the hedgerows of Normandy
62. Hitler’s four point strategy
buy time for the development of the new weapons
inflict a major blow on the Western Allies
hope for a split in the “unnatural” alliance
turn on the Russians from a new position of strength
63. allied failure
at
Falaise
after the breakout from the
Normandy beachhead, the allies
missed a major opportunity
although 100,000 troops escaped
through the “gap” 40-50,000 were
made prisoner
another 10,000 were killed
64. ambushed German convoy on the
Todesgang (death highway)
allied air power and growing strength on the
ground forced Hitler to give way in France
65. Southern France 15-28 Aug
Operation Dragoon forces Hitler to reluctantly
withdraw to the upper Marne to hold France
66. 15 August--LCI discharges an infantry
company near St Tropez
Landing Craft Infantry (LCIs) were the smallest seagoing
amphibious craft in the US Navy
67. “Brennt Paris?” “Is Paris
24 August--General Choltitz defied Hitler’s order
and made no destruction and little resistance
71. the plan
Eisenhower’s commanders favored
pursuing the seemingly shattered German
army
Montgomery first suggested an airborne
drop to seize the Rhine bridge at Arnheim
as it developed, the airborne drops were to
be supported by an armored thrust through
Belgium and Holland
MARKET eight key crossings were to be
seized with three drops, from south to north:
Eindhoven (several canals) 101st
Nimwegen (two canals & the Waal) 82nd
Arnheim (the Rhine) Br & Polish
GARDEN an armored column of the British
Guards Regiment & 2 infantry divisions
72. the result
both strategic plan and tactical
execution are badly flawed
from 17 to 25 September the elite
allied units strive to hold their
objectives against fierce German
counterattacks
after the offensive was called off these
light units were left holding defensive
positions for which they were not
equipped
troops were brought in from the
Ardennes to hold the new gains
80. a last desperate attempt to
regain the initiative
Hitler draws armor from the Ostfront
he hoards precious fuel for air and panzers
with near perfect radio silence, three armies, 200,000
men, are assembled opposite 80,000 Americans in the
“quiet sector” of the Ardennes
all, even Hitler, realized that this was “it,” the last
chance to reverse the course of the war
81. For the offensive to be successful, four
criteria were deemed critical by the planners:
82. For the offensive to be successful, four
criteria were deemed critical by the planners:
The attack had to be a complete surprise;
The weather conditions had to be poor to neutralize
Allied air superiority and the damage it could inflict on the
German offensive and its supply lines;
The progress had to be rapid. Model had declared that
the Meuse River had to be reached by day 4, if the
offensive was to have any chance of success; and
Allied fuel supplies would have to be captured intact
along the way because the Wehrmacht was short on
fuel. The General Staff estimated they only had enough
fuel to cover one-third to one-half of the ground to
Antwerp in heavy combat conditions.
86. Unternehmen Greif
(Operation Griffin)
a “false flag” operation led by Hitler’s favorite
special operator, Otto Skorzeny
over 600 English and French speaking
German soldiers were recruited to train to
pass as allied troops
equipped with allied uniforms and captured
jeeps, even two Sherman tanks, they sew
much confusion and fear behind allied lines
even Omar Bradley was detained briefly by
troops when he said Springfield was the
capital of Illinois. The MP thought it was
Chicago!
87. the Malmedy massacre, 17.xii.44
Some 80 POWs were assembled in a field and machine
gunned. Those feigning death were shot in the head.
88. Dachau trial, 1946
#11 Sepp Dietrich, 6th AG Cdr, #42 Joachim
Peiper, Kampfgruppe Peiper Cdr
89. outcome of the Ardennes
offensive
Casualty estimates from the battle vary widely. The official U.S. account lists
80,987 American casualties, while other estimates range from 70,000 to
104,000. British losses totaled 1,400. The German High Commandʼs official
figure for the campaign was 84,834 casualties, and other estimates range
between 60,000 and 100,000.
the 19,000 American deaths were the highest for any battle in WW II
the Luftwaffe is “broken” in an all out attack on 1 January 1945, leading to
severe aircraft and pilot losses
by February the lines are essentially back to where they had been in December
and the Allies go on the offensive
when the bridge at Remagen unexpectedly falls into US hands on 7 March, the
last barrier to victory in the west is penetrated
93. Soviet superiority in materiel
and personnel
beginning in 1941, Stalin orders defense manufacturing
moved east of the Urals. After we enter the war, we supply vast
amounts of equipment and supplies to the USSR.
he demands ruthless human sacrifices, both on the
battlefield and in the factories, of his more numerous
population ( 197 vs 60 million)
at great cost, this capacity starts turning out superior war
equipment
we’ve already seen the T-34 tanks
now we’ll let the Shturmovik IL-2 aircraft stand for many
other such weapons systems
94. development of the
Shturmovik
throughout the mid-1930s, Soviet aircraft designers worked to
develop an anti-tank attack aircraft like the Ju-87 Stuka
first prototypes were flown in 1939
wartime production was slow until Stalin started cracking
heads
the first massive use came during Uranus, the Stalingrad
encirclement
by late 1944, they dominated the skies and were the scourge
of the German panzers
95. YOU HAVE LET DOWN OUR COUNTRY AND OUR
RED ARMY. YOU HAVE NOT MANUFACTURED
IL-2S UNTIL NOW. THE IL-2 AIRCRAFT ARE
NECESSARY FOR OUR RED ARMY NOW, LIKE AIR,
LIKE BREAD. SHENKMAN FACTORY PRODUCES
ONE IL-2 A DAY AND TRETIAKOV BUILDS ONE OR
TWO MIG-3S DAILY. IT IS A MOCKERY OF OUR
COUNTRY AND THE RED ARMY. I ASK YOU NOT TO
TRY THE GOVERNMENT'S PATIENCE, AND
DEMAND THAT YOU MANUFACTURE MORE ILS. I
WARN YOU FOR THE LAST TIME. STALIN.
96. штурмовик
Shturmovik
the new Soviet tank-busters
97. штурмовик
Shturmovik
the new Soviet tank-busters
98. When I was working on my book Red Phoenix,
I did interview a number of German pilots who
told me of the overwhelming numbers of
Soviet a/c [aircraft] (supplemented with USA
Lend Lease). At the [Smithsonian] Museum, I
just turned in the restoration package for our
Il-2 Shturmovik, one of a handful of survivors
of a production effort of over 30,000 warplanes
of this type.
Von Hardesty,
Director, Aerospace Museum
Smithsonian Institution,
e-Mail to JBP, 17 April 2008
101. Soviet Gains, January-August 1944
As both Rumania and Bulgaria cease
to be allies, Hitler forces Horthy in
Hungary to become even more of a
German puppet. The Soviet’s
summer offensive brings them to
central Poland.
102. Operation Bagration brings Soviet forces to the
outskirts of Warsaw by August, 1944
the Polish Home Army begins an uprising to
assist in driving out Nazi forces
104. Instead of coming to their aid as the Poles
expect, the Red Army waits for 62 days
while the Germans butcher the less well
armed Poles.
Now the way is clear for the Soviet
puppets, the Lublin Committee, to be the
post-war communist government of
Poland.
106. unequal combat
initially the Poles had 45,000
soldiers (only 23,000 armed and
combat ready) the German
Warsaw garrison, 11,000
ultimately, the Germans deployed
90,000 combat hardened forces to
crush the Poles
here, the Dirlewanger brigade
employs the Thor siege mortar
which they had used to capture
Sevastopol
116. “If the album consisted only of photographs of people who
hadn’t been seen at Auschwitz, and of areas of Auschwitz that
hadn’t been portrayed, or if it merely expanded the
photographic record of Auschwitz, it would be valuable
historically…but it has an enhanced value….In the fifty-four
days between May 15 and July 8, 1944, a period partly covered
in the Hoecker album, and called the Hungarian Deportation,
four hundred and thirty-four thousand people were put aboard
trains to Auschwitz—so many people that the crematoriums,
which could dispose of a hundred and thirty-two thousand
bodies a month, were overrun.”
Here is a portfolio of images from Auschwitz
151. propaganda till the end
STRUGGLE LEAFLET FOR THE DEFENDERS OF GREATER BERLIN
Goebbels’ ministry
produced this news sheet
Der Panzerbär (The
Armed Bear)
the city crest of Berlin is a
rampant bear
here he’s depicted with
shovel and Panzerfaust
(antitank rocket)
this last issue, 29 April
Heroic Rings
By Day and Night new Strong Points are being Created
158. Stalin’s winter offensive, 17.i
with massive superiority,
the Red Army drives all
before it
civilians clog the roads
German forces, stripped for
the Ardennes offensive, fall
back
Königsberg and Posen
hold out
159. As rumor of the approaching Soviet forces
reaches German civilians, they flee on foot.
Goebbels doesn’t have to exaggerate the
outrages which vengeful Red soldiers perpetrate.
161. grasping at straws--4/12/45
Hitler to Speer:
“Here! You never wanted to
believe it. Here! …
“Here we have the great miracle
that I always foretold.
“Who’s right now? The war is
not lost. Read it!
“Roosevelt is dead!”
163. with the fall of the Seelow heights
the road to Berlin lay open
Allied propaganda sheet
to demoralize German soldiers
164. with the fall of the Seelow heights
the road to Berlin lay open
16-19 April --the Soviet offensive began with
the biggest artillery barrage of the war
2.5 million men, 6,250 tanks, 7,500 aircraft,
41, 600 artillery pieces and mortars, 3,255
truck-mounted Katyusha launchers, &
95,383 motor vehicles
German trenches atop the Seelower Höhe
were evacuated before the opening barrage
143 searchlights blinded the defenders as
the Reds crossed the Oder River under fire
finally, after four days, numbers prevailed
Allied propaganda sheet
to demoralize German soldiers
166. the end game
a race develops between Zhukov’s
generals, Konev and Chuikov, to
see who can enter Berlin first
a terrible slaughter of German
soldiers and civilians occurs on the
narrow roads of the pine forests
south of Berlin
Hitler continues to micromanage
from the Führerbunker beneath the
Reichschancellery
by Hitler’s last birthday, 20.iv.45,
Berlin is invested
178. the Red army takes no chances
as with the Reichstag, these symbolic buildings
were fanatically defended
179.
180.
181. or was he?
Stalin first published the photo of the
Doppelgänger’s corpse, then discredited
it
a special team of Red Army forensics
experts, in great secrecy, examined the
burned remains found in the
Reichschancellery gardens
not until after the fall of the USSR were
the reputed fragments of Hitler’s skull
shown to Westerners
there still remain questions of their
authenticity
stories about Hitler’s “escape” and
“sightings” appeared for years after his
death
182.
183. the iconic
symbol
30 April
(restaged
for photo
2 May)
192. The funeral rites of the Third Reich’s leader
were indeed macabre. Hitler’s jaws, kept so
carefully...were retained by SMERSH, while
the NKVD kept the cranium. These remnants
were recently rediscovered in the former
Soviet archives. The rest of the body, which
had been concealed beneath a Soviet army
parade-ground in Magdeburg, was exhumed
at night [in 1970] and burned. The ashes
were flushed into the town sewage system.
Beevor, The Fall of Berlin 1945, p. 431
Editor's Notes
•set the “unconditional surrender” goal
• once again Goebbels echoes his Führer
For the offensive to be successful, four criteria were deemed critical by the planners:
▪The attack had to be a complete surprise;
▪The weather conditions had to be poor to neutralize Allied air superiority and the damage it could inflict on the German offensive and its supply lines;
▪The progress had to be rapid. Model had declared that the Meuse River had to be reached by day 4, if the offensive was to have any chance of success; and
▪Allied fuel supplies would have to be captured intact along the way because the Wehrmacht was short on fuel. The General Staff estimated they only had enough fuel to cover one-third to one-half of the ground to Antwerp in heavy combat conditions.
More than 70 people were tried by the Tribunal, and the Court pronounced 43 death sentences, (none of which was carried out), and 22 life sentences. Eight other men were sentenced to shorter prison sentences.
[25]
The number of dead would be 362 prisoners of war and 111 civilians
• the final inhumanity, as the Red Army approached, 100,000s were marched westwards to “safer” KZs, 10,000s dying on the freezing roads.