Why German Soldiers Fought On in World War II Despite Knowing They Could Not Win
Germany's decision to continue fighting World War II even after it became clear they could not win is a topic of intense historical debate. The key figures and forces that drove this decision were Adolf Hitler, the Nazi leadership, and the German soldiers themselves.
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Ideal
Adolf Hitler, the autocratic leader of Nazi Germany during World War II, was deeply committed to his beliefs about Germany's destiny. He swore never to repeat the perceived failure of the "November criminals" who made a hasty surrender at the end of World War I. This made unconditional surrender an unacceptable option throughout the war, even as the reality of Germany's deteriorating situation became more apparent.
Holger:intime, many members of the German high command, including military leaders like Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, knew that Germany was losing the war. Yet, they continued to support Hitler's agenda, fighting on the belief that they were fighting for their country, not their leader. Hitler's will was absolute, and dissent was not tolerated.
Motivations and Fears
The reasons for German soldiers continuing to fight were complex and varied. Some were driven by a sense of national pride and a commitment to upholding the ideology of the Nazi regime. Others feared severe retribution at the hands of the Allies, particularly the Soviet Union. The aftermath of World War I included harsh penalties and punishments, which made the German people wary of another such collapse.
During the final days of the war, as the Red Army approached Berlin, approximately 30,000 people chose to take their own lives rather than face capture and potential punishment. This stark reality underscored the psychological toll of war on ordinary German citizens and soldiers.
Furthermore, there was a clear perception among the German population that life under Soviet rule would be far more difficult. Historical vengeance and the anticipation of harsh treatment at the hands of the Soviets added to the resolve of many to continue fighting until the bitter end.
The Surrender and Its Timing
Another factor that contributed to the protracted fighting was the timing and location of the surrender negotiations. The Allies' demand for an unconditional surrender in 1944 was a clear indication of the outcome. However, the specific point of surrender, which was officially accepted by Germany on May 7, 1945, in Reims, France (and later confirmed in Berlin), was critical.
The USA had taken the surrender point to the Western Front, which was in their control, at Reims. The Soviet Union, despite being aware of this, attempted to postpone the official surrender for a day, likely to assert their control over the Eastern Front and ensure a more favorable division of post-war Europe. However, this delay was brief, and the official end of the war in Europe was ultimately and unequivocally marked on May 9, 1945.
The impact of this timing on German soldiers and civilians was profound. While they knew the war was lost, the official end of the hostilities came late, leading to continued fighting in isolated pockets and prolonging suffering for those who had long since lost hope of victory.
In conclusion, the prolonged fight by German soldiers during World War II was driven by a mix of political ideology, fear, and the realization that life under the Allies, particularly the Soviet Union, would be harsh. The complexities of leadership, individual beliefs, and the psychological impact of the war all played crucial roles in this historical phenomenon.