Americans and Germans fought on the SAME side: Incredible true story of the fight to save an Austria

Discussion in 'History and Culture' started by rover77, Jun 12, 2017.

  1. rover77

    rover77 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2017
    Messages:
    845
    Likes Received:
    693
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Gender:
    Male
  2. osbornterry

    osbornterry Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2017
    Messages:
    1,276
    Likes Received:
    565
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Gender:
    Female
    Yes, I read that.

    Another interesting read is a biography of Von Manstein. It discusses Hitlers hold over his generals.

    Hitler paid all 3000 generals their salaries from a personal fund. He also gave them bonuses, estates, pensions and other rewards. In return, they pledged loyalty to him.

    By the time the war turned against Germany, it was too late to change course. The generals felt Hitler was the only man who could unite the German people against the Communists.

    That is why the plot to kill Hitler had a lot of sympathy but little support.
     
    rover77 likes this.
  3. Draco

    Draco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2012
    Messages:
    11,096
    Likes Received:
    3,393
    Trophy Points:
    113
    From most of the sources I have read, most of the high ranking German's new the war was over when they couldn't get past Stalingrad/Moscow but were too afraid of Hitler to recommend anything "sane"
     
    rover77 likes this.
  4. osbornterry

    osbornterry Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2017
    Messages:
    1,276
    Likes Received:
    565
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Gender:
    Female
    Draco;

    According to Manstein's biography, most generals did know the war was lost, but they still wanted to save Germany from annihilation. They hoped to achieve a stalemate in order to avoid unconditional surrender.

    They hoped for a miracle similar to the one the saved Frederick the Great of Prussia. He was surrounded by enemies and on the verge of destruction when the Russian empress suddenly died and the coalition against him broke up.

    Like him, or not, they felt that Hitler was the only leader who could keep the German people united while they tried to save the fatherland.

    The odds were too great.
     
    rover77 likes this.

Share This Page