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Disobeying Hitler: German Resistance After Operation Valkyrie
Both horrifying and life-affirming, Disobeying Hitler tells the untold story of German revolt against the dying Nazi tyranny.
Anyone with even a passing interest in the Second World War knows about the plot to assassinate Hitler in 1944. There was even a Tom Cruise movie. But the story of the great wave of resistance that arose in the year that followed--with far-reaching consequences--has never been told before.
Drawing on newly opened archives, acclaimed historian Randall Hansen shows that many high-ranking Nazis, and average German citizens in far greater numbers than previously recognized, reacted defiantly to the Fuhrer's by then manifest insanity. Together they spared cities from being razed, and prevented the needless obliteration of industry and infrastructure . Disobeying Hitler presents new evidence on three direct violations of orders made personally by Adolf The refusal by the commander of Paris to destroy the city; Albert Speer's refusal to implement a scorched earth policy in Germany; and the failure to defend Hamburg against invading British forces.
In gripping, story-driven style, Disobeying Hitler shows how the brave resistence of soldiers and civilians, under constant threat of death, was crucial for the outcome of the war. Their bravery saved countless lives and helped lay the foundations for European economic recovery--and continued peace
Anyone with even a passing interest in the Second World War knows about the plot to assassinate Hitler in 1944. There was even a Tom Cruise movie. But the story of the great wave of resistance that arose in the year that followed--with far-reaching consequences--has never been told before.
Drawing on newly opened archives, acclaimed historian Randall Hansen shows that many high-ranking Nazis, and average German citizens in far greater numbers than previously recognized, reacted defiantly to the Fuhrer's by then manifest insanity. Together they spared cities from being razed, and prevented the needless obliteration of industry and infrastructure . Disobeying Hitler presents new evidence on three direct violations of orders made personally by Adolf The refusal by the commander of Paris to destroy the city; Albert Speer's refusal to implement a scorched earth policy in Germany; and the failure to defend Hamburg against invading British forces.
In gripping, story-driven style, Disobeying Hitler shows how the brave resistence of soldiers and civilians, under constant threat of death, was crucial for the outcome of the war. Their bravery saved countless lives and helped lay the foundations for European economic recovery--and continued peace
480 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2013
16 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Randall Hansen
19 books8 followersRandall Hansen is Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto, and Canada Research in Global Migration.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 5, 2017
This book deals with scattered refusals by German generals to prolong a defensive war against the Allies in the last months of the Second World War. The failed Valkyrie attempt to kill Hitler in 1944 is used as a example of open defiance by the German military against the authoritarian leader of the Nazi party, it is this book argument that the refusal of so many German commanders entrusted to hold a "scorched earth" policy against the city they were defending in such a case as when defeat was inevitable was an extension of that spirit . The book also recognizes that not only the military made such an attempt, but also the civilian population which in some
Cities turned against the German army and surrendered willingly to the American in an effort to save their city. I think this is a stretch of imagination, I think that the only thing these people were trying to save was their own skin, and disobedience knowing there would be no retribution is not heroic at all, of course there were cases where these people faced retribution but that was rare towards the end of the war where logistics and communication failed . I see these as isolated cases of self serving officials and civilians to put an end to a horrible war , but I don't think the argument of the book holds true, these people were trying to save themselves rather than actually be "disobedient " to a government that had ceased to actually be a government as soon as WWII became a two front battle. Sorry for the long review.
Cities turned against the German army and surrendered willingly to the American in an effort to save their city. I think this is a stretch of imagination, I think that the only thing these people were trying to save was their own skin, and disobedience knowing there would be no retribution is not heroic at all, of course there were cases where these people faced retribution but that was rare towards the end of the war where logistics and communication failed . I see these as isolated cases of self serving officials and civilians to put an end to a horrible war , but I don't think the argument of the book holds true, these people were trying to save themselves rather than actually be "disobedient " to a government that had ceased to actually be a government as soon as WWII became a two front battle. Sorry for the long review.
August 22, 2014
Disobeying Hitler – Some did!
Disobeying Hitler by Randall Hansen is an excellently researched and written account of those few senior German officers who disobeyed Hitler’s orders and could have faced execution themselves. This book accounts for the German resistance in the final years of the war after the executions of von Stauffenberg and Rommel in July 1944.
When the Russians started turning the tide of the war and pushing back the German Army Hitler gave orders that not an inch of ground was not to be given and a scorched earth policy was placed up on the command and mayors. Nowhere was this example truer than the destruction of Warsaw after the uprising when not a building was left standing and human suffering was the highest.
Some officers and citizens saw that this plan was utter madness and this book gives their account. Some of the opposition was to save some of the cities of Germany from complete destruction with the withdrawal of the army and the coming allies. A common sense approach one could say.
There are three chapters given over to General Choltitz and his actions in saving Paris from being levelled to the ground. Hansen makes it clear that was not due to ideological difference he was as anti-Semitic as other German officers. He did put up some sort of resistance towards the defence of Paris, enough to convince Hitler he was doing all he could to hold the city. More practically Choltitz did not have the men or equipment to hold or destroy Paris.
Hansen also examines the German Army’s willingness in the murder of Jews that it was not all down to the SS. He is trying to make people understand that the SS were not alone in anti-Semite actions.
We also see Albert Speer’s actions examined, the munitions minister who wanted to preserve as much as he could. Hansen also points out that this was probably more down to his own self-preservation.
Disobeying Hitler has been well researched and highlights the much forgotten story of the very few who actually ignored Hitler’s ranting orders. He does show that there were fanatics in both in the SS and army who were willing to destroy everything and everyone as the pulled back to Berlin. This is about those who for varying reasons did the opposite. Hopefully this book will remind people that there were others who opposed Hitler other than the participants in the July plot of 1944.
This is an excellent history well written and well researched giving us a glimpse at some of the morally hazy individuals who were making decisions to save what they could for after the war. This book brings their stories to life and is a reminder that it is sometimes the decisions we make not to do something can be as important as what we decide to do.
Disobeying Hitler by Randall Hansen is an excellently researched and written account of those few senior German officers who disobeyed Hitler’s orders and could have faced execution themselves. This book accounts for the German resistance in the final years of the war after the executions of von Stauffenberg and Rommel in July 1944.
When the Russians started turning the tide of the war and pushing back the German Army Hitler gave orders that not an inch of ground was not to be given and a scorched earth policy was placed up on the command and mayors. Nowhere was this example truer than the destruction of Warsaw after the uprising when not a building was left standing and human suffering was the highest.
Some officers and citizens saw that this plan was utter madness and this book gives their account. Some of the opposition was to save some of the cities of Germany from complete destruction with the withdrawal of the army and the coming allies. A common sense approach one could say.
There are three chapters given over to General Choltitz and his actions in saving Paris from being levelled to the ground. Hansen makes it clear that was not due to ideological difference he was as anti-Semitic as other German officers. He did put up some sort of resistance towards the defence of Paris, enough to convince Hitler he was doing all he could to hold the city. More practically Choltitz did not have the men or equipment to hold or destroy Paris.
Hansen also examines the German Army’s willingness in the murder of Jews that it was not all down to the SS. He is trying to make people understand that the SS were not alone in anti-Semite actions.
We also see Albert Speer’s actions examined, the munitions minister who wanted to preserve as much as he could. Hansen also points out that this was probably more down to his own self-preservation.
Disobeying Hitler has been well researched and highlights the much forgotten story of the very few who actually ignored Hitler’s ranting orders. He does show that there were fanatics in both in the SS and army who were willing to destroy everything and everyone as the pulled back to Berlin. This is about those who for varying reasons did the opposite. Hopefully this book will remind people that there were others who opposed Hitler other than the participants in the July plot of 1944.
This is an excellent history well written and well researched giving us a glimpse at some of the morally hazy individuals who were making decisions to save what they could for after the war. This book brings their stories to life and is a reminder that it is sometimes the decisions we make not to do something can be as important as what we decide to do.
November 23, 2018
There were very many serious plots against Hitler, the most serious being the officers' plot of July, 1944. By this point it was clear that the war was unwinnable, German conquests being rolled back on all fronts by the Russians, Canadians, British, Americans and Free French. This book details, usually by city, opposition to Hitler's 'Nero' order of total war entailing no surrenders and destruction of all infrastructure, actions which would have caused massive 11th hour casualties. This opposition was not wholesale, many cities did resist, resulting in Allied bombings followed by shellings and house-to-house street fighting. Most military commands, especially SS commands, followed, at least, Hitler's directives to stand firm, though many moderated his orders to destroy utilities and historic monuments. Yet some did capitulate, often under civilian pressure and despite deadly German reprisals.
May 5, 2015
It is hard to make up my mind about this book.
On the one hand, Hansen is a very fair-minded historian, and his judgments about Rommel, Speer, and the Paris uprising strike me as very well-reasoned and accurate.
On the other hand, once the book moves beyond the Paris uprising in August 1944, (and Hansen makes the case that you can see the German response to the uprising in Paris as a sequel to the July 20th Bomb Plot), there doesn't seem to be a through-line to this book. We leap from one city to another city to another city as the authority figures there plan to surrender to the Allies or not. It is interesting, but it is very disjointed. There is no "big picture" that emerges.
Of course, one could say that in the chaos of the German collapse in Spring 1945 there was no "big picture" and everyone was acting in a confused situation. Yes, but history is supposed to make the past clearer.
(One minor point. The book is focused on the German resistance/disobedience in regards to the Western Allies. There is no mention of the Free Germany Committee, a Soviet-backed group, except when one character is identified as a member of the Committee, something that is never mentioned again. A book that talks about "German Resistance after Valkyrie" ought to discuss the Free Germany Committee in more detail.
There is good material in "Disobeying Hitler," but Ian Kershaw's "The End," which covers the same era and looks at why the regime held on, is more to my taste.
On the one hand, Hansen is a very fair-minded historian, and his judgments about Rommel, Speer, and the Paris uprising strike me as very well-reasoned and accurate.
On the other hand, once the book moves beyond the Paris uprising in August 1944, (and Hansen makes the case that you can see the German response to the uprising in Paris as a sequel to the July 20th Bomb Plot), there doesn't seem to be a through-line to this book. We leap from one city to another city to another city as the authority figures there plan to surrender to the Allies or not. It is interesting, but it is very disjointed. There is no "big picture" that emerges.
Of course, one could say that in the chaos of the German collapse in Spring 1945 there was no "big picture" and everyone was acting in a confused situation. Yes, but history is supposed to make the past clearer.
(One minor point. The book is focused on the German resistance/disobedience in regards to the Western Allies. There is no mention of the Free Germany Committee, a Soviet-backed group, except when one character is identified as a member of the Committee, something that is never mentioned again. A book that talks about "German Resistance after Valkyrie" ought to discuss the Free Germany Committee in more detail.
There is good material in "Disobeying Hitler," but Ian Kershaw's "The End," which covers the same era and looks at why the regime held on, is more to my taste.
July 8, 2018
DNF - Just couldn't finish it! I don't want this to speak badly for the book, though, which is why I've given it a star rating, and a so-so one at that. I didn't finish it because I realised the book wasn't for me and I wanted to free up time to read other things, but I could identify its merits and pitfalls well enough. For what it is, it's a solid book; but when I picked it up some years ago it wasn't with an intention or awareness that it would be so focused on the martial aspects of disobeying scorched earth orders (among other things). For me, some of the strongest parts of the book were the breakdowns of personages, military actions, personal actions, exchanges, and outcomes using key battles as focal points and case studies, such as the brilliant account of the Liberation of Paris. Where there were blow-by-blow accounts of larger actions, such as the chases through southern France or the Battle of the Bulge, it was very hit-or-miss. I wasn't that keen on most of them in the context of the book, as it often seemed to detract from the central theme of disobedience of orders. In any case, I can recommend this to any WWII buff with a particular interest in looking at some of the political and economic decisions of the later war years through a distinctly martial perspective. If you're like me however, and prefer something a little more personal and gritty, I'd consider giving this a pass.
January 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this. Partially a military history of the end of the Third Reich, and partially an exploration of the various types of civilian and military resistance to Nazi rule in the final months of the war, I was really impressed with the research detail and quality, as well as the readability and accessibility of the work. Hansen has an engaging style, and also peppers his writing with some small asides that point out particularly absurdities or oddities without breaking the overall somber and intense tone. It would have been nice if Hansen had applied a social science framework to his historical study, but this is a pretty niche point and the book probably works better for a wider audience without that. One of the most interesting and impressive parts of the work is how Hansen describes the granular differences between different types of resistance, while still connecting those decisions to both tangible battlefield events, such as the surrender of cities to Allied forces, and to the risks run by those who engaged in these behaviors, which, up until the last days of the war, was death at the hands of the SS committed to fighting to the end. Overall, excellent research, writing, and structure.
December 12, 2016
This book covered the fate of civilians and German troops in German-occupied territory from July 20, 1944 to May 9, 1945. From the title and description, I was expecting a focus on "human interest" stories...individual's stories and what made them disobey. Instead, much of the book was a series of "this person did this action at this place and this time" overviews of various military battles and related actions. If you're familiar with the battles of the war, this listing of military actions might help tie the other events together in your mind. However, I'm not a WWII buff. I'd have found the book more interesting if the battle movements were even more briefly summarized as they usually added little to the "disobeying Hitler" aspects of the story.
The tone of the writing was scholarly and attempted to set the record straight--based on actual evidence--on some claims of heroic disobedience by German leaders. The author pointed out what they did and didn't do, and what others (civilians) contributed to the outcome.
The first 72 (of 332) pages covered a brief summary of WWII events that lead up to Valkyrie and a description of the events of the July 20, 1944 assassination and coup attempt against Hitler. After that, we're told stories--connected by battle reports--of various cities being saved. Hitler had commanded that the cities would be essentially left in rubble as the German army died in heroic last stands. Not everyone thought this was a good idea (especially the civilians living in these cities). They risked their lives to save the civilian populations and the city itself, and this often also involved the surrender of German troops. We're also told of cities that were destroyed. The stories were often described as an overview of the action rather than going in-depth into the details, personalities, and motives. Perhaps these details do not exist in many of the cases.
I thought that the more civilian-focused view of the defeat of Germany was interesting, but the viewpoint was more distant and action-focused than I expected. It was interesting, but not as interesting as I expected it to be.
I received this review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
The tone of the writing was scholarly and attempted to set the record straight--based on actual evidence--on some claims of heroic disobedience by German leaders. The author pointed out what they did and didn't do, and what others (civilians) contributed to the outcome.
The first 72 (of 332) pages covered a brief summary of WWII events that lead up to Valkyrie and a description of the events of the July 20, 1944 assassination and coup attempt against Hitler. After that, we're told stories--connected by battle reports--of various cities being saved. Hitler had commanded that the cities would be essentially left in rubble as the German army died in heroic last stands. Not everyone thought this was a good idea (especially the civilians living in these cities). They risked their lives to save the civilian populations and the city itself, and this often also involved the surrender of German troops. We're also told of cities that were destroyed. The stories were often described as an overview of the action rather than going in-depth into the details, personalities, and motives. Perhaps these details do not exist in many of the cases.
I thought that the more civilian-focused view of the defeat of Germany was interesting, but the viewpoint was more distant and action-focused than I expected. It was interesting, but not as interesting as I expected it to be.
I received this review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
May 25, 2014
Disobeying Hitler: German Resistance after the Valkyrie looks at how the internal German military structure with outside influence from German civilians (or local populations in occupied areas) played a role in delaying the delusional commands of Hitler’s final days. As the war was becoming lost Hitler believed that those Germans who survived it were inferior and real Germans of the “master race” would fight to the death. A scorched earth policy was to be carried out as armies came towards Germany with the complete devastation of food supplies, local infrastructure and industrial capacity. This book examines the role of both the passive and non passive resistance movements that played upon the German military commands to preserve their towns and not implement the scorched earth policy. It looks at the successes and failures to prevent scorched earth from becoming a reality. In general most German commanders did not follow through on devastating the towns they occupied both outside Germany and within. Even the fanatical SS was held at bay much of the time and some German high command like Speer and Rommel (until his death) resisted the plan to devastate everything they saw around them. The book is academically written and for those who have an interest in the subject. It can be dry and repetitive at times but overall very well done.
December 26, 2014
this book was given to me free by net galley for a honest review.. very detailed and interesting book looking at german resistance in the latter part of WWII and how this may have helped the creation of the post war german economy and culture. learnt a lot though how little things became the greater whole and how women played a huge part in saving their cities
August 31, 2018
Randall Hansenin "Disobeying Hitler: German Resistance in the Last Year of WW2" (Faber & Faber, 2014) tarttui mukaan paikallisesta kirjakaupasta. Luulin, että se keskittyisi enimmäkseen heinäkuun 20. päivän salaliittoon, mutta von Stauffenbergin ja kumppanien edesottamukset muodostivat teoksesta vain pienen osan.
Suuret ja historian lehdille jääneet nimet kuten Albert Speer, Erwin Rommell ja Pariisin säästämisen kanssa tasapainotellut Dietrich von Choltiz nousevat odotetusti esille. Speerin ponnistelut estää Saksan teollisuuden ja infrastruktuurin tuho kolmannen valtakunnan viimeisinä päivinä ovat osin totta, mutta ministeri osasi myös jälkikäteen ylikorostaa omaa rooliaan - ehkä vähän siinä uskossa, että hänellä olisi jonkinlainen poliittinen rooli sodan jälkeisessä hallituksessa.
Sotamarsalkka Rommel ei kirjoittajan mukaan puolestaan ollut aktiivisesti osallisena Hitlerin salamurhahankkeessa. Sotamarsalkalla oli kuitenkin yhteyksiä salaliittolaisiin ja hänen nimensä nousi riittävän usein esille attentaattia seuranneiden pidätysten yhteydessä, eikä hänen osakkeitaan parantanut se, että hän oli ollut vuosien varrella osoittanut riittävän monta kertaa vastustavansa eri tavoin Hitleriä.
Hansenin kirjan kiinnostavimmat ja ainakin minulle eniten uutta tietoa tarjonneet osuudet käsittelivät kuitenkin edellämainittua alempiarvoisten sotilaiden, virkamiesten ja siviilien ponnisteluja toisen maailmansodan viimeisinä päivinä. En ole varma, olenko aikaisemmin esimerkiksi lukenut düsseldorfilaisten sankarillisista ponnistuksista estää kaupungin muuttuminen rauniokasaksi.
Saksalaisissa kaupungeissa vastustettiin Hitlerin poltetun maan vaatimusta useammin lännessä kuin idässä, mikä on sinänsä ihan ymmärrettävää.
Lopputulos on varsin kiinnostava tietokirja, johon on lähdeluettelon pituudesta päätellen käytetty runsaasti tutkimustyötä, mutta joka ei siitä huolimatta ole mitenkään kuivan akateeminen tai vaikeaselkoinen.
Suuret ja historian lehdille jääneet nimet kuten Albert Speer, Erwin Rommell ja Pariisin säästämisen kanssa tasapainotellut Dietrich von Choltiz nousevat odotetusti esille. Speerin ponnistelut estää Saksan teollisuuden ja infrastruktuurin tuho kolmannen valtakunnan viimeisinä päivinä ovat osin totta, mutta ministeri osasi myös jälkikäteen ylikorostaa omaa rooliaan - ehkä vähän siinä uskossa, että hänellä olisi jonkinlainen poliittinen rooli sodan jälkeisessä hallituksessa.
Sotamarsalkka Rommel ei kirjoittajan mukaan puolestaan ollut aktiivisesti osallisena Hitlerin salamurhahankkeessa. Sotamarsalkalla oli kuitenkin yhteyksiä salaliittolaisiin ja hänen nimensä nousi riittävän usein esille attentaattia seuranneiden pidätysten yhteydessä, eikä hänen osakkeitaan parantanut se, että hän oli ollut vuosien varrella osoittanut riittävän monta kertaa vastustavansa eri tavoin Hitleriä.
Hansenin kirjan kiinnostavimmat ja ainakin minulle eniten uutta tietoa tarjonneet osuudet käsittelivät kuitenkin edellämainittua alempiarvoisten sotilaiden, virkamiesten ja siviilien ponnisteluja toisen maailmansodan viimeisinä päivinä. En ole varma, olenko aikaisemmin esimerkiksi lukenut düsseldorfilaisten sankarillisista ponnistuksista estää kaupungin muuttuminen rauniokasaksi.
Saksalaisissa kaupungeissa vastustettiin Hitlerin poltetun maan vaatimusta useammin lännessä kuin idässä, mikä on sinänsä ihan ymmärrettävää.
Lopputulos on varsin kiinnostava tietokirja, johon on lähdeluettelon pituudesta päätellen käytetty runsaasti tutkimustyötä, mutta joka ei siitä huolimatta ole mitenkään kuivan akateeminen tai vaikeaselkoinen.
September 11, 2017
This was a well written and researched account of the many ways (some small, some big) that members of the German Military or those appointed to run cities, resisted in the waning year of the war. There were many instances that I had never heard of, each that showed that not all in the German Hierarchy fully supported, or trusted, Hitler and his final plans for Germany.
Aside form the plot to kill Hitler (operation Valkyrie), many others did acts that would have, and did in some cases, result in their own death. All to prevent the destruction of cities, municipal works, food sources, or the lives of the citizenry.
Definitely an enjoyable and educational read.
Aside form the plot to kill Hitler (operation Valkyrie), many others did acts that would have, and did in some cases, result in their own death. All to prevent the destruction of cities, municipal works, food sources, or the lives of the citizenry.
Definitely an enjoyable and educational read.
Read
June 3, 2021Very interesting perspectives on German resistance to Hitler, resistance I was never really aware of, after Operation Valkyrie. I was already familiar with, if only slightly, the reservations Himmler and Rommel had towards supporting their Fuhrer as the war dragged on but I never knew how extensively key members of the German military as well as the Nazi party resisted the scorched earth policy Hitler decreed as Allied forces advanced ever closer to the heart of Germany. Entire European cities such as Hamburg, Paris, Marseille, and Toulon(to name a few) as well as thousands if not millions of civilian lives were spared because these leaders refused to follow orders from the very top.
November 20, 2018
It was good enough for it's topic. The author took particular caution in stressing that many stories were colored by post war hand washing by the defeated. Some are specifically discredited through other sources the author introduces and the leader is left to interpret them in that context. Others were more plainly offered without any contextual analysis of their character.
It was fun to read but it's not something to take to the bank I believe.
It was fun to read but it's not something to take to the bank I believe.
February 3, 2019
Although it got a little tedious at times (names, dates, battles) it was an awesome read, incredibly researched and well written. I had a hard time with his 'disobedience' theory until I read his 'Note on Approach' at the end. I think it would have been better as an introduction. Excellent depth into characters who we all know and hate and even knowing some more of the intrigue I can't say that I hate them any less. Well worth the read.
February 19, 2023
Again, I was slightly deceived by the title. A seasoned reader of WW2 books, I already knew most of what followed but writing this during the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine gave me an enhanced appreciation of how much people love their country, right or wrong
July 18, 2025
Fantastic book. It does what it says on the tin, outlines German resistance to Hitler, a perspective that is not much seen in many WW2 sources. The resisters were of various backgrounds and had various reasons for their actions, but they still did the work.
July 1, 2018
A good book with lots of details on the subject. The writing can be very heavy with names and locations, but otherwise it is acceptable. A nice read.
September 25, 2018
Very detailed. Easy to understand.
August 30, 2014
“Disobeying Hitler” tells the stories, great and small, of resistance to Hitler and the German war machine by both the military and civilians in the latter stages of World War II. The book begins with the status of the war, primarily in the East, leading up to 1944. It uncovers the threads of opposition to the regime that existed in the military, the churches and political parties. It then turns to the attempt on Hitler’s life on July 20, 1944.
Author Randall Hansen examines the assassination attempt in the context of the plans for a coup in the aftermath of its success. He talks about the officers who were, or who might have been involved, those who sat on the fence until word of Hitler’s death or survival was received and those who remained loyal to the regime. He reveals a more extensive web than I had realized and a gamut of motivations for the resisters. Some had been opponents of Hitler and National Socialism from the beginning who were looking for an opportunity to install a more liberal government. Others gradually shifted allegiances as the results of Hitler’s policies became apparent and there were those motivated by sheer pragmatism. When it became apparent that Germany would lose, work out the best peace possible. On the “Jewish Question” resisters ranged from those horrified by the “Solution” to enthusiastic participants in it.
A big question for any student of the German Resistance is the role of Rommel in the July 20 plot. Hansen depicts Rommel Hitler’s golden boy, who, like the Fuehrer, came from a lower class background who was a supporter of Hitler and National Socialism until defeat became inevitable. He then supported some sort of an accommodation with the Western Allies, even contemplating ceasing combat in the West to permit the Americans and British to reach Berlin before the Russians. What did Rommel know about the plot? Hansen seems to think that he probably knew of it and gave some support to the plotters but not necessarily the assassination attempt. In its wake, Rommel paid, as did so many others, with his life. This work follows the path of Hitler’s revenge after the blast.
The July 20 attack at Valkryie occurred as the American and British forces were marching across northern France and Americans would soon invade southern France. Hitler issued his “Nero Order” that every city and position should be defended to the last man and last cartridge. This put every German commander on the spot. Was he to aid the death of the German people who, according to Hitler, had let their nation down and who could have no life after defeat? Of what value were the lives of his men? What of the cultural treasures in harms’ way? When the tide of battle rolled into Germany, to whom did the commander owe his duty? His superiors in Berlin, or the people in the towns he was charged to defend and the German nation that would have to rebuild when the war was over? Should all bridges be destroyed, even those carrying water and electricity to the city to be defended? Hansen displays the roles played by the local civil officials who pleaded with the German officers and negotiated with and guided the Allies to take their communities with the least damage. Ultimately, what difference did the cooperation of those officials make? The swift surrender of Marseilles and Toulon aided the Allies in importing the supplies that fueled their march into Germany. The intact bridges carried the invaders into the heart of the Fatherland, and later sped their recovery of the regions they served. Some resisters were executed and others became civic leaders.
The story is an eye opening one that broadens the readers’ perspectives on the nature of German attitudes and actions in the final throes of the Third Reich. Being generally unfamiliar with German figures I found the book a bit difficult to follow as it moves from one actor to another. The maps are helpful in keeping track of where the actions took place. I would recommend “Disobeying Hitler” for a reader with a fairly good understanding of the course of World War II but not for one just beginning a study of the war.
I did receive a free copy of this book for review.
Author Randall Hansen examines the assassination attempt in the context of the plans for a coup in the aftermath of its success. He talks about the officers who were, or who might have been involved, those who sat on the fence until word of Hitler’s death or survival was received and those who remained loyal to the regime. He reveals a more extensive web than I had realized and a gamut of motivations for the resisters. Some had been opponents of Hitler and National Socialism from the beginning who were looking for an opportunity to install a more liberal government. Others gradually shifted allegiances as the results of Hitler’s policies became apparent and there were those motivated by sheer pragmatism. When it became apparent that Germany would lose, work out the best peace possible. On the “Jewish Question” resisters ranged from those horrified by the “Solution” to enthusiastic participants in it.
A big question for any student of the German Resistance is the role of Rommel in the July 20 plot. Hansen depicts Rommel Hitler’s golden boy, who, like the Fuehrer, came from a lower class background who was a supporter of Hitler and National Socialism until defeat became inevitable. He then supported some sort of an accommodation with the Western Allies, even contemplating ceasing combat in the West to permit the Americans and British to reach Berlin before the Russians. What did Rommel know about the plot? Hansen seems to think that he probably knew of it and gave some support to the plotters but not necessarily the assassination attempt. In its wake, Rommel paid, as did so many others, with his life. This work follows the path of Hitler’s revenge after the blast.
The July 20 attack at Valkryie occurred as the American and British forces were marching across northern France and Americans would soon invade southern France. Hitler issued his “Nero Order” that every city and position should be defended to the last man and last cartridge. This put every German commander on the spot. Was he to aid the death of the German people who, according to Hitler, had let their nation down and who could have no life after defeat? Of what value were the lives of his men? What of the cultural treasures in harms’ way? When the tide of battle rolled into Germany, to whom did the commander owe his duty? His superiors in Berlin, or the people in the towns he was charged to defend and the German nation that would have to rebuild when the war was over? Should all bridges be destroyed, even those carrying water and electricity to the city to be defended? Hansen displays the roles played by the local civil officials who pleaded with the German officers and negotiated with and guided the Allies to take their communities with the least damage. Ultimately, what difference did the cooperation of those officials make? The swift surrender of Marseilles and Toulon aided the Allies in importing the supplies that fueled their march into Germany. The intact bridges carried the invaders into the heart of the Fatherland, and later sped their recovery of the regions they served. Some resisters were executed and others became civic leaders.
The story is an eye opening one that broadens the readers’ perspectives on the nature of German attitudes and actions in the final throes of the Third Reich. Being generally unfamiliar with German figures I found the book a bit difficult to follow as it moves from one actor to another. The maps are helpful in keeping track of where the actions took place. I would recommend “Disobeying Hitler” for a reader with a fairly good understanding of the course of World War II but not for one just beginning a study of the war.
I did receive a free copy of this book for review.
April 4, 2015
The title may raise an eyebrow or two and a reaction of how could this run to 300plus pages because surely no one dared to disobey Hitler even when he was holed up in the Bunker. However, this superbly written brilliantly researched book, with lively anecdotes and nice dry humour interspersed throughout, brings to life not just the valiant and supremely courageous plotters of July 20 1944 but many ordinary citizens -- as he remarks dryly unlike von Stauffenberg and a large part of his group not many had 'von' or 'graf' before their names -- who did not wish to see their towns and cities bombed back into the stone age despite Hitler's desire for it to be so. An horrific statistic is that post July 20 there were also enough fanatical generals, or those determined not to have their loyalty questioned, they managed to provoke the deaths of more German soldiers and citizens than died pre the bomb plot. However, the brave souls who did go in for 'disobedience' largely were in the west as he says the Americans, French and British were often seen as liberators but there are some examples too even in the east and despite the Soviets reputation for not being the most magnanimous of victors for obvious reasons. Sadly the Soviets did not stand on ceremony raping all the women and the 'saviours' of the city ended up in Soviet prison camps left to die. Hansen is especially good on Hitler's dynamic architect turned equally effective minister of production and munitions Albert Speer, who is praised but his shameless arrogance and belief - barely credible in hindsight - that he would be pivotal in post war Germany is the dominant factor in his determination to prevent the scorched earth policy -- he even has his employees in the architects offices start to draw up plans for his work post the end of the war in rebuilding Germany. Paris commandant Dietrich von Choltitz also gets a lot of space and justifably so as previously a devoted destroyer of cities he emerges as a realist who doesn't have the slightest intention of leaving Paris in ruins aided by several who had evaded Hitler's vengeance over the July 20 plot. Indeed Hansen says that largely thanks to von Choltitz decision it helped no end to France and Germany becoming strong allies after the war as a Paris left in rubble would not have facilitated that process. Better his efforts than the bizarre attempt by Himmler towards the end of the war to coax de Gaulle to form a united front against the Anglo Saxon nations who wanted to make France a 'vassal state' as Hansen wittily observes 'coming from a senior Nazi, this was especially rich'. Nice anecdote too when a junior French officer enters von Choltiz' room to demand whether he was willing to surrender and evidently nervous asks the surprised General and his staff 'sprechen zie Deutsch'......'Rather better than you do I believe' replies von Choltitz. There is also an interesting chapter on Rommel and whether he was really involved in the plot and would he have sided with them, one thing is certain his being seriously wounded three days before the plot is one of the most inconvenient episodes of the war for it seems likely he would have surrendered his army to the Allies. Hansen's conclusion that despite their many failings the July 20 plotters allowed Germany to come out of the war with a sliver of honour and a reference point for morality aided by the others who refused to bow to Hitler's demonic urgings in the dying embers of the Reich may be questioned by some but I found it a convincing argument in what is a stunning and memorable read.
June 18, 2014
This is a scholarly yet very readable chronicle of German resistance to Hitler's oppressive rule during the later years of the war in 1944 and 1945. After World War II ended many Germans tried to disassociate themselves from or to lessen their involvement in the Nazi regime and it's atrocities. The author, Randall Hansen, has sifted through this quagmire of self effacement to find the true stories of German disobedience. After the failed attempt by a few members of the German military to assassinate Hitler on 20 July 1944, there were no other organized attempts on his life, but the strength of his personal aura faded. Some military and civilian leaders as well as individual citizens became more animated in their defiance of his orders. In these latter years some people started to look beyond the inevitable end of the war toward what they wanted for Germany and its people after the end of the Nazi regime. They could not and would not follow orders to scorch and burn their homeland merely to deny it to the enemy. Some Germans saw the Western Allies as saviors from not only the Nazis, but also from the Soviets. Stories are recorded of military commanders and civilian leaders who openly defied Hitler's orders to destroy their own cities rather than to surrender. Following these orders would have meant the total destruction of cities and their infrastructures leaving tens or even hundreds of thousands with even less than had already been taken from them by years of war. Not following these orders often meant death for the individual. A very interesting look at a little talked about view of some of the German people in World War II. Book provided for review by Amazon Vine.
August 12, 2014
Really detailed account of how many German generals, local mayors and authorities 'disobeyed' in complicated ways, Hitler's scorched earth demands to leave nothing behind as the Allies moved into liberate Europe. Sometimes, I got bogged down by the geography - got an old fashioned atlas out, yes really, I have one. But it was stunning once again to me how Hitler wanted to win at all costs which meant he ordered Germany to be totally destroyed - a scorched earth, rather than surrender. What is interesting to me is how modern Germany recovered from such destruction. And it also shows how war is initiated by politicians and so-called leaders, but the consequences are borne by ordinary people.
December 27, 2014
A well written detailed account of the disintegration of Nazi Germany. Hanseen seeks to highlight the role of German resiters in preserving infrastructure, culture and historical sites which in turn helped Germany in the post war years. Not only does he succeed in illustrating the active role various Germans played, he also gives us an accurate portrayal of the messiness of war. One can quibble that he sees resistance to easily, that disobeying orders is not the same as resistance. When faced with a breakdown of communications and obvious defeat, surrender is a simple survival technique not an act of resistance. Only when consequences are present is it resistance. Despite that quibble, its worth a read even just for an expo on the disintegration of a nation state.
August 2, 2015
Truly, I learned a lot from this book about what I suppose some people think is minor resistance (other than Valkyrie and Die Weisse Rose) but affected millions of lives, and later, the German economy. The only thing I don't really like is the title. And I can't really put my finger on why, so that's unhelpful. Maybe because my grandfather was a resistor and it had more to do with basic humanity than Hitler? I'll never know how he truly felt.
June 23, 2014
I heard the interview of the author on radio
I heard the interview of the author on radio
I like history.This describes the events I lived through in the Netherlands as a boy in my early teens.well documented.
I heard the interview of the author on radio
I like history.This describes the events I lived through in the Netherlands as a boy in my early teens.well documented.
September 1, 2015
This book is a good detailed study of German civilian resistance. Its central idea is that the German civilian resistance to Hitler, mostly over the scorched earth orders, did as much to build a new Germany as the military resistance.
November 15, 2015
Impressive research that documents how many Germans under difficult circumstances resisted Hitler to try to save their country from being completely destroyed. Fascinating and informative. Must read for those who seek to understand Germany further than what perhaps common stereotypes portray.
January 9, 2016
A revelation really - I had no idea in particular that a number of bridges and German cities were surrendered to advancing Allied troops on the Western Front in defiance of Hitler's scorched earth policies.
August 26, 2014
Poorly written, seemed a bit disjointed and unbalanced.
September 9, 2014
Excellent history of the concluding months of WWII and some of the surprising things that happened.
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