Nazi Germany: Top 10 Facts About Germany During World War II

Budapest after WWII Image: Wikimedia

Nazi Germany: Top 10 Facts About Germany During World War II

The devastation caused by World War II has forever altered the course of history. Germany, a nation that was instrumental in both the pre-war and wartime developments, was at the epicentre of this international conflict. Despite the fact that this dark period in human history has been extensively covered in literature, there are still a number of little-known details about Germany’s participation in World War II that provide insight into the country’s goals, tactics, and global influence.

These facts, which range from Hitler’s rise to power to the Holocaust‘s destruction, serve as a sobering reminder of the atrocities that took place during this dark era and the ongoing effects they have on the world today.

1. The rise of Hitler and the Nazi party

Adolf Hitler. Photo by Bundesarchiv. Wikimedia Commons

One of the most important historical occurrences in modern times, the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party serve as a sobering warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and extremism. Hitler was propelled to power in 1933 by his charismatic leadership and his capacity to capitalise on the resentments and fears of the German people.

He then lost no time in turning Germany into a totalitarian state. Hitler’s propaganda machine successfully stifled any opposition as the extreme ideology of the Nazi party, which supported Aryan supremacy and the eradication of so-called “undesirables,” rapidly garnered popularity among the German population. Germany developed into a superpower under Hitler’s guidance, with the intention of sweeping across Europe and beyond.

2. The invasion of Poland

Nazi-soviet Invasion by Wikimedia Commons

An important turning point in the development of World War II was the invasion of Poland, which marked the start of the war that would eventually consume the entire world. German forces crossed the Polish border early on September 1, 1939, starting a surprise attack that caught the Polish army off guard. The invasion was a blatant act of aggression that broke international law and shattered the fragile peace that had existed in Europe since the conclusion of World War I. Despite fighting bravely, the Polish army, which was outnumbered and out-armed, was eventually unable to stand up to the German war machine.

Tens of thousands of Polish soldiers and civilians were killed during the invasion of Poland, which served as the start of a prolonged conflict that would change the course of history forever.

3. The Blitzkrieg

A devastating combat tactic is known as the “blitzkrieg,” or “lightning war,” was instrumental in Germany’s early victories in World War II. This tactic, which was intended to overpower the enemy with speed and surprise, combined air power, armoured vehicles, and ground forces.

German forces would attack swiftly and forcefully, evading enemy defences and taking advantage of openings in their lines. When waves of planes, tanks, and soldiers landed on enemy positions at breakneck speed, it was a terrifying sight to witness. However, it also fostered a sense of complacency and overconfidence that would eventually result in their downfall. This devastating strategy enabled Germany to conquer much of Europe in a matter of months.

4. The Holocaust

Warsaw Ghetto by Stroop Report from Wikimedia Commons

One of the bleakest and most tragic moments in human history, the Holocaust demonstrated the depths of human cruelty and the disastrous effects of prejudice and hate. Six million Jews were methodically rounded up, deported, and murdered in concentration camps all over Europe under the direction of Hitler and the Nazi party. With entire towns and families being destroyed in a matter of years, the scale of the Holocaust is difficult to fathom. The atrocities of the concentration camps, such as the gas chambers, the medical research, and the cruel treatment of inmates, serve as a chilling reminder of the depths of human cruelty.

5. The Battle of Stalingrad

Fountain “Children’s dance” by Sergey Strunnikov from Wikimedia Commons

Over two million troops and civilians lost their lives during the Battle of Stalingrad, which marked a turning point in the brutal and prolonged World War that lasted for six months. Control of Stalingrad, an important manufacturing centre and transportation hub between Europe and Asia, was at risk.

Both parties of the conflict endured unspeakable hardships, including subfreezing temperatures, food and water shortages, and relentless bombardment, during the brutal winter of 1942–1943 when the battle took place. Both parties engaged in vicious hand-to-hand combat in the battle’s street-to-street fighting. The Soviet Union achieved a significant victory and a turning point in the war when the German army, commanded by General Paulus, was ultimately forced to surrender.

6. The D-Day invasion

The Normandy landings, also known as the D-Day invasion, were indeed a significant military operation that changed the course of World War II. In order to gain control of the continent and free Western Europe from German rule, Allied troops began an invasion force on the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. The mission, which was the largest amphibious invasion in history, had over 156,000 soldiers, 5,000 ships, and 11,000 aircraft. The job of landing was difficult because German forces stationed along the coast in bunkers and pillboxes opened heavy fire on Allied soldiers.

The Allies nevertheless established a beachhead despite suffering significant losses, and over the ensuing weeks, they effectively pushed inland, liberating towns and cities all over France. A turning point in the war and a stunning show of Allied military prowess, the D-Day invasion paved the way for the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany.

7. The Battle of Berlin

The Battle of Berlin marked Nazi Germany’s ultimate defeat and was the bloodiest conflict of World War II in Europe. Between April 16 and May 2, 1945, Soviet troops under the command of Marshal Georgy Zhukov launched a massive attack on Berlin. Street-to-street combat was a defining feature of the conflict, with German forces tenaciously defending every square inch of the battlefield.

Both parties suffered numerous casualties as a result of the vicious and brutal fighting. The city was under continuous bombardment, and thousands of civilians were killed or injured as a result. The Soviet forces ultimately triumphed, taking control of the city and raising the Soviet flag over the Reichstag building.

8. The Nuremberg Trials

A photo of Defendants in the dock at the Nuremberg Trials by Work of the United States Government – Wikimedia commons

In order to hold Nazi leaders accountable for the atrocities committed during the war, a historic set of trials known as the Nuremberg Trials was conducted in the years following World War II. The Nuremberg proceedings, which took place between 1945 and 1946, were the first instances in history in which people were tried for war crimes, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity by an international court. With more than 22 defendants on trial, more than 400 witnesses, and 3000 pieces of evidence, the trials were a massive effort. The trials attracted a lot of media attention, with the entire world watching the proceedings in court.

High-ranking Nazi officials like Hermann Göring and Rudolf Hess were among the defendants who were prosecuted for their part in the Holocaust, the invasion of Poland, and other war crimes.

9. The Marshall Plan

In order to reconstruct Europe and stop communism from spreading, the United States launched the Marshall Plan, a brilliant initiative. The George C. Marshall Plan, which received its name from Secretary of State George C. Marshall, gave war-torn nations in Western Europe, such as France, Italy, and West Germany, over $13 billion in assistance.

The plan was a stunning accomplishment, both for its scope and for how well it revived the economies of the devastated countries. The plan contributed to the modernization of industries, the reconstruction of infrastructure, and the development of trade ties, setting the groundwork for the ensuing economic expansion and prosperity. The strategy marked a turning point in world affairs and proved the effectiveness of collaboration and teamwork in overcoming even the most difficult obstacles. 

10. The division of Germany

Berlin Wall by Durova from Wikimedia Commons

Germany was split as a result of the Cold War, which pitted Western countries against the Soviet Union. Germany was split into four occupation zones following the conclusion of World War II, with the US, UK, France, and the USSR each assuming charge of a portion of the country.  The Soviet Union quickly created a communist government in their region while the Western powers promoted democratic governments in theirs, which led to tensions between the two sides. While the Soviet Union created the German Democratic Republic in its region, the Western powers founded the Federal Republic of Germany.

After more than four decades of division, Germany became a representative of the Cold War and the conflict between freedom and communism. The Berlin Wall, which divided East and West Berlin and became a representation of the Iron Curtain, was built in 1961, marking the beginning of the separation. Finding common ground is crucial in the quest for peace and prosperity, and the division of Germany served as a stark reminder of the divisive force of ideology. Germany’s ability to move past the legacy of division and start the process of healing and reconciliation did not come about until after the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the reunification of Germany in 1990.