what percentage of German soldiers were Nazi?

[drifter45]

What percentage actually believed in the cause and what percent fought because they had to or be sent to prison camps?

[Blut und Ehre]

It is my belief that the Third Reich was among a very select few empires in history in which it's soldiers unanimously supported their leader and were willing to die for what they believed.

For example, at the battle of Stalingrad alone over 11,000 german soldiers chose to fight to the death against the communists rather than surrender; the letters they wrote home to their families read that they were willing to give their lives for the Fuhrer and for national socialism.

Or look at the SS Charlemagne Division, a unit made up of French volunteers who, not even being German, refused to stop fighting and were among the last defenders of the Fuhrerbunker.

Keep in mind that many of these men were unemployed and hopeless before Hitler came to power. He gave them purpose and restored their sense of honor, so it is easy to understand their fanatical loyalty. Apart from the traitors who were involved in the assassination attempt on Hitler (no doubt a cowardly effort to save their own skins), I doubt that there was but one soldier of the German army who fought simply because he had to and not from the heart.

[Rip59]

Originally Posted by BlutundEhre87

It is my belief that the Third Reich was among a very select few empires in history in which it's soldiers unanimously supported their leader and were willing to die for what they believed.

For example, at the battle of Stalingrad alone over 11,000 german soldiers chose to fight to the death against the communists rather than surrender; the letters they wrote home to their families read that they were willing to give their lives for the Fuhrer and for national socialism.

Or look at the SS Charlemagne Division, a unit made up of French volunteers who, not even being German, refused to stop fighting and were among the last defenders of the Fuhrerbunker.

Keep in mind that many of these men were unemployed and hopeless before Hitler came to power. He gave them purpose and restored their sense of honor, so it is easy to understand their fanatical loyalty. Apart from the traitors who were involved in the assassination attempt on Hitler (no doubt a cowardly effort to save their own skins), I doubt that there was but one soldier of the German army who fought simply because he had to and not from the heart.

About one third. Another third were German opportunists whom would follow whomever promised the most goodies. The remaining third were probably a lot like the immigrants I knew as a boy. My parents friends were ex Wehrmacht , my Uncle was Luftwaffe , Otto died on a U bot. My Mother spent years in Die Jungend. I'm very proud of that. Great people. Great soldiers and hard workers.

From what I've been told the German citizenry had been taken advantage of. From what I've been told , about two years of the nazi experience were positive for the average German. There is no way you can tell me life was good for these people. Negros and Russians were raping like animals. What about Dresden? My Mother lost her home to the brits and her teeth to a canadien. She was "saved" by an American demolition expert and relocated to Pittsburgh.

I was fortunate enough to be raised from birth as a racially aware WN. I owe that to wonderful parents. I was also taught and I believe others will agree that from 1914 to end of WW2 at least 80 million Aryans were killed in brother/brother conflict. How do you justify? Seems like the jew was the only winner.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by drifter45

What percentage actually believed in the cause and what percent fought because they had to or be sent to prison camps?

After WWI there were few men to maintain another army, work in factories, and most other things men did at the time. When Hitler came to power, he realized he would need to educate the next generation, encourage children, and indoctrinate them into Nazi ways. So, many of those in the Army were told from birth they were expected to defend the Reich, and do so bravely. There was not a threat of punishment which forced people into the military, but knowledge they were doing what was expected of them. Hitler was very smart. He gave the young people of Germany a purpose which they can be proud and respected by adults.

[kazan188]

I'd say over 90% of privates and middle-ranking soldiers, but less than 10% of high-ranking officers, were Nazis (I mean real Nazis, not opportunists who became members of the NS party after 1933).

[Handlebar]

you're asking for a percentage of those who believed in the cause (and it's foibles)



that's like asking for a percentage of soldiers from the UK that thoroughly supported having British chaps slaughtered just for riding to the "aid" of Polen..

[Rip59]

By the time the brits destroyed Dresden the Germans were totally demoralized. If things were so rosy ? Why was Hesse meeting and offering peace to an unrelenting churchill. What was Hitler's reaching out to islam all about? And , finally , at what point in time did his key generals (Rommel especially) realize his flaws and failures.

As a young man , I visited many German towns. One of my Uncles through marriage was a detective in Munich. I could see he liked me and we spoke frequently. I never forgot his statement of a shortage of German men. Of the available men many were physically , mentally or emotionally damaged. One town , slightly north he noted is better being called "baumstadt" , nub city.

I wonder how many of these young posters are lost in some kind of NS fantasy land? How many are actually aware not only of physical damage but demoralization that has indirectly helped to turn Germany into a multicultural nightmare.

[Rob Roy]

Originally Posted by BlutundEhre87

It is my belief that the Third Reich was among a very select few empires in history in which it's soldiers unanimously supported their leader and were willing to die for what they believed.

For example, at the battle of Stalingrad alone over 11,000 german soldiers chose to fight to the death against the communists rather than surrender; the letters they wrote home to their families read that they were willing to give their lives for the Fuhrer and for national socialism.

Exactly. There is a reason the Germans didn't have Barrier troops.

Adolf Hitler - The Greatest Story Never Told [pt1] full - YouTube

[Blut und Ehre]

Originally Posted by Rob Roy

Exactly. There is a reason the Germans didn't have Barrier troops.

Adolf Hitler - The Greatest Story Never Told [pt1] full - YouTube

In today's cult of materialism, people cannot imagine a time when men lived and died for ideals and virtue. Everything revolves around the self and the ego in today's world.