Battleground
230. The Siege of Budapest
Dec 18, 2024
Adam LeBor, an author and journalist specialized in Budapest's history, delves into the chaotic final days of 1944 when the Red Army laid siege to the city. He sheds light on the horrific atrocities committed by the Arrow Cross party against the Jewish population. The discussion reveals Hungary's precarious position between Axis and Allied powers and highlights the brave acts of figures like Raoul Wallenberg. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the moral complexities and human struggles during this dark chapter of World War II.
46:35
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Quick takeaways
- The Siege of Budapest resulted in catastrophic civilian casualties, particularly among the Jewish population, due to extreme anti-Semitic violence from the Arrow Cross.
- Amidst the chaos of the siege, courageous individuals like Raoul Wallenberg emerged as heroes, risking their lives to protect persecuted Jews from brutalities.
Deep dives
The Siege of Budapest: Context and Consequences
The Battle of Budapest, which lasted from late October 1944 for 50 days, was a devastating event largely overlooked in Western European memory of World War II. The siege resulted in the destruction of three-quarters of the city and significant civilian casualties, including 38,000 deaths, among which were 15,000 Jews murdered by Hungarian Nazis. Hungary's alliance with Nazi Germany was fraught with ambivalence, as many officials, including Admiral Horty, sought to negotiate a separate peace with the Allies in an attempt to save the nation from the consequences of war. The eventual German takeover led to an escalation of violence against the Jewish population, which was decimated during this harrowing period.
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