The podcast explores Hitler's military decision-making during the Battle of Stalingrad, the harsh conditions faced by the German soldiers, the frustration of senior soldiers with propaganda, the impact of air and sea wars on Germany, and Hitler's concerns about his home and the Allied invasion of Sicily.
The defeat at Stalingrad marks a turning point in World War II, signaling to the German people that the war will not end well for them.
Resistance against Hitler grows within Germany, with various groups and military figures expressing opposition to the Nazi regime.
Deep dives
The White Rose Resistance
Hans and Sophie Scholl, along with their friend Christoph Props, are young German students who form the White Rose resistance movement. They distribute anti-Nazi pamphlets, critical of Hitler's regime, around Munich and other cities in southern Germany. Despite their efforts to remain anonymous, they are caught by the Gestapo and sentenced to death. Their bravery and defiance serve as an inspiration to the German people and the RAF reprints their leaflets across Germany.
The Battle of Stalingrad
Stalingrad becomes a critical battle during World War II, as German forces attempt to capture Soviet Union's key southern oil fields. However, the Wehrmacht runs into difficulties facing Soviet resistance in urban warfare. The fighting becomes brutal and relentless, with Germans and Russians fighting street by street. The Germans are eventually surrounded and trapped, leading to the surrender of the entire German 6th Army. The defeat at Stalingrad is a turning point in the war, as the German people realize the war will not end well for them.
The Decline of the German Navy and Battle of the Atlantic
The German navy faces setbacks as Allied forces gain control of the seas. The Kriegsmarine's battleships are rendered ineffective due to their design for surface raiding, rather than naval combat. The U-boat campaign, which aimed to starve Britain out, also suffers as convoy systems, improved technology, and code-breaking efforts turn the tide in favor of the Allies. The Battle of the Atlantic is effectively won by the Allies, securing the sea lanes and paving the way for a potential invasion of Europe.
Resistance and Assassination Attempts against Hitler
As the war progresses, resistance against Hitler grows within Germany. Various groups, such as the White Rose, Swing Kids, and Edelweiss Pirates, express opposition to the Nazi regime in different ways. Military figures like Hans Oster and Henning von Tresckow plot coups or assassination attempts against Hitler. However, their attempts are unsuccessful due to a series of mishaps and failures. Hitler's physical and mental decline, along with the declining fortunes of the war, contribute to the disillusionment and growing opposition within Germany.
The myth of the Nazi war machine is blown apart in one of the pivotal battles of World War 2. Serious questions arise as to Hitler’s leadership, encouraging a growing German resistance. As Allied forces eye Sicily, a paranoid Führer retreats further into himself. His war of conquest is becoming a war of defence…
A Noiser production, written by Jeff Dawson.
This is Part 22 of the Hitler Story. Scroll down the Real Dictators feed for earlier episodes.
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