Real Dictators

Hitler: A Brush With Death… (Part 18)

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Mar 1, 2023
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ANECDOTE

The Compiègne Surrender Theatre

  • Hitler held the 1940 French surrender talks in the historic Compiègne railway carriage where Germany had once capitulated in 1918.
  • The meeting was a theatrical revenge, lasting only 12 minutes with Hitler mostly silent, symbolizing German resurgence.
INSIGHT

Phoney War Was Busy

  • The period termed the 'Phoney War' was actually filled with intense military preparation and activity.
  • Hostilities included naval battles like the sinking of the Graf Spee, showing early war conflict was real and significant.
INSIGHT

Shift to Brutal Warfare

  • Hitler's break from bloodless conquest to brutal war in Poland marked a new, violent phase in his regime.
  • The Einsatzgruppen and Waffen SS enabled widespread civilian atrocities and systematic targeting of Jews and resistance.
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