The History of the Twentieth Century 403 The Resistance II
6 snips
May 11, 2025 Explore the fascinating dynamics of collaboration and resistance in Axis-occupied Europe during World War II. Discover the controversial transformation of the Waffen-SS and its notorious recruitment tactics. Dive into the courageous acts of defiance in Belgium and Norway, where resistance efforts thrived despite the challenges. Uncover Greece's struggle under occupation, showcasing the emergence of guerrilla warfare and the complexities within resistance movements. Each story reveals a unique facet of resilience and the fight against tyranny.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Evolution of the SS and Waffen-SS
- The SS evolved from party security to an elite Nazi government and military force with relaxing racial standards over time.
- Waffen-SS recruited widely beyond Germany, including various ethnic groups from occupied countries as the need for manpower grew.
Belgium's Quiet Resistance Strength
- Belgians mainly resisted German occupation via underground newsletters, graffiti, and intelligence support.
- They helped smuggle about 700 Allied airmen to Spain, costing 140 Belgians their lives.
The England Spiel's Devastation on Dutch Resistance
- German capture of British MI6 agent led to a two-year fake radio operation deceiving the SOE in the Netherlands.
- Many SOE agents were captured or killed, crippling Dutch resistance before being uncovered in 1944.