Wehrmacht
Origins and Formation
The Wehrmacht was the unified armed forces of Germany from 1935 to 1945. It consisted of the Heer (Army), the Kriegsmarine (Navy) and the Luftwaffe (Air Force). The term "Wehrmacht" is German for "defence force".
The creation of the Wehrmacht was a key part of Hitler's rearmament policies, which he implemented after becoming Chancellor in 1933. The Wehrmacht was established on March 16, 1935, when Hitler announced the reintroduction of conscription, in direct violation of the Versailles Treaty.
Structure and Organization
The Wehrmacht was divided into three branches: the Heer, the Kriegsmarine, and the Luftwaffe. Each of these branches had its own high command, known as the Oberkommando des Heeres (OKH), Oberkommando der Marine (OKM), and Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (OKL) respectively.
The Heer was the largest branch of the Wehrmacht, consisting of numerous divisions, regiments, and battalions. The Kriegsmarine was responsible for naval warfare, while the Luftwaffe was tasked with aerial warfare.
Role in World War II
The Wehrmacht played a crucial role in World War II, participating in all major battles and campaigns. The Wehrmacht's first major operation was the invasion of Poland in 1939, which marked the beginning of World War II.
The Wehrmacht was also involved in the Battle of France, the Battle of Britain, the invasion of the Soviet Union, and many other significant battles and operations.
War Crimes
The Wehrmacht has been widely accused of committing numerous war crimes during World War II, including the mass murder of civilians, the use of slave labor, and the implementation of the Holocaust.
While the SS and the Gestapo are often seen as the main perpetrators of these crimes, recent research has shown that the Wehrmacht was also deeply involved in these atrocities.
Disbandment
The Wehrmacht was officially disbanded in August 1946, more than a year after the end of World War II. Its remaining personnel were either demobilized or incorporated into the newly formed Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany.