Could Hitler's Soldiers Have Disobeyed Horrific Orders?

It is a question that resonates through history and ethical considerations: could Hitler's soldiers have disobeyed their horrific orders? This article explores the realities faced by WWII soldiers, particularly within the context of Nazi Germany's military structure, and investigates the potential consequences of such disobedience.

The Oath of Loyalty

In Nazi Germany, the military oath was not an allegiance to Germany but to Hitler himself. When soldiers disobeyed such orders, they transcended the military code that dictated absolute obedience. Sulzberger (1977, p. 414) emphasizes that such acts placed them outside the normal legal and moral framework, often leading to severe, often fatal, consequences.

Consequences of Disobedience

Orders of such magnitude, like leading a war of aggression or partaking in mass murder during the Holocaust, were considered horrific orders in the context of human rights and ethics. While some soldiers refused to carry out these orders, the vast majority did not, out of fear, loyalty, or a sense of duty. As Sulzberger (1977, p. 437) notes, any refusal to carry out such orders was not only morally reprehensible but also incredibly dangerous. Officers who disobeyed received severe punishments, most often execution.

The SS-Einsatzgruppen: A Case In Point

A prime example of horrific orders is evident in the activities of the SS-Einsatzgruppen, the mobile killing units that followed the Wehrmacht during the invasion of the Soviet Union. These units were responsible for mass killings of Jews. According to Evans (2008, p. 456), most of the members were ordinary men, men who could have been patrolling German cities or controlling traffic on a normal day. However, when it came to following orders, it appears that many chose to comply. These soldiers would carry out mass killings with their pistols and machine guns, with brutal and gruesome efficiency.

Outcome of Refusal?

But were there soldiers who refused to obey these orders? According to T?lle (2012, p. 517), there were indeed a few who did. However, they faced immediate and severe repercussions. Refusing to kill Jews could result in torture and execution. There were no formal trials or court-martials; instead, the refusal was met with harsh physical and psychological punishment. These soldiers, deemed cowards or traitors by their peers, were never promoted and often faced being sent to the front as punishment.

The Complex Dilemma

The financial and human costs of such orders are staggering. The German soldiers, for the most part, were not naturally inclined to murder. However, the military and social structures in Nazi Germany created a situation where obedience, even to horrific orders, was almost imperative. The alternative—asserting individual conscience and refusing orders—risked not only one's life but also the lives of comrades and family.

Distractions and Motivations

Parallels can be drawn between Adolf Hitler's actions and other military leaders. For instance, General George S. Patton's infamous act of slapping shell-shocked soldiers in Sicily highlights the intense pressure on military leadership to maintain discipline.
According to Hodges (1968, p. 789), such incidents underscore the tightening of control and the fear of questioning orders. The German military, under Nazi rule, was an apparatus designed to enforce absolute obedience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while some soldiers did refuse to carry out horrific orders, the majority did not. The combination of loyalty, fear, and a twisted sense of duty often prevailed. Refusal often led to immediate and severe consequences, such as torture and execution. The ethical and historical implications of these decisions continue to transform our understanding of individual responsibility within the framework of extreme regimes.

References:

Evan, R. (2008). The Coming of the Third Reich. New York: Penguin. Hodges, R. (1968). The Alliance: Strategy, Diplomacy and War, 1943-1944, The Mediterranean and Middle East. London: Leo Cooper. Sulzberger, A. (1977). The Winds of War, The Time for War: A narrative history of World War II. New York: Simon and Schuster. T?lle, H. (2012). Nazi Order Police: Elite Troops for Maintaining Reich Security. Oxford: Omni ("Amazon Link").