Wehrmacht
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| Wehrmacht | |
|---|---|
| File:Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1973-138-14, Warschau, Parade der Wehrmacht.jpg Wehrmacht parade in Warsaw, Poland, 1939 | |
| Active | 1935–1945 |
| Country | Nazi Germany |
| Allegiance | Adolf Hitler |
| Branch |
|
| Type | Combined military forces |
| Role | Military operations |
| Size | 18 million (total served) |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Supreme Commander | Adolf Hitler |
| Chief of the OKW | Wilhelm Keitel |
The Wehrmacht ([ˈveːɐ̯maxt] ) was the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. It consisted of the Heer (Army), the Kriegsmarine (Navy), and the Luftwaffe (Air Force). The Wehrmacht was established by the Nazi Party under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, who sought to rearm Germany in violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
Formation and Structure[edit | edit source]
The Wehrmacht was officially formed on March 16, 1935, following the introduction of compulsory military service. This marked a significant expansion and reorganization of the Reichswehr, the military organization of the Weimar Republic. The Wehrmacht was overseen by the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW), which was responsible for the overall strategic direction of the armed forces.
Heer[edit | edit source]
The Heer was the land forces component of the Wehrmacht. It was the largest branch and played a crucial role in the Blitzkrieg tactics that characterized early German victories in World War II.
Kriegsmarine[edit | edit source]
The Kriegsmarine was the naval warfare branch of the Wehrmacht. It was involved in major naval battles and operations, including the Battle of the Atlantic.
Luftwaffe[edit | edit source]
The Luftwaffe was the aerial warfare branch of the Wehrmacht. It was instrumental in the Battle of Britain and provided air support for ground operations throughout the war.
World War II[edit | edit source]
The Wehrmacht played a central role in the aggressive expansionist policies of Nazi Germany, leading to the outbreak of World War II in 1939. It was involved in numerous campaigns and battles across Europe, North Africa, and the Eastern Front.
Major Campaigns[edit | edit source]
- Invasion of Poland
- Battle of France
- Operation Barbarossa
- North African Campaign
- Battle of Stalingrad
- Normandy Invasion
War Crimes and Atrocities[edit | edit source]
The Wehrmacht was implicated in numerous war crimes and atrocities during World War II, including the Holocaust, the Massacre of Oradour-sur-Glane, and the Malmedy massacre. The extent of the Wehrmacht's involvement in these crimes has been the subject of extensive historical research and debate.
Dissolution[edit | edit source]
Following Germany's defeat in 1945, the Wehrmacht was officially dissolved by the Allied Control Council. Many of its leaders were tried and convicted for war crimes during the Nuremberg Trials.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
The legacy of the Wehrmacht is complex, with ongoing debates about its role in Nazi Germany and its involvement in war crimes. The modern Bundeswehr of Germany was established in 1955 and is distinct from the Wehrmacht.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
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