A Non-Nazi in Nazi Uniform? - Gerd von Rundstedt - WW2 Biography Special

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thanks to Wolfgang Seitz for researching this episode. In so many ways it's our community who keep TimeGhost going. If you want to be part of this then join the TimeGhost Army on www.patreon.com/timeghosthistory or timeghost.tv. Please let us know what other Bio's you'd like to see. And if you would like to know something about a smaller topic, make sure to submit that as a question for our Q&A series, Out of the Foxholes. You can do that right here: community.timeghost.tv/c/Out-of-the-Foxholes-Qs. Cheers, Francis *RULES OF CONDUCT* STAY CIVIL AND POLITE we will delete any comments with personal insults, or attacks. AVOID PARTISAN POLITICS AS FAR AS YOU CAN we reserve the right to cut off vitriolic debates. HATE SPEECH IN ANY DIRECTION will lead to a ban. RACISM, XENOPHOBIA, OR SLAMMING OF MINORITIES will lead to an immediate ban. PARTISAN REVISIONISM, ESPECIALLY HOLOCAUST AND HOLODOMOR DENIAL will lead to an immediate ban. THE PROMOTION OF EXTREME, VIOLENT IDEOLOGIES IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN This includes the justification, or promotion of ideologies, regimes, and systems that have historically or are inherently contrary to the principles of democracy and human rights. To be clear some of these ideologies are Naziism, Fascism, Colonialism, Imperialism, Leninism, Stalinism, Revolutionary Socialism, Integral Nationalism and any other ideology that promotes authoritarianism, and a disregard for inalienable individual rights as outlined in the UDHR. Regimes that fall under this rule are for example: Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, the British Empire, Colonial France, pre-emancipation USA, Imperial Japan, Communist China, the USSR and any similar systems and regimes. While an academic discussion of these ideologies and regimes is permitted, even desired, any value statements or comparative posts to extoll their positive sides will be deleted, and may lead to a ban. . Here’s why: It is objectively true that the authoritarian regimes we cover in our series, be they far-left or far-right, were willing to use systematic oppression, violence, and murder to create or maintain their preferred system of governance. From the perspective of human rights, democracy, and plain decency, this is clearly unacceptable. Now, that is, of course, a morally absolute statement based on 21st-century morals and ethics. Therefore, in our content, we refrain from any such judgement and just tell the story as it is. We’re concerned only with the past. We don’t take sides, and we don’t decide which side deserves more blame than the other.

[@kso4vfl]

I know that only KZbin administrators can ban people.

[@Blizzard4135]

As a reader of E. Junger's books, I'd really appreciate a special about his ww2 involvement. I found his ww2 "diaries" extremely interesting .

[@notsosupermutant5622]

Would love to see one on Von Kluge.

[@istvansipos9940]

videos about the top fighter aces would be nice. every nation, obviously :- )

[@vmwindustries]

Didn't Emperor Barbarossa die walking into a river on his way to the crusades? After which his army went home, and didn't even make it to the war. Just like the attack on Russia would fail in a similar fashion. Bad name for an operation. Doomed from the beginning. ;)

[@_Gongola]

the OG 'why does everyone have to make things political' guy

[@flyforce16]

“I’m don’t really like politics” *proceeds to offer political opinions*

[@llenn1592]

@@emprahsfinest7092 being unpolitical in a democracy is very cringe tho

[@humppi.2304]

"Please don't bring politics into my systemic extermination of soviet civilians"

[@cpuwizard9225]

@Artem Biyun Nope, nothing political at all, just a little revenge.

[@ABadRash]

And his ignorance, disinterest, whatever, led to the enablement of Nazism...

[@Aakkosti]

5:20: Rundstedt: “Why don’t these subordinate commanders obey orders? Respect the chain of command!” Also Rundstedt: “Stupid superiors meddling with my command. Just leave me alone, I know what I’m doing!”

[@yochaiwyss3843]

It was more to do with upper echelons messing with his subordinates, thusly interfering with chain of command

[@TheCimbrianBull]

*surprised Pikachu meme*

[@brutalnyas5639]

is it you, Kimi?

[@K1nsiggMonark]

Definitely Kimi

[@UCUCUC27]

rundstedt was a tsundre?

[@catlat3606]

Definitely should do more of these

[@jolldoes1515]

Please do more !

[@awc6007]

I’d like to see one for Erich Rader or Karl Donitz

[@elisokovziridze33]

in the internet there's too less information about the resistance and i'm so sorry

[@30Mauser]

I would have to say that his redistribution of Reichenau’s order pretty much lands him on the wrong side of the “noble military” argument.

[@axriim7251]

I agree, his argument of being a noble military pretty much contradictory of his actions that sparks or worse became the fuel to the fire of wehrmacht worst atrocities

[@a.e.w.384]

Add to the fact his bold face lies of denials after the war. This guy lost all his honor during the course of the war. He wasn't anti-hitler on moral grounds but simply he didn't like a non-german low-rank having come to power and like Hinderburg he was willing to compromise his "honor" to appease the political powers.

[@loetzcollector466]

@@a.e.w.384 I agree with all of that but I can't help but Wonder what would have came to power if not Hitler? Was he the worst of all possible options, or would something even more Insidious have risen up? I know it's just speculation.

[@a.e.w.384]

@@loetzcollector466 seriously doubt it, first off most rivals were generic politicians which would have circulated in and out of the system. Hitler got in through brute force, literally, his brown-shirts ensured the competition would lose and yet he still didn't get a majority of the vote in ''32-'33. Remember Germany's political system had all kinds of factions covering the whole spectrum from left to right which would have ensured no one faction stayed in power for too long to cause major damage or major wars.

[@a.e.w.384]

I am a firm believer had hitler not come to power he would have been removed as head of his faction by a coup, most likely by either goering or himler. They were such an unethical immoral group they would have torn each other apart once the movement started dying out and gone out of fashion with the public and it would have over time.

[@hreader]

Many years ago I read that von Rundstedt, along with other very senior German generals, ended up after the war at a prison camp in Bridgend in South Wales. Rundstedt himself was as a POW assigned to help a local farmer with his pig unit, and was so good at it that the farm was re-named Rundstedt Farm. So this scion of the Prussian nobility ended up commemorated in a part of the UK! (I hadn't realised his ancestry went back as far as the 12th century - thanks, Indy!) The same article (which unfortunately I've mislaid) said that the sudden appearance of all these exotic Prussians and others was really quite an eye-opener about other countries, other manners for the locals!

[@mrlodwick]

I have been to Farm Island and saw the picture's and drawings the pows done before they got removed.

[@ildart8738]

"Pig unit" - you make it sound like the pigs were a part of a military unit, and von Rundstedt commanded them into battle.

[@garethmatthews7939]

he also attended a catholic church in newton porthcawl and helped buy a new cross and they nicknamed him papa rundstedt

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

You can see what philosophers like Hannah Ardent is saying. These people might not have been as hateful as Hitler and Goering but their indifference and willingness to fight for a hateful regime is what caused the worst events of human history.

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

@@weirdshibainu I'd say no. The west only supported Stalin to get rid of Hitler. While it's true that Stalin's rise to power could have been stopped if people didn't show indifference to his personal evil. The west had nothing to do with his rise to power.

[@tavish4699]

For many the nazis we're the smaller bad.... Everything was better then the reds

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

@@tavish4699 Yes, many in the Balkans to the Baltic feared communism more than Nazism though of course this was helped by the already existing antisemitism, anti-romani and homophobia in those areas. Nazism and Fascism achieve victory when people fear their political opponents to the point where genocide is considered acceptable.

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

@@weirdshibainu Sorry, my first comment was about how indifference leads to the rise of genocidal manics so I just assumed that's what you were talking about.

[@_kenny_7463]

@@weirdshibainu Better Stalin than Hitler

[@brokenbridge6316]

An interesting person to be sure. He was stuck in the wrong era. He would've been wonderful for Napoleonic warfare. Great job.

[@victor9sur768]

I know Indy has been hosting history KZbin shows for a while at this point, but how did he develop such a charisma in the delivery of the content? There's a genuine passion (shared by the whole time ghost team) behind the content produced.

[@TheCimbrianBull]

Maybe he's born with it. Maybe it's Maybelline.

[@victor9sur768]

@@TheCimbrianBull definitely maybelline, although i always thought Indy was a treseme man

[@GuitarMan22]

A mix of Cronkite and a smooth single malt scotch.

[@neilwilson5785]

That's why I have been here, and in the Great War channel, for many years now. Quality and rationality will always have a few followers. Misinformation and conspiracy 'theories' will get more followers, but they usually change the subject and move on to another convenient lie. They are like a puff of smoke within a gale of truth. Every lie we tell incurs a debt to the truth. Sooner or later, that debt must be paid. This channel has been repaying that debt back. Thank you!

[@pmcmanus420]

Those of us who have been subscribers from the start spotted Indy's star quality from Day One!

[@smuu1996]

He was a man with the morals of 19th century imperialism. Both in the best and worst way that can interpreted. He was guilty of at least tolerating war crimes, which means he should have faced trail. If he'd be innocent, then he wouldn't be punished there, and if he is guilty then it's justice.

[@Tallone55]

@@someguy4576 You're right, that is a whataboutism. There were, in fact, people put on trial at Neuremberg who got light sentences of were aquitted. They were not show trials.

[@peterjerman7549]

@@emprahsfinest7092 both of you are neonazi clowns. Go back playing your 243rd hoi4 nazi germany campaign

[@bv2623]

@@someguy4576 Soviets were actually underreporting the numbers. The suffering of Jews was downplayed in order to propagate the suffering of the Soviet peoples. And the number of victims found in mass graves in Ukraine and Belarus was also downplayed because of propaganda issues (the leadership of USSR could have been critized leaving those people behind in 1941).

[@TheCornFarmer1989]

@@peterjerman7549 idk, I get the feeling they're reasonable people. Surely you'd want to teach them how they're wrong rather than simply going "oh mate you're bad go away". You arent doing anyone any favours being so aggressive while saying pretty much nothing. I domt know enough about the subject to either agree nor disagree but I get the feeling being so aggressive only makes enemies of your cause

[@PaulO-re4xx]

Some Guy the nazis committed substantially more war crimes tho

[@mana-pj7hi]

I was wondering if you were planning a biography on Giovanni Messe. I always heard that he was one of the few good Italian generals in WW2, and he even fought alongside the Allies after the Italian armistice in 1943.

[@torbenhaufel7159]

Was ein 31ger

[@leonardokawamurapiazzai4977]

At this point even Badoglio wouldn’t be a bad idea. Although I do have to agree, a biography on Messe would be very interesting

[@beneyweneys]

Plus the only Italian general that was worth half a shit in combat.

[@beneyweneys]

Cpl. Rook Italian navy was alright I guess, certainly better than their trash army.

[@beneyweneys]

Cpl. Rook damn I didn’t know that. Well ya learn something every day

[@michaelk19thcfan10]

Irwin Rommel ghost is thinking, thank God I never was sent East.

[@nodinitiative]

But he was nearly sent to the Middle East.

[@luga718]

Was better than Russia!

[@alhassanait1749]

I don't think so ! Those guys are pure soldiers !

[@martinlaird4738]

Erwin*

[@Tadicuslegion78]

It’s men like Rundstedt that raise an interesting conundrum about the German Army and the generals in it and that is, did generals like him really have the loyalty of the Army or did they trick themselves into thinking the Army was loyal to them? And what I mean by this, in a counter-factual way, is say The German Generals revolt against Hitler say, as the Sudatenland crisis became a disaster. Would the Army have followed the generals or would the army have stuck with Hitler? Further more, the generals who survived WW2 pulled a pro gamer move and pinned it all on Hitler saying we could have won if that moron would have let us.

[@RemoveChink]

Hitler had such a demigod status among young Germans (the army) there was no way they would have followed their Generals.

[@ClemDiamond]

I think most of the Army would have stayed loyal to Hitler. His image was everywhere and propaganda told them they were Hitler's soldiers, defending the ideal Germany that the Führer was planning for their children. Some would have rather deserted than face the Führer even if they did not agree with him. There are some i suspect would have developed a strong bond with their general, like Rommel's Afrika Korps because he led them close to the field and was "in it with them" while being far from Germany. Also, don't forget that when a general or an officer surrendered, all his men surrendered with him. They might have been brainswashed but no one had enough conviction to carry on fighting or retreat to another army once their officer dropped the fight, even if surrendering means betraying Hitler. It is a what if scenario and we will never have a satisfying answer to it, even though it's a good question.

[@PalleRasmussen]

@@RemoveChink do you have any evidence for that claim?

[@zenhoflich1662]

@@PalleRasmussen most youths would have grown up during the last years of WW1, or during the interwar years of the Weimar republic, a period filled with economic crisis, and political instability. And then in the 30s comes Hitler, who voices his strong, opinionated words, and fixes (in appearance, mostly) the mess that Germany was in (politically, economically, militarily), how, do you think, would the German youth view him other than a saviour, and hero? Especially with his charisma in speeches, and with the backing of powerful propaganda tools

[@johan8969]

@@PalleRasmussen In addition to what Zen Hoflich said, the Hitler Jugend became mandatory in I think 1935. Most young germans was pumped with nazi propaganda wether they liked it or not, and a lot liked the Hitler Jugend since it was basically just the boy scouts (with nazi ideology).

[@boristhebarbarian]

the image at 1:30 is a compound image cobled together from various official single portraits of the men pictured. Look at the various different light sources and shady areas on the faces. And the vastly different quality of the officers pictured. btw. Von Hindenburg (fourth right) did serve in the German General Staff for 14 years prior to 1911 (his first retirement)

[@TheCimbrianBull]

Who can forget his famous short reply by telegram in 1914 when he was asked to come back from retirement: "Bin klar."

[@boristhebarbarian]

@@TheCimbrianBull His deputy chief of staff for the 8th Army in East-Prussia, Hoffman did all the prep work and Hindenburg and Ludendorff stole all the credits. They simply carried out Hoffmans plans for defense and attack basically without change. (read "guns of august")

[@joshcruise2657]

I didn't know that, it looks obvious now. Thanks for this interesting tidbit.

[@kunaldaga7649]

Isn't their big win at Tannenburg also because they already knew the Russian plans because of some documents they found on a captured Russian officer?

[@thebog11]

@@TheCimbrianBull Kaiser Wilhelm: You should come over, my parents aren't home ;) Hindenburg: B I N K L A R

[@gabetumanan6593]

6:33 About to drop the f-bomb

[@General_Townes]

Possibly the best image that I have seen during the entire episode.

[@simon4781]

The "angry Rundstedt" meme needs to become a thing.

[@TheCimbrianBull]

F as in Fegelein?

[@DirtyMardi]

TheCimbrianBull FFFeeeeeeeGeLeiN!!!1!1!

[@johnfurface]

It’s so revealing of Germany’s changing fortunes in that phase of the war

[@Voigt151]

To the proposed question of the episode. He should have been judged, although I am not clear if he should have been convicted. This is the job of the judge either way then.

[@BiggestCorvid]

You know why Nazi Germany is a worse stain on humanity than Stalin's Russia? Because you can't name nearly as many men who didn't do something. He should have committed suicide the moment he learned about Baba Yar but he just didn't think it mattered enough because deep down he agreed that some people are subhuman. He's like the governor in Florida during Covid.

[@laiyinquan8355]

@@BiggestCorvid I agree. I don't think anyone on this world can be as pure and innocent as they portray themselves to be. Look at the British royal family, prior to the scandals which plagued the family in 1992, were seen as this perfect and unbreakable family that is immune to the normal cheating and unfaithfulness that we can see in 'normal' human relationships. Another example is Bill Cosby, with him taking advantage of his public fatherly personality to lure unsuspecting women and sexually assault them. Rundstedt is no different. While he is certainly the more respectable generals in comparison to his more depraved contemporaries, he like held condescending views on some human races, but didn't voice them for whatever reason.

[@garysavage5274]

".. will never actually face trial for his role in Nazi war crimes. Do you think he should've?" Rundstedt was jailed in the immediate aftermath of WWII from 1945 until 1949 when he was released. During this period he was on trial. First during the Nuremberg trials, where he, as part of the 'GENERAL STAFF and HIGH COMMAND of the GERMAN ARMED FORCES', was collectively indicted on charges. During the proceedings, Rundstedt testified as a witness. The charges against the group were ultimately acquitted, but Rundstedt remained a prisoner. Afterwards, the Allies began to individually indict officers in what would become known as the 'High Command Trial' of 1947. When he was called to testify on behalf of the defense, which consisted of his former colleagues, including the Blaskowitz mentioned in this video, Runstedt became aware for the first time that the Americans had the intention of eventually bringing him to trial as well. As a result, he refused to testify any further. He would be placed back in prison until he faced prosecution, being formally charged in January, 1949. Reaction towards this, along with information about the conditions of Rundstedt's imprisonment (which had considerably damaged his physical health), elicited outcry from the British public which eventually led to all charges being dropped in May, 1949. So, in short, he did face trial. No I don't think he needed to face further trials. He was privately convicted by those who held power in post-war Germany. He was forever marked as a 'Class 1 war criminal' otherwise known as a 'Major Offender' upon release despite never being personally convicted. For those unfamiliar with the classification, it means all of his bank accounts were restricted, government assistance denied and military pension revoked. At the age of 73, in poor health, completely destitute and left homeless by the confiscation of his house in Kassel by the Americans and his family estate in Saxony by the Soviets, he was utterly broken. Furthermore, he faced the threat of extradition to the Soviet Union by the Americans, who were bitter about his release by the British, if he ever attempted to enter an American occupied zone of Germany. The only feasible punishment left would have been death, which would happen in just a few years anyway. As a side note, this video was far too short. A biography should not be 8 minutes.

[@MrCarpelan]

Maybe he should've thought about that eventuality before he embarked on a war of genocide.

[@Intreductor]

@@MrCarpelan get some perspective before saying shit like that.

[@MasterofGamesBr]

Why he shouldn't face further trials ? Because he was a broken poor man ? That's not how justice works anywhere in the world (you certainly wouldn't want a man to murder someone dear to you and never be convicted because he was too old), the crimes he committed oesn't go way because of his personal circumstances.

[@laiyinquan8355]

@@MrCarpelan @George Carpelan If I may quote Mr. Indy Neidell from 1:05 - 1:12, "..., and they were all raise in classic Prussian tradition with an emphasis on disciplines modesty, honor, and obedience'. While his ignorance of the atrocities committed under his watch was unacceptable, he was bound by his obedience to the Nazi state. I hope you understand the situation the Wehrmacht's generals faced. While the SS were idealistic zealots who lived and died for the Führer, the Wehrmacht were merely an army, just like any other country's. Some wanted to keep their career in the military, which is why they followed Hitler as his generals in the Wehrmacht. Some were afraid of the consequences of not joining Hitler, like being shot. We cannot use today's ideals to judge the actions of the past. Look at cancel culture and woke culture! I hardly think these ideals will be as prevalent during imperialistic Britain. It is only after the disbanding of the empire could we have criticised the racist views the British had over the people in their colonial territories. Similarly, we cannot think like we have freedom and speech and the right to go against your superiors without fear of heavy repercussions. People can go as far as saying they could've staged a military coup and overthrow Hitler. I felt hat is very far-fetched. We need to understand the influence Hitler had in his generals. His commandeering presence, his charm, anything.

[@zachariahwade8482]

Got off easy if you ask me

[@dnstone1127]

He probably had more in common with his 17th century Prussian ancestors than 20th century Fascism.

[@MrZauberelefant]

@@Stobus44 National Socialism wasn't fascism? I strongly beg to differ here.

[@nonautemrexchristus5637]

@@MrZauberelefant Nazis like to use the excuse that national socialism isn't fascism, despite the two being practically identical and having links to fascist movements in Europe prior to and after Hitler became the head of the party.

[@MrZauberelefant]

@@nonautemrexchristus5637 got that. The question was genuine to get the previous poster to elaborate and make a fool of himself.

[@nonautemrexchristus5637]

@@MrZauberelefant there's no point mate, they just sidestep around being fascist and shout snowflake until you give up trying to reason with them

[@MrZauberelefant]

@@nonautemrexchristus5637 true! But it's always fun to expose them to the onlookers, calling them out, even if they still deny.

[@toggafamai4224]

7:36 Rundstedt scrolls down and tries to click on ''Finish". "Hmmmmmmmmm must've missed the box I Agree to the Severity Order's Terms & Conditions" Checks the box and presses Finish.

[@TheCimbrianBull]

Exactly. Nobody ever bother to read it.

[@georgf9279]

@@TheCimbrianBull That was his risk to take. In general I can get behind the "I didn't know what my troops were doing." -argument (unless proven otherwise of course). Even by simply forwarding the order he would just have done his job. But this cover letter tips the scale for me ... by a landslide.

[@mikhailiagacesa3406]

Generals will do a lot for a state that rearms them. These men were bribed, then hoped a more moderate leadership would arise. They gambled and lost more than the war. I know my answer is short and simplistic, but you only talked about it for 8+ minutes.

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

Remember, Command Responsibility. Runstedt is still responsible by the time he learns of it and does nothing.

[@leoe.5046]

thats definitely true but if he would've tried to stop the whole thing he wouldn't live to see the end of the war as the nazis would see him as a traitor.... I guess it's a mixture of his political neutrality, fear of being removed from his post/becoming a "traitor" and probably bitterness from having lost WW1

[@tarickw]

@@leoe.5046 political neutrality in the face of inhumanity still means that he is responsible and at fault. Yes if he did do something he would've been seen as a traitor, and he is naturally interested in his own life, but that doesn't excuse his inaction and as such he is a criminal and fully at fault.

[@Typhy7]

So he's at fault because he wanted to survive? Get your head out of your ass. If he openly stood against the killing of Jews he would be considered to be standing against the Nazi cause by Hitler and the other higher-ups. He won't be able to live much longer after that.

[@BHuang92]

@@tarickw Its true that being grey is still much of a decision. Even if he didn't do it, he was still there. Quote: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. ― Edmund Burke

[@caijones156]

@@tarickw I dissagree, if a solider is force with threats of exicution to do a deed then he should not be punished for his actions. This being said he should have stood trial since warcrimes undoubtedly occurred under his command, though if it is found that he had no prior knowledge of the event and orders did not come from him he should not have been repamanded. In the case of the last comment by indy I do think unless more evidence was to be found such as orders from Hitler to promote such ideas then he should have been repamanded post war. In this case people must realise if he would repremand anyone for braking the rules of war (afterwards anyway) then Hitler could have him arrested or killed for treason since Hitler ordered the whermacht to kill Jews.

[@doctorstrangelove8815]

I didnt know the Einsatz-gruppen were Wehrmacht. I always thought they were operated by the SS. Thank you for reclassifying them correctly!

[@muhammadibnmusaal-chorezmi7240]

They were SS groups attached to the Wehrmacht, often they were using Wehrmacht soldiers.

[@sisubkim960]

Rundstedt is one of the most interesting figures in the German military.

[@unknownip6741]

@@CarstenOepping Still nothing compared to the red plague in the east. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@mijnkampvuur]

@@unknownip6741 Gerd von Rundstedt was een ordinaire crimineel. Vrijgesproken op politieke gronden.

[@Wawrzon161]

@@CarstenOepping can you elaborate a little?

[@stevekaczynski3793]

I think he was typical of the virtues and failings of the military caste to which he belonged.

[@G-Mastah-Fash]

@@mijnkampvuur Wait lemme try to translate that. Gerd von Rundstedt was an ordinary criminal. Absolved of guilt for political reasons.

[@andrewwash8005]

I gentleman I knew, a family friend, joined the US Army in the late 30's. He served in N. Africa, Sicily, and France / Belgium / and Germany in the infantry. While watching an episode of "The World at War" I made a negative comment about Rundstedt. He pulled me up short and said that Rundstedt was "the best they had" and that the GIs had respect for his ability. I imagine it speaks volumes when you, 30 years after, still have respect for your foe.

[@mathswithgarry7104]

Montgomery rated Rundstedt, and even said that he was better than Rommel. I do have to say that Rundstedt had resources that Rommel could only dream of, but even so....its a decent compliment.

[@malcolmrose3361]

@@mathswithgarry7104 I think that Rommel was over-promoted - a good divisional general but not really suited to higher command. Hence the Afrika Korps running beyond it's supply capability so often.

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

@@malcolmrose3361 The Afrika Corp never had anywhere near the supplies they needed even in the good times when Rommel was racing across Africa. Hitler and the OKW couldn't keep him supplied. Once the Americans landed it was over. Squeezed in a vice.

[@gianniverschueren870]

Roosters and chickens and the tie is colour-coordinated to the waistcoat? Well done, Astrid. 4.5/5

[@rogeliovaldez9689]

wheres that from

[@MrMenefrego1]

give away or shift?

[@jjeherrera]

Conclusion: Antisemitism wasn't the monopoly of Nazism...which we already knew.

[@craftpaint1644]

And German Generals knew it, yes. Bloody world 😒

[@1987MartinT]

Gerd von Rundstedt was one of the best German commanders during World War 2. He served with distinction throughout the war although he did suffer from poor health several times, and he did grow increasingly demoralized over its course and frustrated with Hitler's interference, to the extent that he at one point even developed a severe alcohol problem. This alcohol problem, which he developed while on the Eastern Front, became so severe that several people, including Hitler, became worried that he might literally drink himself to death. Since it coincided with his refusal to attack Rostov Rundstedt was removed from command and retired(though as far as I know his excessive drinking wasn't an official reason for this).

[@anthonyd6555]

This is actually a pretty incredible video, and I think we should take a moment to appreciate what a fine line was successfully walked here. If you're into military history, it's impossible not to be drawn to these generals, and many of them offer lessons that should be studied and understood to this day, regardless of their politics. On the other hand, there is a certain amount of culpability for the atrocities of WW2 that they all should bear. How do you divorce a man from his politics enough to learn from, but not so much that you downplay their wrong doing? It's a very real ethical and professional challenge for a historian to deal with, and this is about as text book an example as you're likely to find, about how to approach such controversies in a professional manner. Would love to see some more of these. Rommel, Manstein, and Guderian all invoke similar controversies that never seem to be adequately addressed.

[@WorldWarTwo]

We will address them as well in future episodes!

[@Mullet-ZubazPants]

4:05 Rundstedt: "I ain't no snitch... snitches become schnitzel"

[@limonade7050]

I know it's beyond the scope of this channel, but I always find it interesting what these people did after the war aswell as when they died. Even if it's just in one sentence. Especially since many nazi's took up important government/military roles after the war. Otherwise an awesome episode as always!

[@michimatsch5862]

limonade no spoilers. That‘s still some time of.

[@varana]

@@michimatsch5862 But will they ever mention these people again when the war is over? Or will the channel call it quits at that point, like Indy did with the Great War? What is the chance that von Rundstedt will get a specific mention detailing his later life? (He was seriously ill and died in 1953, so he didn't do anything important.)

[@michimatsch5862]

varana312 Indy did talk about a few WW1 figures on this channel. I remember that there was a video about von Hotzendorf among others.

[@markpaul8178]

If I am not mistaken,von ruenstead was relieved of command during the Normandy campaign.He wanted to retreat by Hitler told him to stand his ground.His replacement also asked Hitler to retreat ,but got the same answer The battle of the falais pocket where 10 German divisions got surrounded and cut off was disastrous for the Germans.They were in full retreat after that encirclement.

[@theodorevogiatzis874]

Rundstedt was raised in the Prussian way, for him, the unquestionable and absolute loyalty of the army towards the state and its leaders was of the utmost importance, he was a product of a bygone era and any persecution against him would have been needless. Noone could have shaken his deep-rooted beliefs. Also, his deteriorating health made him unfit to stand before an international tribunal.

[@castor3020]

nuremberg trials weren't about rehabilitating "criminals", it was about dealing justice. Do you think a hardline nazi would really change their ideals based upon their sentence? No. They are hardly different in that sense to Rundstedt. He was guilty of crimes against humanity = he should have been tried, no matter what. I do sympathize his situation, effectively between a rock and a hard place. But we must not forget that he was an accomplice the one of the worst crimes against humanity ever.

[@rosiehawtrey]

Don't talk such drivel. If it had been about justice they'd have been going on today. Justice had nothing to do with it - people who should have been there weren't because they were "useful". Ishii got off because he gave the Americans his info, the Russians wanted to lynch him. Gehlen got off because he was useful to the Western powers - Russia wanted to lynch him.. Notice however how Zhukov, Kruschev and the rest of the Russians who were perfectly capable of Nelsoning atrocities - they were some of the judges. The *biggest* bunch of murdering psychopaths of modern times - aka the Stavka (their side and the other) get to preside over the trials.... And you think it was about justice? No one mentioned operation Anthropoid for that matter - or how Jews were turned back from the UK even when they had passports or visas - invariably ending up with a dose of the Haber Special.. If any historian ever has the balls to be honest about the Nuremburg trials the world would probably spontaneously combust. Think on this. The Germans made the French surrender in a certain railway carriage and the allies put the boot into the Nazis and the successor government at Nuremburg... Justice my ass.

[@castor3020]

@@rosiehawtrey "If it had been about justice they'd have been going on today." What does this even mean? as in they would have postponed until the 21st century? Nothing is Black and White Rosie, a thing can be grey, or black and white at the same time; The purpose of the nuremberg trials was justice, this is an irrefutably fact, but was it succesful? or was it done correctly? Did some of the participants try to use it as a political tool? those are entirely different questions. Don't get your feelings and political bias in the middle of this.

[@Daniel-kq4bx]

For redistributing Reichenaus Decree he should have definetly been trialed at Nuremberg.

[@MasterofBlitz]

He didn’t as he was extremely frail and his age was rapidly catching up to him. He would die in 1948 (if I am correct) due to an extremely frail health and after his wife died he lost the will to go on.

[@nb2008nc]

@@MasterofBlitz So what if he was? You don't prosecute someone out of mercy, when the perp was at least partially responsible for millions of crimes against humanity?

[@wizardmagic1580]

Remember how when the Golden State Killer was found he faked hinself being old and weak when he could easily jog a few miles without breaking a sweat weeks earlier.

[@citywokbesitzer6834]

@@nb2008nc Many of the officials in the Nuremburg Trials got their prison time shorted because of Health Issues tho

[@nb2008nc]

@@citywokbesitzer6834 That's a lot different than saying he shouldn't be put on trial in the first place.

[@inamacalin1]

You know learning more of the German history I came to realize that it's similar to my country somalia interns of ideology. For example 1. We both wanted to unite our people under one nation. 2. Both think we were superior to our neighbours and to other countries. 3. Both were led to dark history by people who are ethnically German and somali but not from the actual countries. Like Hitler and siyad barre. I mean I can go on for ever.

[@thebog11]

This may seem like a stupid question, but how are things in Somalia? My knowledge of your country's history doesn't go beyond the American involvement ("Black Hawk Down").

[@inamacalin1]

@@thebog11 I mean we are coming around, you know. The civil war is over but we still not done with terrorists. It's a little saver now than when i was growing up. Yeah I know alot of people only know us through blackhawk down and captain Philip's but it's more than that.

[@ahmedalseif5774]

@@inamacalin1 barre was doing pretty well until the soviets started supporting the ethiopiens

[@abdulfatahhassan4197]

Where was siad bare originally from?

[@inamacalin1]

@@abdulfatahhassan4197 he was born in shillaabo Ethiopia.

[@Grafsburg]

Would love to see one of these for Johannes Blaskowitz, who not only protested the atrocities Germany was committing against Poland and Russia but also ordered several SS personnel executed because of their actions.

[@dl7096]

Can you do a special on Johannes Blaskowitz? I think he has an even more complex history and his death is fascinating

[@WorldWarTwo]

He's on the longlist.

[@timcolledge3732]

Gen Blaskowitz was a brave man who was not afraid to protest about the heinous crimes committed by the SS and Gestapo. Tragically, he committed suicide when imprisoned in Nuremberg.

[@davefloyd9443]

@@timcolledge3732 or did the other Nazi prisoners throw him off?

[@dk6024]

They had a warped sense of honor which, in the event, took a back seat to obedience, anyway.

[@BELCAN57]

Antisemitism was rampant in Germany regardless of political affiliation.

[@dk6024]

@@BELCAN57 invading other non-hostile countries and considering it honorable service is the warped sense of honor to which I refer.

[@MilkmanOfTheApocalypse]

@@omelett9 Even taking your argument at face value about France, there's still the fact that Poland, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia didn't even exist 30 years ago. And Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway all hadn't done anything to Germany.

[@danielgrosu1116]

@@omelett9 what are you talking about?

[@hallos977]

@@omelett9 I am sorry, could you please explain how Czechoslovakia, Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Yugoslavia, Greece or the USSR many of which didn't even exist raped Germany 30 years prior? I can understand France, because of the harshness of the Versailles treaty, but it would be France who got raped by Germany since the combat in the Great War was going on its territory, and it was the French who had to rebuild their country, many people seem to forget that. Adolf Hitler's regime deserves no excuses for the crimes it committed

[@Mindcrime80]

One of the few high ranking officers who officially denounced the war crimes was Blaskowitz. Ironically the only Generaloberst in 1939 that was not promoted to Field Marshal during the war.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

@@Fedorahatter There have been rumours Blaskowitz was murdered by other inmates.

[@colinthehat]

Great episode and struck me how well Paul Hartmann played the role of von Rundstedt in the longest day, even the likeness was there.

[@jamietus1012]

Would love to see one of these about Erwin Rommel!

[@sulil1938]

@@DalekovDRA Wait, what do you mean by "chaos in the comments"? Is there something I've been missing out on? Lol

[@davidpesha3841]

he has done a rommel special on his worlf war one channel

[@idontwantmyrealnameonhere5955]

Or Manstein, who was even a NATO advisor in the 50s.

[@jjb2004mk2]

There is no way that a general as competent and professional as Rundstedt didn't know that his units were carrying out war crimes on such a scale.

[@arielquelme]

He knows. But powerless to prevent it

[@patrikmikoczi3958]

In my opinion being ,,neutral” to an actively murderous state is as bad as being involved in it , especially when you then carry out the will of the said state , the same applies to every Wehrmacht general , saying the opposite just contributes to the clean Wehrmacht myth

[@0witw047]

Dan Gurău whether there’s a clean wartime military or not is irrelevant, as Nazi Germany went way in excess in terms of war crimes than any wartime military ever. Cooperating with an objectively worse government when there are other options makes you complicit.

[@tenofprime]

@@weirdshibainu same here, I want to remind everyone who claims that the US is a "police state/fascist/we have no freedoms" or anything of the type that if it were true you would be arrested for saying it.

[@nicholasconder4703]

@Dan Gurău I don't know if I necessarily agree with you on your second example. A soldier still has the right to refuse to shoot unarmed civilians. In the case of the bomber crewman, yes, they are killing civilians, but the overall reason for the attack was to destroy industrial production. The civilian deaths are not necessarily the target (although given Curtis LeMay, one wonders). The latter is merely a direct reprisal against people who are in all likelihood not doing anything wrong, and to bully and suppress the local population. It is also more "in your face" and personal than flying in a bomber, so your conscious should act as a brake on even accepting the role in the first place. That said, one must remember that you should always hate the deed, not the doer.

[@tenofprime]

@@weirdshibainu yep, I am not under any dilution that the US is perfect but anyone who thinks we are the worst country should try moving to China and protesting. For example I think burning the American flag as a protest is wrong and it makes me sick to see it but I understand why it is not illegal to do so. There is no perfect government on this planet but we are pretty darn lucky in the US.

[@КастетГлебов]

How bad that such a fashionable mustache today is associated with Nazis.

[@Typhy7]

Not in India. Most people still have mustaches like that here. Nazi history is not really given any importance over here. Most people here don't even know what a Nazi is. That may seem like a bad thing, but it all works out.

[@BangFarang1]

I have a group picture of my grand parents wedding in 1928 France. Half of the men bear that kind of mustache. Even Charlie Chaplin had it in the movies.

[@pedrolopez8057]

@@Typhy7 That's too bad considering how many Indians died fighting for the brits against the Nazi regime.

[@amulyagupta441]

@@Typhy7 that's a harsh harsh generalisation. I honestly haven't seen anyone with a hitler moustache and I have travelled almost all over India except north east. (I'm 23). Also many people do know about the nazi's especially mine and my parent's generation (my great grandfather and many in the extended family fought for free france and britain and lived to tell the tale). Maybe the new millennial generation doesn't find it that grim as everything is a meme nowadays.

[@amulyagupta441]

@@pedrolopez8057 simply not true what OP said.

[@henrik3291]

It's one thing to be a non-nazi and another thing to be an anti-nazi. They hold two entirely different moral statures.

[@rhtz23]

I agree, an important distinction.

[@sirbillius]

Exactly. You can be a non-Nazi general in the Wehrmacht. You cannot be an anti-Nazi general in the Wehrmacht.

[@dirkdriessen1133]

Hi, iam german. My grandpa teached me this: "it was not our crime, to empower the nazis. It was our crime not to resist them, as soon as we came aware of who they realy were." People from other countries most time do not realy understand, how degraded germans feelt after WW1. There for many people saw the nazi regime as a necessary compromise. In the begining they were seen as showoof and bigmouths but somehow right about the treaty of versailles. Rundstedt wanted his country to become great again, but than did not saw that he was violating moral borders again and again and again. Rundstedt there for was a average german, but in very prominent position.

[@dirkdriessen1133]

@John Kochen I do not want to argue about this one, in public. It could be seen a an excuse of the german crimes in world war II. There are no excuses "Sadly Nazis and germans were so unbelievable bad, everyone else now things of himself he was good"

[@taunteratwill1787]

If you can't see that you're violating moral borders "again and again" you have some real mental problems too. I wouldn't call someone like that an average German. (Unless i'm insulting the average German). :-))

[@dirkdriessen1133]

@@taunteratwill1787 Realy? How is it about americans today. Most of them can not even recognize how evil there country became. How about british brexetiers? They believe in lies, because they want to believe. Noone alive in this countries took part in an 4 year long unslaugther. Noone of these saw neighbours starving to death. But still they have no mental problems? But there are people living today, who know, what iam takling about. There are entire countries trumatiesed by violance, war and suffering. And some asshole think this is not enought. In addition they want humiliate his people. Thats why this countries civilisation often becomes a very theoratical construct. Pretending to be on moral highground with an english name is something else to be discussed.

[@taunteratwill1787]

@@dirkdriessen1133 You sound very frustrated, i don't think that KZbin is the place for you to get rid of your deep seated problems. :-)

[@dirkdriessen1133]

@@taunteratwill1787 Thanks but iam fine. Just watched a funny movie. But thank you to constantly misinterpreting my thoughts, without sharing yours

[@scottcallaghan1000]

It's hard to not feel desensitized to violence at this point, but man that image at 7:15 is heart breaking.

[@eduMachado83]

I'm photographer... I can almost assure you the soldier is not pointing the gun to the woman and the kid... Looks like he is about a meter farther than the woman and kid. I am almost assure he is point to someone not in the frame...

[@eduMachado83]

If you take a closer look you'll find other 2 soldiers taking cover behind that "undefined barrier", the woman carrying the child is running to that position. I'll see if I can find some info about it...

[@pedddler]

Those who decided which Nazi official or military member would be tried at the Nuremberg trials and who would be found guilty or not, were overall not that tough towards some of these German generals such as Gerd Von Rundstedt. Many high ranking officers got away without being found guilty for the crimes that they knew were being committed under their command.

[@fragmaster101]

What's even worse is that the majority of lower ranking Nazis got away with it and even occupied positions in Adenauers' goverment.

[@pedddler]

@@fragmaster101 Mark Felton productions which is another great WW2 you tuber, has three recent clips which explain in detail how those lower ranking Nazis got away by getting assistance from the Vatican who showed sympathy and provided protection for them when they managed to flee the occupied Germany.

[@fragmaster101]

@@pedddler I'm subscribed to Mark Felton but I missed this one! Thanks I'll check it out!

[@stevekaczynski3793]

British officers in particular often seem to have felt a certain social solidarity with people like Rundstedt or Manstein - American officers less so.

[@seanhuds229]

Its also worth noting he was made an honorary colonel for a regiment and thus wore a colonels uniform in their hinour, despite being a field marshal. Officers who were higher ranking than a colonel and didnt recognise him used to refer to him by that rank, much to his amusement.

[@scorpioking280]

Love your videos Indy! So much previously unrevealed material in each video I watch! Thank you for growing historical knowledge across the globe!

[@surferdude44444]

"I thoroughly concur with it's contents." That's it, there is nothing more to say. War criminal.......Babi Yar. He beat the rap.

[@howardcoles3537]

suferdude44444. You are totally right . That " I concur" etc statement proves beyond any doubt he was a war criminal and should have been tried as such at Nuremberg along with the rest of the evil bastards.

[@gavanthornton4484]

He beat the rap, he also beat the trap (door).

[@JustMe00257]

Thank you for this brief yet thorough and insightful summary of Rundstedt's military career. Well done. I also read that high ranking officers like Rundstedt received a lot of 'gifts' from Hitler, which probably helped soften their minds...

[@georgigeorgiev4871]

It's amazing how unbiased you are while doing your work! Great work, Indy!

[@SmokinLoon5150]

Well said, I was thinking the same thing. :)

[@draganmiladinovic2272]

If he was an honourable commander, he would accept responsibility for his orders whether or not he was approving them.

[@castor3020]

Responsibility of what, and pointed out by whom? Who's authority would he accept to judge him? Probably only the head of state of the German Republic but Germany proper did not exist until 1990.

[@draganmiladinovic2272]

@@castor3020 Those are good questions and i am not the person who is credible to answer it. But i consider honor as personally knowing the difference between good and bad and picking the right side. Anyone could say he had no choice but honor is toughth attribute to deserve.

[@jeffersongraves5295]

Well he’s dead now so he can’t hurt your feelings anymore.

[@matthewkirk]

First video of yours I've seen, and Ihave to say that your cadence, timbre and accent make your voice perfect for presenting on this era.

[@broseidongodofthebrocean8931]

In regards to men like Runstedt and others in the German Army at the time I'm reminded by a quote from Kingdom of Heaven "...Even when those who move you be kings or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God you cannot say 'but I was told by others to do thus' or that 'virtue was not convenient at the time.' This will not suffice."

[@forickgrimaldus8301]

Anachronistic film but that is a good quote.

[@Lejdorf]

There was this Guy in Polish Navy, Unrug, who was German but stayed in Poland after Great War, was captured during WWII and refused not only to join Germans but also refused to speak German and demanded a translator during interrogations.

[@oceanhome2023]

The guy on the far right just stepped off of the plane from North Africa sporting his awesome Tan ! 5:36

[@rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG]

Excellent video!

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thanks!

[@willgirvan2491]

Any chance of a special on the Cunningham family during the war? They all seem to hold high posts in the British military and all seem to be reasonably successful

[@yoda5565]

It should be noted; Von Rundstedt's uniform is distinct from those of his peers. He held the honorary position of "Chief of a Regiment", not unlike the "Father of the Regiment" title in the US. This gave von Rundstedt the right to wear Infantry officer insignia in leu of General grade insignia. In the Wehrmacht, the color of the backing material on collar tabs and shoulder board show the branch of the Army. White for infantry, yellow for cavalry, etc. . Only his shoulder boards would reflect his rank as a Field marshal, with the underlay changed to white instead of General grade crimson red. Von Rundstedt was very proud of this position and wore with distinction asserting him as the "Grand Old Man" of the Wehrmacht. He wore the uniform until his surrender to the Allies in 1945. It's history that deserves to be remembered.

[@jovanpopovic5195]

Great video! Was waiting for this.

[@davidvincent8929]

Fine video much obliged

[@scottaznavourian5791]

Seems like a politician. Smart enough to keep himself from hitler retribution and allied justice.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

After the July 20 plot Hitler regretted not doing more to Nazify the Wehrmacht and even thought Stalin had had the right idea in shooting many of his generals. However, WW2 for the Germans was fought with a combination of Nazism as the controlling political brain and old-style Prussian/German military conservatives actually setting the military operations in motion, with Rundstedt being a good example of the latter.

[@shimavitz47]

One of the worst thing about war crimes aside from their perpetration is the lack of justice. A lot of under the table deals or new priorities had to be considered in the birth of the cold war era that let a lot of people with more and less blood on their hands walk free.

[@Lawrance_of_Albania]

Well if rundstedt had no power to stop his own troops from doing atrocities he had option of resigning, if not deserting even to keep his hands clean. But to me it seems that his country and carier was far more important then his own ethic.

[@rolo8950]

Incredible video as well.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@foxen1914]

Thank you the time ghost production for education about some lesser known generals.I hope this continuses both with English german japanise chinice and other generals from the war. They are often forgotten behind its resoective nations leaders. Thank you for educating me and the masses of history buffs.

[@martinbruhn5274]

My grandpa was a draftdodger during WW2. He changed jobs several times, to find employment, that would mark him as "critical to the war effort", but the standards for that changed, as new recruits got ever more scarce.Finally, he was drafted, sent to the eastern front. But he only stayed there for some time. Eventually he fled, he was a deserter. Walked all the way from Ukraine back home into the black forest, where he was home. There, he was hiding in the forest nearby his (and my) hometown until the french arrived. After the war ended, he broke the shooting mechanism of his military rifle, but kept the now non-functional weapon. It still is in my parents' basement. But since he died when my dad was 6 and my grandma died when I was 8, I have no first hand account of his experiences, so I am left questioning, whether he acted the way he did, for the right reasons and whether I know the full story and there is more, that would put him in a less grateful light, or whether that is the story at all. I am afraid to believe it, if it might be wrong.In a way it is much easier to just condemn and hate my great-grandpa on my mather's side of the family for havin been a Nazi and to condemn my dad's aunt who was very openly antisemitic (her niece later married an israeli and she attended a jewish wedding in switzerland, I would have loved to wittness her just being there) and until the end of her life admiring of Hitler. I just don't know how to handle the (appearingly) good in my family, whether I can trust it and it is killing me, because it is so tempting.

[@elmile824]

I believe history should absolutely judge him, the distribution is a key event.

[@wattster71]

Can ALMOST hear Mark Felton doing this episode. Nice job as always.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thanks!

[@herbertgearing1702]

I understand why people in America are unable to understand the "I was only following orders" excuse. However anyone who was indoctrinated in the Prussian military system would see that as a reasonable excuse for most things. They were trained to follow orders immediately without question. I don't think that is a good idea but it is the system. They were allowed to use their own initiative to decide the best way to achieve the objectives of their orders, but they were still expected to follow the order under threat of death or at a minimum dishonor and dismissal.

[@conveyor2]

That's the rule in every military in the world. There is yet to be a libertarian military.

[@cv4809]

@Angel Navarro modern western armies have never been in a real war since the ww2 thus their morality has never been tested The closest thing to a real war was the Vietnam war where we all witnessed how American commanders and politicians got away with war crimes

[@beachboy0505]

Great video

[@MalletMann]

Trying to keep politics out of war is ignoring what Clausewitz said, "War is the continuation of politics by other means."

[@spudpud-T67]

Exactly : how is war not a political act. It would be like saying killing Jews is just racial purification. And like recently hatred of white skin is the new order.

[@lag767]

Thanks!

[@WorldWarTwo]

@Leo g Thanks for watching!

[@hoodoo2001]

The crime of Rundstedt was that he looked the other way. He knew, he took advantage of the situation. He gave the Nazi Army a façade of respectability.

[@mikevargas809]

fabulous vid

[@hayessingerrunning4370]

You gotta be a special kind of person to deny committing atrocities when there's pictures of your guys shooting unarmed families

[@erikhesjedal3569]

Keep on virtue signalling. If your argument is valid, then allies were guilty of genocide since pics of soviets at katyn etc etc. Evil is in you, not everywhere else.

[@hayessingerrunning4370]

@@erikhesjedal3569 what, I was just pointing out the evil in this guy, I agree the allies weren't the "good guys" I would never say that. Evil was committed on both sides.

[@axelpatrickb.pingol3228]

@Corbin Moore Or even legally screwing said citizens over. Up until the internment, Japanese-Americans are protected under the Constitution while German Jewish citizens have their rights removed under the 1935 Nurember laws...

[@GabeNsApostle]

In the particular example you provided, Generalfeldmarschall von Rundstedt cannot be trialled for war crimes solely because soldiers under his general command committed atrocities, which he may or may not have known about. As he is a general and not a frontline field-grade officer, he isn’t privy to everything his entire theatre’s worth of men commit unbeknownst to him. However, if there were orders that he had provided to his subordinates or if evidence were to surface that showed complicity in the atrocities committed behind the frontlines, then he could be held responsible for such atrocities.

[@hayessingerrunning4370]

@Trp Account you are if you're in command of them

[@procyonant6805]

Surprisingly, he is the only officer who made an excellent career in the Weimar Republic, going from major to General of infantry (three-star General). If you look at the biography of all field marshals of the Third Reich, it is Runstedt who is the only one who during the First World War fought on the Eastern front and understood what the war in Russia means. I can draw one conclusion - he wanted to make Germany a great military power, but not at the cost of its archaization in accordance with the ideology of Nazism. He made compromises for this, but lost.

[@borysww5283]

How could you ever be an apolitical general? Is there anything less apolitical than war?

[@Noyen1922]

It is often times seen as a disgrace to be very political in a party sence in the military. This is because most militaries see themselves as a relatively autonomous institute, seperate of constantly altering politics.

[@eyeyayayay]

I think the idea is that the decision to go to war is political, but most of the military strategies and tactics used to fight the war are (usually) things that the politicians don’t understand or have a strong opinion on. So the generals are there to advise the politicians on what strategies and tactics to use, regardless of whether they support the decision to go to war or the politicians they are advising. So they are supposed to be “apolitical” in the same way that civil servants are “apolitical” - they serve the politicians no matter what they think of the politicians or their policies.

[@LeutnantJoker]

Tell that to the US generals, of which one retired example has recently stated that any criticism of Trump (no matter what you think of the man) should not be done by an on-duty general, only a retired one, since a serving generals first duty is obedience and being unpolitical no matter what. Seems the modern US army hasn't learned a THING from WW2.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

To them, not being into politics meant they did not belong to a political party. In a broader sense, however, these generals and field marshals were invariably conservative German nationalists and that was how they looked at the world.

[@tonygumbrell22]

At last somebody here who gets this.

[@SmokeyBCN]

An apolitical private is not the same as an apolitical field Marshall. Von Rundstedt and many of the other top brass in the Wehrmacht claimed to be apolitical when it suited them, especially once Germany's impending defeat started becoming clear. These were people in powerful positions who could've cast influence on the workings of the state in the early phases, but instead stood back and let it happen. They likely all shared nationalistic and imperialistic goals of reviving Germany's former glory. it just might have been a minor inconvenience to them that these goals were fulfilled via national socialism. They were conscientious enablers. There were exceptions of course.

[@samarkand1585]

Him and pretty much all the aristocratic Prussian generals like him have proven themselves to be absolute masters at dodging and denying their responsibilities after the war, be it the moral and ethical ones, but even their failures on the strict military sense

[@liamhackett513]

You should read Nicholas Stargardt "The German War". Far too many Germans laboured through the period carrying ridiculous notions about themselves ,the war and the Nazis. One of those illusions was the an overweening sense of "duty". The were willing to kill people like flies and die like flies for it.

[@acurapontiac4435]

He was a Prussian general, they're rather famous for A. loyalty to command, and B. trusting the leaders underneath them to get things done (lest they be punished for their incompetence.) I believe Hitler betrayed that loyalty and that the leaders underneath him that carried out war crimes abused his trust. Field marshals weren't expected to lead directly, just to oversee and provide general orders to subordinates.

[@Filipas-el9sp]

4:01 that happened with Erwin Rommel I think

[@mariosvourliotakis]

It did but later on in the war.

[@Filipas-el9sp]

@Corbin Moore yeah I know... I suppose there were more german generals asked to take down Hitler...

[@allanhughes7859]

Good to see you back Indy Just finished watching Anna Although very very good for some reason you do seem to hold the audience better "SORRY ANNA" Just my humble opinion for what it is worth "very little at a guess" So welcome back !!!!!!!!!

[@jeremy28135]

GvR was another Wermacht general who thought of himself as purely a soldier, having no interest in politics, and wanting nothing to do with fanatical Nazi policies. But when you're commanding armies in the field under the direct command of the person who decreed those policies and wages an Ideological war of annihilation, you're an abettor by association. Guys like Rundstedt, Rommel, Manstein understood this all too well, but also knew they essentially had 3 choices: convert and join the NSDP, join a movement to remove Hitler from power (or start one yourself), or go with the status quo, sticking to your beliefs/morals when you can, and looking the other way when you can't. Alot of them chose the latter. And besides, there were definitely benefits and prestige that came with being high ranking officer in Germany.

[@Drrolfski]

There was always a fourth option: resign. Surprisingly few German generals followed that one.

[@nicholasconder4703]

There is always option 4, refuse to participate completely. Had he really had morals and scruples, he would have resigned his commission and never taken up command.

[@captaindak5119]

@@Drrolfski It's not surprising when you consider that 1. Being a general is a respected position, 2. A lot of German generals came from strict military families, 3. The military appeals more to patriots than pacifists.

[@DirtyMardi]

Yes, benefits, Hitler practically bribed the generals by giving them money and estates for their loyalty. Make no mistake, they were corrupt bastards. But then, sadly, I don’t think generals from any other country in the war would have acted differently in general. Times were different and so were the morals.

[@nicolasg7601]

Captain Dak Pacifists can be patriots, and patriotism is much more than a willingness to murder. Real German patriots would not have been complicit in the systematic suppression of their countrymen’s civil rights and mass killings.

[@lacasadipavlov]

The fact the he was not sympathetic to nazism saved his reputation... but you correctly underlined his undeniable responsibilities in war crimes

[@MrMenefrego1]

The effect which you created of the three; "Hear, See and Speak no evil" figures atop the left area of the painting of the General was both clever and rather subliminal, (quite retiary, in an artful manner). I'm still waiting for you, (Indy & crew) to produce a poorly executed video! lol. You really do some quite outstanding work, my Norsk friend. And now, we return you to the regularly scheduled pertinent comment: Generalfeldmarschall Karl Rudolf Gerd von Rundstedt was a truly brilliant strategist and an honorable man, until the Nazis gained power. (judging ONLY from the perspective of the era in which he lived, and from a pre-Nazi context). The Allies could sure have used a man with his natural military cunning and proficiency during the opening stages of the war. Actually, most of the German officers were honorable. My uncle, (fathers eldest brother) was a U.S. Army Intelligence Officer in 1943-'45, working closely with the SOE. One of his responsibilities was to "interview" captured Axis officers, (in all theaters with the exception of the Pacific) often with extreme prejudice. He, (my uncle) noted that, "A German officer would lie through his teeth under all but one circumstance; if the officer was asked to sign a paper which forced him to 'swear unto God' that what he was saying was the truth, "So help him God", he would either refuse to sign or, breakdown and admit the truth." Not that it matters but, "Gerd von Rundstedt" in Dutch translates to "Gerd of Beef City". 👀

[@MrMenefrego1]

@@debadityasinha3142 I didn't invent the man, nor his culture or the situation. My intention was to adduce the existing German cultural situation. Referencing my original comment, where I stated: *"judging ONLY from the perspective of the era in which he lived, and from a pre-Nazi context."* It was not my intention to expound upon what ever actions he did or did-not take, nor the reasoning behind his decisions.

[@Waljoy]

The "Bohemian corporal" epithet used early on by von Hindenburg resulted from misinformation von Hindenburg was given about Hitler's place of birth. He was erroneously told that Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau (Broumovsko) in Bohemia not not Braunau-am-Inn, which is in German-Austria. I believe the misinformation was probably a deliberate attempt to prejudice the "old Gentleman" against Hitler. This misunderstanding about Hitler's place of birth was cleared up when Hitler became Chancellor and could speak to von Hindenburg himself.

[@sobelou]

While it's true that both Reichenau and Rundstedt had a high degree of moral culpability for the deeds of the Einsatzgruppen in the area of Army Group South, it's simply incorrect to state, as you did, that these Death Squads were under Reichenau's and ultimately Rundstedt's command. The Einsatzgruppen were not part of the Wehrmacht chain of command and reported directly to the RSHA, this is, Heydrich (later Kaltenbrunner) and Himmler. The Wehrmacht were ordered to provide logistical support, which to their shame they did, but that's it.

[@hreader]

At the very end of WW2 and just after, a large number of high-ranking German officers turned up as POW's at the town of Bridgend in South Wales. I'm not sure why Bridgend was chosen - maybe because it was a long way from the Continent should anyone think of escaping. Rundstedt was among them and was detailed to help a local farmer with pig management - and was so good at it that the farm was eventually renamed Rundstedt Farm after him. The appearance of the exotic figures of Rundstedt and other aristocratic Germans caused quite a stir locally! I read about this over 30 years ago along with proposals to preserve the Bridgend POW camp as a small museum but I don't know if anything came of it. Has anyone else heard about all this?

[@Asamations]

Great episode WW2 team! Tbh, I would say he must of known the atrocities committed by the German army and should of been held accountable for them.

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

Good work, Dr. Nadel.

[@JuanMatteoReal]

Ah yes, your best generalfeldmarschall for HOI4 Germany; has both the offensive and defensive bonuses, which can't be normally achieved without using cheat allowtraits. Idk why you close that photo for the thumbnail but ok. Good looking tie though Indy.

[@gabrielsistonamoca6963]

he has been rework, he only have defensive bonus and he now have urban assault bonus.

[@JuanMatteoReal]

@@gabrielsistonamoca6963 Press F kameraden

[@Eric0816]

Even as a Field Marshal Rundstedt had the habbit of wearing a uniform with the collar patches of Colonel. General Lee did the same thing during the american civil war.

[@amadeusamwater]

Anti-Jewish bias was old-school in Germany and went back many centuries. Since it was preached in many of the churches, he was likely familiar with it and may not have given the idea much thought.

[@paul8158]

It was defacto a christian phenomenon throughout all Europe, since the middle ages, some countries overcame it earlier, others not, but that does not justify anything.

[@wehosrmthink7510]

Thank you Indy for not mincing words with “just following orders”.

[@tommysobo123]

On the flip side... What do you think his fate would have been if he openly defied Hitler and the Nazi party.

[@houndofzoltan]

Love the idea and the production of this programme. Indy is a very likeable presenter and there are lots of little facts I didn't know which come out, especially in the quieter weeks of the war. Keep up the good work.

[@alcaulique8358]

I was talking about WW2 with friends of friends recently. I was shocked how strong the myth of the clean Wehrmacht still is. It is incredible how the looser managed to write history. Thanks to your work, this myth may one day disappear!

[@puppiesonpot5307]

I think with all history things change. Sure maybe right after a conflict maybe the victors are able to tell their story first. But eventually historians go back and look through history and our perception changes. I don’t truly think one side is able to write history as it all comes out eventually

[@binford5000]

The loosers were allowed to write history, they were invited to do so even. Halder almost single handedly rewrote history, asked to by the US. It was the beginning of the cold war, and the sovjets could not be allowed to be shown strong, it had to be all Hitlers fault. You should watch TIK history channel for a more detailed analysis of what really happened. And why.

[@Bochi42]

It is sad and shocking how misled people are. The lost cause/states rights Southern BS is another example I've experienced far too often.

[@mistermax3034]

No armies during that war were "clean".

[@mark.m4954]

3:00 To avoid confusion: Of course Hitler was from Austria and was born in a town called Braunau am Inn. But there was town with the same name in Bohemia and von Hindenburg didn't know it.