German soldiers' feelings about World War II were intricate and dynamic, shaped by a blend of initial indoctrination, the brutal realities of combat, and their personal experiences. For a significant number of German soldiers, the Second World War was profoundly perceived as a direct continuation of the First World War – a conflict that, despite its increased scale and brutality, was fundamentally fought for the same core objective: the defense of their homeland against foreign aggression. This perspective was a powerful underlying sentiment for many, influencing their understanding and motivation throughout the war.
Initial Sentiments and Underlying Perceptions
At the war's onset, a range of feelings existed, from nationalistic fervor to a more resigned sense of duty. Propaganda played a crucial role in framing the conflict as a defensive necessity.
- Sense of Defensive War: Many soldiers genuinely believed they were fighting to protect Germany from external threats and perceived injustices stemming from the aftermath of World War I. This fostered a sense of legitimate self-defense rather than aggressive expansion.
- Duty and Loyalty: A strong emphasis on national pride and military service cultivated a sense of obligation to the state and Führer, particularly among younger recruits.
- Early Enthusiasm (for some): Initial victories and rapid territorial gains fueled a transient sense of triumph and superiority.
Evolving Realities and Disillusionment
As the conflict escalated and turned against Germany, particularly after major defeats like Stalingrad, soldiers' morale and perceptions shifted dramatically. Initial patriotic fervor often gave way to grim determination, fear, and eventually, profound disillusionment.
| Factor Affecting Sentiment | Impact on German Soldiers' Feelings | Examples/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Comradeship & Unit Bonds | An incredibly powerful binding force; loyalty to fellow soldiers often superseded political ideology or grand objectives. This bond was crucial for survival and motivation. | Sharing dangers, relying on each other in combat, mutual support in dire conditions, fighting for the man next to you. |
| Brutality of Combat | Intense fear, trauma, psychological stress, and desensitization due to relentless fighting, particularly on the Eastern Front. | Experiencing horrific casualties, extreme weather conditions, the stress of constant bombardments and close-quarters combat. |
| Propaganda vs. Reality | Growing skepticism and cynicism as official news reports and propaganda diverged increasingly from the harsh truths and losses experienced on the front lines. | Discrepancies between announced victories and actual retreats, the severity of losses, and the deteriorating supply situation. |
| Logistical Hardships | Physical suffering due to inadequate supplies, food shortages, harsh weather conditions, and poor medical care, leading to widespread fatigue and illness. | Fighting in bitter Russian winters without proper gear, enduring starvation, and witnessing comrades die from treatable injuries. |
| Moral Compromises | Exposure to, or participation in, atrocities and war crimes, leading to psychological burden, guilt, or normalization of extreme violence for some. | Involvement in or witnessing mass killings, particularly against civilians and partisans, especially on the Eastern Front. |
| Perceived Hopelessness | As defeat became inevitable, many soldiers continued to fight out of a mix of desperation, fear of reprisal, and a final, desperate attempt to defend the homeland. | Fierce resistance in the final stages of the war, even when overwhelmed, to protect their families and what remained of Germany. |
The Overriding Impulse: Survival
Ultimately, for many, the primary motivation devolved into simple survival. The ideological fervor, for those who ever truly embraced it, often waned in the face of relentless attrition and the sheer instinct to live another day. Loyalty shifted from abstract concepts of nation or ideology to the tangible bond with their comrades in the trenches.
Understanding the German soldier's experience requires appreciating this spectrum of emotions, from the initial defensive mindset rooted in perceived historical grievances to the profound disillusionment and singular focus on survival that characterized the latter stages of the war.
For further information on the broader history of World War II, reputable sources include the National WWII Museum or Imperial War Museums.
