German Military

Definition

The German military, known as the Wehrmacht during World War II, was the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. It played a central role in Germany's aggressive expansion and was a key factor in the conflicts arising from the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed severe restrictions on Germany's military capabilities following World War I.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The German military initially faced significant limitations on its size and capabilities due to the Treaty of Versailles, which restricted its army to 100,000 troops.
2. Despite these restrictions, Germany began a secret rearmament program in the 1920s, leading to a significant buildup of military strength by the time World War II began.
3. The German military utilized innovative tactics such as Blitzkrieg, or 'lightning war,' which emphasized speed and surprise in offensive operations.
4. The Wehrmacht was responsible for numerous war crimes during World War II, including atrocities committed during the invasion of the Soviet Union and the Holocaust.
5. After Germany's defeat in 1945, the German military was disbanded, and its legacy led to a long period of demilitarization and reflection in post-war German society.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Versailles impact the development of the German military in the interwar period?
  • The Treaty of Versailles imposed strict limitations on the German military, capping its size at 100,000 troops and prohibiting certain types of weaponry. This led to resentment among Germans and a push for rearmament that violated the treaty. As a result, Germany secretly began rebuilding its military throughout the 1920s, which laid the groundwork for its aggressive expansion during World War II.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the German military strategies used during World War II and how they contributed to early successes.
  • The German military employed innovative strategies such as Blitzkrieg, which combined rapid movement of ground forces with air support to overwhelm opponents. This approach proved highly effective in early campaigns against Poland and France, allowing Germany to quickly conquer large territories. The speed and coordination of these attacks initially led to significant victories for Germany but ultimately became unsustainable as they faced larger adversaries like the Soviet Union.
• Analyze the implications of the German military's actions during World War II for post-war Europe and international relations.
  • The aggressive expansion and war crimes committed by the German military during World War II had profound implications for post-war Europe. The devastation caused by the conflict led to widespread calls for accountability and resulted in war crime trials. Furthermore, Germany's militaristic legacy necessitated a reevaluation of military policies across Europe, contributing to the establishment of NATO and shaping Cold War dynamics as nations sought collective security against potential aggression.

Related terms

Wehrmacht: The combined armed forces of Nazi Germany, consisting of the army (Heer), navy (Kriegsmarine), and air force (Luftwaffe).

Rearmament: The process of rebuilding and expanding a nation's military forces, which in Germany's case was in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles.

Treaty of Versailles: The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and military restrictions on Germany, which fueled resentment and nationalism.