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German Soldiers Fought The Fuhrer 's Ideological War

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German soldiers fought the Führer’s ideological war. Hitler wanted the German race to take over the world. Heinrich Bölls book, And Where Were You, Adam?, describes several soldiers and their lives at the end of World War II. In the chaos of war, they found various reasons to capitulate with the Holocaust and other atrocities, but at the same time, tried to find some normalcy and sanity in an insane situation. Just as other warriors in other wars, they were humans who found themselves in an inhuman situation. They were concerned with the defense of their homeland, family, and future. They were not monsters, but men serving under monstrous leaders and nefarious conditions. Germans foot soldiers went to war for several reasons such as German pride, honor, and love of the fatherland. Personal recognition and medals were important to many. The fever of a new and stronger Germany swept up the soldiers and it was their duty to serve the Reich. They took an oath of allegiance to Hitler (Spielvogel 118). Nazis indoctrinated new recruits with their philosophy. Soldiers did not realize the wickedness that lay ahead. Once in the midst of war, however, Germans became disillusioned and frightened. Some thought of home and loved ones while other worried their link to past war crimes and rule violations. Many soldiers waited for the inevitable surrender and others committed suicide. The war took the lives of many brave Germans without the achievement of

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