Abstract

Far from the image of an apolitical, “clean” Wehrmacht that persists in popular memory, German soldiers regularly cooperated with organizations like the SS in the abuse and murder of countless individuals during the Second World War. This in-depth study demonstrates that a key factor in the criminalization of the Wehrmacht was the intense political indoctrination imposed on its members. At the instigation of senior leadership, many ordinary German soldiers and officers became ideological warriors who viewed their enemies in racial and political terms—a project that was but one piece of the broader effort to socialize young men during the Nazi era.

“The Indoctrination of the Wehrmacht is a well-written piece of work centering on an important topic that has not yet been adequately covered.” • Raffael Scheck, Colby College

“Both Sait’s theoretical framework and methodological approach are convincing and close a research gap that has emerged in the field over the last decade. This book is intellectually fascinating and makes a valuable contribution to our knowledge of the topic.” • Walter Manoschek, University of Vienna

Bryce Sait received his doctorate from Cambridge University, where he was a Commonwealth Scholar. He has taught history at Magdalene College, Cambridge, at St. Andrew’s College, Sydney University, and at the University of Western Sydney.