Revolt against tyranny: The officers who disobeyed Hitler
The levelling of Paris. Scorching German soil in retreat. These are just two orders given by Hitler as the Second World War drew to its end. Historian Randall Hansen's new book, Disobeying Hitler: German Resistance After Operation Valkyrie, reveals how a number of officers deliberately ignored the Fuhrer's erratic demands as the war drew to a close....
The levelling of Paris. Scorching German soil in retreat. These are just two orders given by Hitler as the Second World War drew to its end. Historian Randall Hansen's new book, Disobeying Hitler: German Resistance After Operation Valkyrie, reveals how a number of officers deliberately ignored the Fuhrer's erratic demands as the war drew to a close.
While most people are familiar with the internal plot to assassinate Hitler called Operation Valkyrie, Mr. Hansen tells Carol how other officers' refusal to implement Hitler's orders saved lives, and may have hastened the end of the war.
But the story isn't just about the officers who openly defied Hitler; Mr. Hansen also details how civilians, especially women and children, refused to cooperate with German soldiers on home soil as Allied forces marched into the country.
Listen to Carol's feature interview with Randall Hansen by clicking the 'listen' link above.