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Originally Posted by Doppleganger Don't get too caught up in the hype of Hitler's lack of ability as a military strategist. Much of this stems from the memoirs of generals who understandably wanted to uphold themselves in the best light. Hitler was not classically trained at the German Generalstab colleges and so was looked upon as an amateur by the well heeled aristocratic officers who saw themselves as part of an elite club. |
A mixture of fact and fiction I feel. There is absolutely no doubt about Hitlers lack of ability as a strategist. The whole basis of his plan was at best the musings of a dreamer caught up in his own self importance. This basic trait was apparent in him even as a child and is remarked upon by those that knew him at this time.
As for the products of the Junkerschule seeing themselves as a well heeled club, Well,.... in their time, they were. This can also be seen be seen in the senior ranks among the allies, but in most cases it has no bearing whatsoever upon their ability to do their jobs in the military. They were in fact, the best people in their trade at the time.
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The first problem with Hitler is that he severely underestimated his enemies (especially in Russia) based on warped racial prejudices. The second problem was that after the failed attempt at Moscow in December 1941 Hitler lost his nerve. Instead of allowing his best commanders their head he reigned them in and tried to do too much by himself, hence the phrase, Hitler's meddling. In the first years of the war, Hitler barely interfered once operations were underway. And there was nothing wrong with his ability as a strategist.
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In the same paragraph you demonstrate the fact of his poor judgement and lack of strategic ability, then finally say there was nothing wrong with his ability??? I have never heard of a "good strategist" with "poor judgement" somehow it just doesn't add up.
No,... I'm afraid that this Hitler apologist argument has already been judged by the world and case closed for nearly half a century. Like a lot of "smart" men, he was far more assured of his own brilliance than those about him. The only evidence that has emerged in the intervening years only serves to support the original judgement. Constantly trying to pick his occasional "moments of brilliance" and strokes of good luck will never reverse the fact that he was an ill considered "dreamer" at best and a scheming mass murderer at worst.