The Mindset Behind Mass Killings in WWII: An Exploration Through German POW Conversations
Introduction
The atrocities committed during World War II, particularly by the Nazis, have been extensively studied. One key aspect of these tragic events is the mindset of those involved, including the average German soldier who carried out mass killings. This mindset is vividly revealed in the secret conversations recorded by German prisoners of war (POWs) during their captivity.
In 2013, Sonke Neitzel and Harald Welzer published their book, SOLDATEN: On Fighting, Killing, and Dying, which is based on over 150,000 pages of transcriptions from these secret recordings. These transcripts offer unprecedented insight into the thoughts, feelings, and ideologies of German soldiers during the war.
Evidence from German POW Conversations
These recordings, made in various locations including British and American POW camps, North Africa, Malta, and Italy, are unmediated, uncensored, and candid. They provide a snapshot of the mentality of the average German soldier during World War II. Some of the key insights can be summarized as follows:
The Role of Group Dynamics and Peer Pressure
Group behavior is often more extreme than individual behavior. This is famously illustrated by phrases like “I was only doing my duty/ following orders.” Even though individuals may have been ordinary, they succumbed to the pressure to conform, making them part of a system that encouraged and tolerated the most heinous acts.
The Dehumanization of the Enemy
Dehumanization is a critical factor in facilitating mass killings. The German soldiers sometimes viewed the enemy as subhuman, a necessary evil to ensure their own survival. This mindset is intrinsically tied to tribalism, where the only concern is the survival of one's own “tribe” (in this case, Germany).
Psychological Pressure and Intimidation
The fear of not conforming, of being seen as weak or unmanly, was a powerful motivator. Soldiers who did not comply with orders or conform to the expected behavior faced severe consequences, including death. The psychological pressure to conform created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, particularly during the final solution.
The Impact of Amphetamines and Alcohol
Drugs such as amphetamines and alcohol were widely used by German forces. While these substances may have lessened inhibitions, they also contributed to the brutalization of soldiers and the desensitization to violence. The British Army, for instance, used Benzedrine, but found its effects to be limited to specific situations.
The Impact of Societal Norms and Expectations
The societal norms and expectations of manliness had a profound impact on the soldiers' behavior. The fear of being perceived as unmanly was a strong motivator, particularly among those who had to conform to the expected masculine image. This pressure contributed to the willingness to commit atrocities in order to be seen as strong and capable fighters.
Further Exploration and Insights
These insights from the German POW conversations provide a profound understanding of the mindset behind the mass killings during the Holocaust. It underscores the absence of fanaticism among many soldiers, as they were largely ordinary men who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.
Research by Christopher Browning, such as his book Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 11 and the Final Solution, further illustrates this point. Browning’s work shows how average German men, conscripted into SS Reserve Police Battalion 101, participated in the mass killings of Jews, despite their initial reluctance and moral reservations.
Understanding these mindsets and behaviors is crucial for comprehending the scale and nature of the atrocities committed during World War II. It also serves as a cautionary tale for future generations, emphasizing the importance of individual conscience and ethical decision-making in times of conflict.
Based on this evidence, it is evident that the mindset of those who participated in mass killings during WWII was shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, social, and historical factors. The reader is encouraged to delve deeper into primary sources and scholarly works to gain a more nuanced understanding of this complex and disturbing period in history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recorded thoughts and conversations of German POWs offer a unique and profound insight into the mindset of those who perpetuated mass killings during World War II. These insights, combined with the work of scholars like Christopher Browning, provide a more complete picture of the Holocaust and the ordinary men who became part of an extraordinary, and ultimately tragic, chapter in history.