Rommel: World War Ii Essay

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With the Hitler’s army expanding at a rapid rate leading up to the Second World War, the need for advanced militarism became increasingly important. Hitler soon realized his need for advanced military prowess, and gave Erwin Rommel, a brave soldier, the chance to prove himself before the invasion of France. Although only seemingly an act of kindness, Hitler’s decision proved to be extraordinary, as Rommel’s eventual military plans and style would prove to be a turning tide for the Germans. With the important takeover of France due largely in part to Rommel’s slyness and use of blitzkrieg, his seeming invincibility began to both inspire the German people and strike fear in the eyes of opponents, fear that would lead to immediate successes for the Axis Powers following his deployment to North Africa.
Skilled as an ordinary soldier in World War I and known very well by Hitler, Rommel asked the Fuhrer before the invasion of France and was awarded a spot of Major General in the 7th unit alongside General Hoth in early April of 1940 (military.com). This appointment directly from the Fuhrer was somewhat unheard of, however, how Rommel regimented the unit was nothing short of spectacular. Nicknamed the “Ghost Division,” Rommel and his forces were known for stealthy, quick attacks that advanced at an alarming rate through enemy lines (Historic World Leaders). This approach of attack was unpredictable on each side of the war and unprecedented in terms of strategy for the Germans. Soon, Rommel’s ideas began to spread and were practiced on a lower level throughout the force. Commanders began to follow Rommel in his idea of “commanding from the saddle,” or commanding on the battlefield with his troops, which greatly lifted the moral of soldiers and Panzer units which in turn led to braver, more disciplined units (Fraser 206). Rommel also was one of the primary majors to securely implement the strategy of blitzkrieg in the German military (Historic World Leaders). The Blitzkrieg style of warfare proved to be the savior to the Germans and was the sole reason for quick victories in the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and France. Even with far fewer soldiers, Rommel and many other Generals such as Hoth, were able to overtake opposing armies due to the sheer awe of Panzer attacks on land with the Luftwaffe striking from above (Blitzkrieg). Rommel’s innovative military tactics were extremely useful to the German military.
With the capture of France, due largely in part to Rommel’s strategy, the German army now had a distinct advantage over the Allies and exploited it in numerous ways. Hitler now had a haven that would allow for an easier attack on both Britain and the United States. He also had more support in Germany for his unnerving war efforts (World War II). This support allowed for further military plans that before seemed insane. Hitler arranged an invasion of the Soviet Union in the summer of 1941, and planned for an attack on Finland around the same time (World War II). These plans were a turning tide for the Axis Powers because they signaled a potential end of the war. Soon Mussolini and the Spanish Dictator Francisco Franco aided the Germans in order to receive some of the spoils of an Axis victory (World War II). Franco helped with the German’s submarine campaign and later sent a unit to fight the Soviets while Mussolini attacked in both Greece and Libya (World War II). Because of the previous win in France, Germany now had two fighting allies and a power level so high that victory was now in their sights.
After the French takeover, Rommel began to acquire a cult of personality both in Germany and in Allied countries that would rival that of Hitler’s, and prove to be extremely beneficial to the German military force. With the help of propagandist Goebbels, Rommel became a legend, almost a myth to the German state. He was known for his commanding on the frontlines of the war, “encouraging men who were waiting, perhaps
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