The Normalization of Atrocities: Why Germany Was Cruel During World War II

Why did Germany exhibit such cruelty during World War II? It wasn't because they chose to do so, but rather because such behavior was normalized over time. This article delves into the complex reasons behind the behavior of the German population and military, helping to understand the context and evolution of these atrocities.

Behavioral Shifts and the Normalization of Atrocities

Behavioral shifts, particularly in societies, do not happen overnight. There is a gradual process where smaller, more harmful actions can incrementally become the norm. In the context of World War II, this process was evident in Germany. When someone or a group starts engaging in behavior that is initially perceived as harmful, it often goes unnoticed, especially when targeted at a specific group, such as the Jews during the Holocaust.

It is rare for individuals to wake up and decide to commit atrocities without being deranged. However, the act of committing atrocities becomes more acceptable when it isa part of a broader societal context where such behavior is either ignored or even tacitly supported. This normalization process can be broken down into several stages:

Youth Socialization and Governmental Support

During the early stages of World War II, the German government supported and even encouraged behaviors that would later be considered atrocities. This was particularly evident among the youth. When young people from a nation are indoctrinated with the belief that certain groups are inferior or deserving of a lower status, those biases can become deeply ingrained. In Germany, this indoctrination involved public campaigns, propaganda, and governmental policies that promoted anti-Semitism and other racial ideologies.

Normalization Through Positive Reinforcement

Once the behavior becomes normal, it is easier to reinforce and maintain it. In the military context, soldiers are not just passive recipients of orders; they are influenced by the culture and values of the society they come from. Soldiers in the German Wehrmacht were encouraged to view their actions as normal and even moral. Positive reinforcement through rewards, promotions, and praise made the perpetration of atrocities seem like a duty.

The Spectrum of Normal Behavior

Understanding the spectrum of behavior is crucial in grasping why these atrocities occurred. Think of the spectrum as ranging from acceptable to morally wrong. Most people occupy a grey area, where they aim for the white and avoid the black. However, when a society moves too far into the grey, the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior blurs. This was the case in pre-war and wartime Germany, where the line between acceptable behavior and atrocity was pushed far into the black.

The Role of Culture and Society

Soldiers are not just individuals but representatives of the culture they come from. The German military, in particular, reflected the cultural norms and values of Nazi Germany. Over a 20-year period, these values were instilled in the German people through various means, including education, media, and governmental policies. This long-term process created a society where atrocities became not just acceptable but expected.

Myth and Reality: The Clean Wehrmacht Myth

The belief in the "Clean Wehrmacht" is a myth perpetuated by figures such as General von Manstein and other German generals post-war. This myth suggests that the German military was not involved in the atrocities that occurred during the war. However, this is far from the truth. The Wehrmacht, just like the broader society, was deeply influenced by the Nazi ideology and participated in many of the actions that are now recognized as war crimes.

Conclusion

The normalization of atrocities is a sobering reminder of the power of social and cultural norms to shape behavior. Understanding this process helps us to see the complexities behind historical events and to work towards creating a more just and empathetic society. The lessons learned from World War II are crucial in preventing similar atrocities in the future.