Berlin at War by Roger Moorhouse has given me a new insight into the overall initial reactions of Berliners in Germany during the early days of WWII. The initial reactions of the common Berliner to the declaration of war was one of eerie calmness and dread. As war is not usually something to be celebrated, I was not surprised to learn of the lack of response in Berlin. After the first Great War, with the immense casualties and political embarrassment that were inflicted upon Germany, another war so soon was not to be popular. The disappointment and even fear is an understandable response, however, the lack of expression is what was shocking. There seemed to not be a presence of any outspoken anger or opposition to the declaration. Even when Hitler addressed the city and the nation, it seemed that he was shocked as well that there was no reaction to this large political decision. While it was noticed that women could be heard weeping, most Berliners went about their normal business even during the first weeks of the war. Air raid sirens were not taken seriously and many people did not expect this “war” to lead to much of any violence at all, as Hitler’s track record showed. After this initial, very slight reaction of disappointment, the war did not seem to ever be taken seriously as a true war- the attitudes of Berliners just went from slight to overjoyed that there was to be peace. I was shocked to learnt hat there was not a period in between these two times; I expected to hear that Berliners, ever so dedicated to and trusting of Hitler, did not come together as a nation and sport their patriotism. It surprised me to hear that patriotism did not emerge in this time of war as it did in places such as the U.S. in times of war. All of the things to be feared- war and air raids in particular- at this time in Berlin seemed to be taken lightly, while the mere rumor of peace was hyped up and celebrated so intensely that just the talk of it convinced people of a faux reality.
It’s interesting how generally anti-Hitler Berliners were. Reminds me of how Republican governments in this country fare in a city as Democratic as Washington!
Kenady-
Thoughtful post, Kenady.
Certainly, Germans would have been fearful of another war. The loss of life in the Great War had been immense. On the other hand, to have expressed overt opposition would likely draw the attention of the Gestapo.
JN
I found the point that Kenady has raised about the Berliners not having much of a response to the declaration of the war to be interesting. I understand it, as they wouldn’t be as supportive of the declaration since the First World War had just occurred not too long ago. I also thought that it was interesting how although it was mentioned that, “women could be heard weeping” people in the city went about their normal business. When reading about that part I was introduced to a side of this story of the Second World War that was unfamiliar. The stories we’re told when we’re in lower schooling involve a strong nationalistic support for Hitler and everything he has done, is doing, and will do- but Moorhouse calls to attention that passion for his ideals was not so strong.