Best Documentary
The Führer's Final Downfall: Hitler's Bad Decisions and the Consequences of World War II
By 1942, the consequences of Hitler’s bad military decisions were becoming apparent. In response to his declaration of war, the Americans had entered the conflict and were making advances in North Africa. During Operation Barbarossa, the previous year, Germany has already lost one million men. By October 1942, with another Russian winter approaching, his generals pushed for a strategic retreat. But Hitler issued strict orders for his troops to remain in Stalingrad, effectively sealing their fate.
Convinced that an Allied landing would take place in the Pas-de-Calais, Hitler sent a maximum number of troops there. But when the invasion began in June 1944, targeting the less defended Normandy coast, Hitler was asleep and had given strict orders not to be disturbed. Only he can give the order to redeploy the panzer divisions to face the Allied troops. By midday the next day, thinking the allies are trying to manipulate him, Hitler still hasn’t taken any action. During this time, the Allies seized the beaches, one by one.
By December 1944, now increasingly dependent on drugs, Hitler ordered a pointless attack in the Ardennes. In doing so, he uses up the last of his troops, weakening the Eastern front and opened up Germany’s doors to the Allied forces. It’s a suicidal maneuver but once again, nobody contradicts the Führer.
During the Battle of the Ardennes, the Russians advanced 500km. Attacked on all fronts and with little chance of victory, the pressure grew to surrender. Instead, eaten away by insanity, the Führer took his people hostage and brings them with him in his final downfall.
Director: Phillipe Tourancheau
Published Apr 1, 2023
