I think a couple things should be considered in the above conversation on “the German people/regular army” and knowing completely Hitler’s atrocities. First accounts from many of the Officers from American and British forces spoke on the German people in surrounding towns being pretty oblivious to the acts being committed around them. Everything was controlled by the government, people had no real information besides what was given to them and no way to “fact check” said information like we do now. Imagine censorship we see now, but on a massive level. I’m not saying all Germans were oblivious or indifferent, but a large portion really had no true grasp of what was going on behind the scenes. As for the German army and it’s actions, again a large portion of the regular forces were unawares of the atrocities being committed by SS battalions and when given an order from a loyal officer, they didn’t think to disobey (otherwise they were shot or put into a camp) but not all complied willingly. Accounts of bravery from German soldiers helping escaping Jews do exist, also let’s not forget the many attempts made from within the regular army and officers to commit coups and take control. The most famous of which is codenamed Valkyrie, closest to succeeding. I believe there’s many aspects to look at and consider here. Definitely not clear cut for either side of the aisle, plenty to analyze to this day.
