Introduction

The question of what would have happened if Erwin Rommel had succeeded in assassinating Hitler during the Second World War has long intrigued historians and conspiracy theorists alike. This essay explores whether Rommel would have been viewed as a hero by the Allies and what kind of reward he might have received if he had survived and was acknowledged as a post-Hitler leader. The historical record paints a picture of a complex figure whose legacy is often misunderstood.

Erwin Rommel: A Controversial Figure

Erwin Rommel, known as the 'Desert Fox,' was a German military leader who served during World War II. He was a devout Nazi, and his support for Hitler was unwavering until Germany's fortunes in the war began to decline. Rommel's legacy is often romanticized in post-WWII revisionist history, but a closer examination reveals a more nuanced and troubling figure.

Supporting Hitler Until the End

Rommel was not a democrat or an advocate for liberal values. His loyalty to Hitler was unshakable, at least until the war’s tide turned against Germany. This loyalty did not wane even after he learned of the July 20 plot to assassinate Hitler. While he eventually joined the conspiracy, his involvement was hesitant, and he vacillated between support and a more critical stance. This wavering sentiment may have hampered the plot's effectiveness and contributed to its ultimate failure.

Randle and the Plot

The plotters who sought to assassinate Hitler had a romantic vision of negotiating with the Western Allies after his death. They believed that a separate peace could be struck, allowing Germany to maintain its territorial gains. However, this idea was far-fetched and unrealistic. The Allies had already decided on unconditional surrender and were not amenable to any negotiation that would leave Germany intact.

The Reality of Rommel's Role

Post-WWII revisionist history often simplifies Rommel's complex role. He was not a leader of the German resistance or a major player in the conspiracy. Instead, he was a figurehead who, towards the end, was more critical of the plot. Even the plotters viewed him as unreliable. His commitment to Hitler’s cause extended to his responsibility for the Atlantic Wall, where he employed the labor of concentration camp inmates and slave workers. The living conditions for these workers were deplorable, and many lost their lives in the rush to complete the Wall.

War Crimes and Nazi Ideology

Rommel’s actions as an architect of the Atlantic Wall and a strong supporter of National Socialism are inextricably linked. Evidence clearly shows his awareness of the "Final Solution" and the transportation of Jews from France to Germany. His role in the logistics necessary for these operations means that he could not have been unaware of the Holocaust. The Allies were well aware of Rommel's Nazi past and his role in Wermacht atrocities. This knowledge would have made any trust in Rommel highly unlikely.

Nazism and War Crimes

The reality is that Rommel, like many senior Nazi officials, was deeply committed to Nazism and its ideology of racial purity and territorial expansion. His rise to prominence in Hitler's inner circle was cemented by his fierce loyalty and support for Nazi principles. It is inconceivable to believe that Rommel was unaware of the "Final Solution" and the logistics required for its implementation. The same railway and locomotives used for transporting concentration camp inmates were also necessary for transporting construction materials and weapons. Rommel's involvement in this system further compounds his legacy as a war criminal.

Aftermath and Legacy

The aftermath of Rommel's assassination attempt would likely have been fraught with suspicion and distrust from the Allies. The plotters had no concrete plan for dealing with the Western Allies post-assassination. Their romantic ideas of making a separate peace with the West while resisting the Eastern front were unrealistic and impractical. The reality is that Rommel would have been seen as a former high-ranking Nazi official and potentially a war criminal, making him an unlikely candidate for leadership in a post-Hitler Germany.

Conclusion

Erwin Rommel's legacy is far more complex and disturbing than it is often portrayed in historical revisionism. His support for Hitler, his role in the Atlantic Wall construction, and his awareness of the "Final Solution" all contribute to a legacy that is both controversial and troubling. Any chance of him being seen as a hero by the Allies, let alone being rewarded for his actions, would have been extremely slim. History remembers Rommel as a controversial figure, a symbol of unquestioning loyalty to a corrupt regime, and one who bears responsibility for the horrors of World War II.