Ep 7. Secrets Of Hitler's Special Forces

Rise & Fall: The Third Reich season 1 episode 7, titled "Secrets of Hitler's Special Forces," takes an in-depth look at the elite units of the German army that served under Adolf Hitler during World War II. The episode explores the training, tactics, and ideology of these special forces, who were tasked with carrying out some of the most difficult and dangerous missions of the war.

The episode begins by examining the origins of the special forces units, known as the Waffen-SS, and their early successes in battle. It then delves into the strict training regimen that members of these units underwent, which included physical and psychological tests designed to weed out those who could not handle the demands of combat. Viewers are shown how recruits were indoctrinated with Nazi ideology, which emphasized the superiority of the Aryan race and the need to purify Germany of its enemies.

As the war progressed, the Waffen-SS became increasingly involved in atrocities against civilian populations, particularly in Eastern Europe. The episode explores some of the most infamous acts committed by these units, including the massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane and the brutal treatment of prisoners of war. Viewers are shown how these actions were driven by a combination of Nazi ideology and the brutalization of soldiers who had been forced to fight in brutal conditions for months on end.

Despite their reputation for brutality, the Waffen-SS units were also responsible for some of the most daring and innovative military operations of the war. The episode highlights several of these missions, including the airborne assault on Crete and the sabotage of Allied supply lines in Italy. Through interviews with historians and surviving veterans, viewers gain a sense of how these elite soldiers operated and what motivated them to undertake such risky missions.

The episode also explores the role of Heinrich Himmler, the architect of the Waffen-SS, in the war effort. Viewers learn about Himmler's complicated relationship with Hitler and how he used his position to consolidate power within the Nazi regime. The episode examines how Himmler's vision for the Waffen-SS changed over time, from a force designed to serve as Hitler's personal bodyguard to a paramilitary organization tasked with fighting on the front lines of the war.

Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with rare archival footage and photographs that give them an insight into the world of the Waffen-SS. They are shown the uniforms, weapons, and equipment used by these soldiers and are given a sense of the scale and impact of their operations. The episode concludes with a reflection on the legacy of the Waffen-SS and what their actions can teach us about the nature of war and human behavior.

Overall, "Secrets of Hitler's Special Forces" is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode that provides a unique insight into one of the most notorious military organizations of the 20th century. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of World War II or in the complexities of the human psyche.