German Wehrmacht
The Wehrmacht was the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. It consisted of the Heer (army), the Kriegsmarine (navy) and the Luftwaffe (air force). The designation "Wehrmacht" replaced the previously used term Reichswehr, and was the manifestation of the Nazi regime's efforts to rearm Germany to a greater extent than the Treaty of Versailles permitted. The Wehrmacht formed the heart of Germany's politico-military power during the Nazi regime. The Wehrmacht was indoctrinated with the Nazi ideology and values, and its military commanders were given wide autonomy to execute Nazi policies on the battlefield. During World War II, the Wehrmacht fought alongside Nazi Germany's allies on all fronts. The Wehrmacht's strength was its operational flexibility, mobility, and tactical proficiency. Its forces, which were deployed in a broad front all across the European continent, were feared for their discipline, fighting spirit and ruthless effectiveness. While the Wehrmacht was never able to match the size and industrial power of the Allied forces, its combat effectiveness was sufficient to play a decisive role in the outcome of the war.
