German High Command

German High Command
Unit name	German High Command
Native name	Oberkommando der Wehrmacht
Caption	The Bendlerblock in Berlin, housing the High Command.
Dates	1938–1945
Country	Nazi Germany
Branch	Wehrmacht
Type	High Command
Role	Central military command
Garrison	Bendlerblock, Berlin
Garrison label	Headquarters
Notable commanders	Wilhelm Keitel, Alfred Jodl

German High Command. The German High Command, formally the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW), was the supreme military command body of Nazi Germany from 1938 until the end of World War II in Europe. Established by Adolf Hitler to centralize control over the Wehrmacht, it directly coordinated the Heer, the Kriegsmarine, and the Luftwaffe. Throughout the conflict, it served as the primary instrument for implementing Hitler's strategic directives, though it was often characterized by intense rivalries with the separate service high commands and subordination to the Nazi Party's political aims.

History and development

The OKW was created by a decree from Adolf Hitler on 4 February 1938, following the Blomberg–Fritsch Affair, which removed Werner von Blomberg and Werner von Fritsch from their leadership posts. This reorganization effectively dismantled the existing Reich Ministry of War and was intended to solidify Hitler's personal control over the armed forces. The formation of the OKW coincided with the Anschluss of Austria and preceded major aggressive actions like the Munich Agreement and the Invasion of Poland. Its creation marked a decisive shift from a traditional, professional military command structure to one directly subordinate to the Führer and the Nazi Party apparatus. Throughout the war, its authority expanded, especially after Hitler assumed the role of Commander-in-chief of the army in 1941 following setbacks during Operation Barbarossa.

Structure and organization

The OKW was structured into several operational departments, with the Wehrmachtführungsstab (WFSt, Armed Forces Operations Staff) as its core planning and command center. This staff was led by Alfred Jodl and was responsible for drafting strategic directives and daily situation reports for Hitler. Other key departments included the Abteilung Landesverteidigung (National Defense Department) and offices for intelligence, logistics, and prisoner of war affairs. While the OKW was nominally supreme, the separate service high commands—the Oberkommando des Heeres (OKH) for the army, Oberkommando der Marine (OKM) for the navy, and Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (OKL) for the air force—retained significant operational autonomy, leading to persistent bureaucratic friction. The headquarters were primarily located in the Bendlerblock in Berlin, with a forward command post, the Führer Headquarters, moving to various locations like the Wolf's Lair in East Prussia.

Role in World War II

The OKW played a central role in planning and executing major military campaigns across all theatres of war. It issued the foundational directives for operations such as the Battle of France, the Balkans Campaign, and the North African Campaign. Following the launch of Operation Barbarossa, the OKW was initially responsible for all fronts except the Eastern Front, which was managed by the OKH, though this division caused significant strategic complications. The OKW oversaw the Atlantic Wall defenses and the response to the Allied invasion of Normandy. It was also involved in coordinating with Axis powers allies like Italy and Imperial Japan, and its operations staff signed the final German Instrument of Surrender in Reims and Berlin.

Key personnel and leadership

The titular head of the OKW was Wilhelm Keitel, who held the title of Chief of the OKW, though he was often derided as a mere transmitter of Hitler's orders. The strategically more influential figure was Alfred Jodl, Chief of the Operations Staff, who worked closely with Hitler on daily strategic decisions. Other notable officers included Walter Warlimont, Jodl's deputy, and Rudolf Schmundt, Hitler's chief military adjutant. Key field commanders like Erwin Rommel and Heinz Guderian often interacted directly with the OKW on strategic matters, bypassing the OKH. Following the July 20 Plot, the influence of committed National Socialist officers like Heinrich Himmler and Hermann Göring within military decision-making increased further.

Relationship with political leadership

The OKW's relationship with the Nazi Party political leadership was defined by total subordination to Adolf Hitler, who viewed the traditional military aristocracy with suspicion. This dynamic was cemented by the Führer Oath and was exacerbated after the July 20 Plot, which led to a purge and the further politicization of the command structure. The OKW frequently clashed with the Schutzstaffel (SS) over resources and authority, particularly regarding the conduct of the war in the east and the management of Waffen-SS units. Furthermore, the competing influence of party figures like Martin Bormann, head of the Party Chancellery, and Albert Speer of the Armament Ministry often complicated strategic resource allocation and operational planning.

Dissolution and legacy

The OKW was effectively dissolved upon the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945. Its leading officers, including Wilhelm Keitel and Alfred Jodl, were arrested by the Allies and stood trial as major war criminals before the International Military Tribunal at the Nuremberg trials. Both were convicted for crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, and were subsequently executed. The structure and actions of the OKW became a primary case study in the dangers of militarism subordinated to a totalitarian ideology. Its history is extensively documented in captured German war documents and remains a critical subject for analysis of command dysfunction within the Third Reich.

Category:Military of Nazi Germany Category:World War II command structures Category:Military units and formations established in 1938 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1945