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Wilhelm Keitel Quotes

Powerful Wilhelm Keitel for Daily Growth

About Wilhelm Keitel

Wilhelm Keitel (1882-1946) was a German field marshal and chief of the military High Command of Nazi Germany during World War II. Born on September 25, 1882, in Sankt Augustin, Germany, he joined the Imperial German Army in 1900 and served with distinction throughout World War I. After the war, Keitel remained in the military, working his way up through various ranks. In 1938, he was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Wehrmacht by Adolf Hitler, a position he held until the end of the war. As Chief of the Armed Forces High Command (OKW), Keitel played a crucial role in the planning and execution of Nazi military strategy. During his tenure, Keitel was often criticized for his passivity and subservience to Hitler, earning him the nickname "Stabskeitel" or "pencil-Keitel." Despite this, he was promoted to field marshal in 1940, following the successful invasion of France. After the war, Keitel stood trial at Nuremberg for his role in the war crimes committed by the Nazi regime. He was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to death by hanging. He was executed on October 16, 1946. Keitel's life and career are marked by his unwavering loyalty to Hitler and his role in the planning and execution of some of the most devastating military campaigns of World War II. His legacy remains controversial, with many viewing him as a key architect of Nazi atrocities and others seeing him as a scapegoat for more powerful figures. Key Influences: Wilhelm Keitel was greatly influenced by the military traditions and ideologies of Imperial Germany and the Nazi Party. His loyalty to Adolf Hitler was absolute, which played a significant role in his career advancement within the Nazi regime. Major Works: As Chief of the Armed Forces High Command (OKW), Keitel played a crucial role in planning and executing the invasions of Poland, France, and the Soviet Union. He also oversaw the development of Operation Barbarossa, the code name for the invasion of the Soviet Union.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am a soldier. I carry out orders."

The quote by Wilhelm Keitel emphasizes his role as a military officer, suggesting he is bound by duty to follow commands given to him. It underscores obedience, loyalty, and adherence to hierarchical structures within the military. This quote can be interpreted as an expression of his responsibility to fulfill his duties without question or hesitation, regardless of personal feelings or opinions towards the order received.

"In war there can be no compromise."

The quote, "In war, there can be no compromise," by Wilhelm Keitel reflects a hardline perspective on conflict. It suggests that negotiations or concessions are not applicable during times of warfare, emphasizing the absolute nature of military confrontations. This stance implies an all-or-nothing approach, where victory is paramount and any form of give-and-take would be viewed as weakness or surrender. However, it's essential to note that this perspective can lead to profound disagreements about how conflicts should be resolved, with some advocating for diplomacy and compromise as a means to mitigate the devastation of warfare.

"War is a terrible thing but it must be brought to a swift end so that peace may come."

This quote emphasizes the devastating nature of war, yet underscores the importance of bringing conflicts to a speedy resolution for the sake of achieving lasting peace. It suggests that while war is undesirable, it must be ended promptly so that societies can return to a state of harmony and stability as soon as possible. This viewpoint highlights both the destructive impact of conflict on individuals and communities, and the urgent need for diplomacy and compromise in resolving disputes.

"The only good Bolshevik is a dead one." (This quote, while attributed to Keitel, has been disputed by some historians.)

The quote, although often attributed to Wilhelm Keitel, has been questioned by historians due to lack of definitive evidence. Regardless, the sentiment expressed - "The only good Bolshevik is a dead one" - signifies extreme intolerance, violence, and disregard for human life and opposing ideologies. It symbolizes the brutal mindset that justified indiscriminate killing during periods of political conflict or war.

"When the fighting stops, justice begins."

The quote by Wilhelm Keitel signifies that war or conflict should not be used as a means to settle disputes. Rather, once fighting ceases, it is time for fairness, equality, and rectification to take center stage - in other words, justice must prevail. This statement emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and addressing any injustices that may have occurred during the conflict, thereby promoting reconciliation and restoration in society.

If this war is not fought with the greatest brutality against the bands both in the East and in the Balkans then in the foreseeable future the strength at our disposal will not be sufficient to be able to master this plague.

- Wilhelm Keitel

Strength, Will, Balkans, Foreseeable Future

This war no longer has anything to do with knightly conduct or with the agreements of the Geneva Convention.

- Wilhelm Keitel

Conduct, Longer, Convention, Geneva Convention

Consideration of any kind are a crime against the German people and the soldier at the front.

- Wilhelm Keitel

Kind, German, German People, Consideration

If I had known it I would have told my son, I'd rather shoot you than let you join the SS. But I didn't know.

- Wilhelm Keitel

Rather, Had, SS, Shoot

The troops are therefore empowered and are in duty bound in this war to use without mitigation even against women and children any means that will lead to success.

- Wilhelm Keitel

Will, Use, Means, Troops

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