Did the Nazis Bring Any Benefits to Their Occupied Countries?

The question of whether the Nazi occupation provided any benefits to the countries they occupied during World War II is a contentious and complex one. While it is tempting to argue that the end of the war on May 8, 1945, was the best thing that happened, the second best might be to have the incarcerated leaders executed on October 16, 1946, in Nuremberg.

The Myth of Nazi Benefits

Despite the historical narrative that portrays the Nazi regime as a detrimental force, it is crucial to explore the potential benefits that might have indirectly emerged from their presence. However, when scrutinized closely, the benefits, if any, appear to have been few and far between.

Hindrances of Occupation

A soldier stationed in Germany during the 1970s commented that the only benefits to Germany were the autobahn and the Volkswagen, suggesting that the occupied countries didn't share in these advantages. This perspective is echoed in the broader context that the lasting impact of the Nazi regime on the occupied territories was overwhelmingly negative.

Linguistic Irony

The trains ran on time. That’s like saying that if you’re old and wracked with pain murdering you should be legal. It’s an ironic joke.

This critique highlights the absurdity of any positive evaluation of a regime that subjected millions to suffering and oppression. The idea that even the mere functionality of transportation systems could metaphorically absolve a regime of its crimes is deeply troubling and ironic.

Economic and Political Regress

Considering the economic and political realities of the time, the occupied countries did not experience significant improvements. They did not see improvements in their economies, nor did they gain more freedom. Their economic and political systems became more regulated and taxed, not less.

Temporary Gains at a Cost

For some individuals, there were short-term benefits. In countries like Norway, collaborators such as Vidkun Quisling profited from their associations with the Nazi regime, which placed them in positions of power. These individuals benefited from corrupt business practices and the support of the occupiers. However, these advantages were highly temporary and far outweighed by the long-term consequences of Nazi rule.

Permanent Impact of Nazi Occupation

Even the large structures that the Nazis left behind, like the autobahns and Volkswagen factories, should not be viewed as benefits. Instead, these structures are a lasting harm to the occupied territories. The Marshal Plan, on the other hand, helped to rebuild modern Europe, whereas American factories were allowed to rust amid the post-war reconstruction.

Lessons and Reflection

The lasting harm left by the Nazi occupation is a stark reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law. The occupied countries did not experience genuine benefits, but rather a period of chaos, oppression, and stagnation.

Conclusion

The benefits, if any, that the occupied countries garnered from the Nazi occupation are vastly outweighed by the lasting harm inflicted. The Nazi regime is best remembered for its horrific atrocities and the suffering it caused, making any narrative of benefits fleeting and irrelevant.