Experiences of German Women During World War II: Soviet Soldiers vs. Western Allies

World War II was a period marked by unprecedented suffering and violence, particularly in Eastern Europe. Among the most vulnerable were German women who, besides enduring the brunt of the conflict, faced horrific experiences at the hands of both Soviet and Western Allied troops. This article delves into the treatment of German women by these forces, focusing on the brutalities inflicted by Soviet soldiers and the relatively more humane behavior of Western Allies, with the understanding that their behavior was not without exception.

Brutality of Soviet Soldiers

The Soviet Invasion and Brutal Treatment

The Soviet invasion of Germany during World War II ushered in a period of unimaginable suffering for the local population, particularly women. Soviet soldiers, driven by the atrocities committed by the German Wehrmacht against their homeland, often exhibited extreme violence and brutality. The Soviets had a reputation for mass-rape and the sexual exploitation of German women and girls. Given the state of war and the chaotic conditions, it was nearly impossible to effectively restrain the soldiers, who were often in a state of rage and retribution.

‘Everything was fine for her until the end of the war. In February 1945, her dad was killed on the eastern front somewhere in Poland. Unfortunately, she lived in eastern Germany. Due to the notorious reputation of Soviet soldiers for raping German women and girls, she had to escape. She eventually made it to the U.S. lines, where she was safe for the most part.’ – My Mom’s family’s recollection of their Nana’s experience.

Western Allies: Relatively Humane Treatment

The differing Treatment by Western Allies

While Western Allies were not portrayed as the model of compassion in propaganda, they generally treated German civilians, including women, with a degree of decency. Military and diplomatic efforts were made to protect the civilian population as much as possible. Nevertheless, individual western soldiers occasionally committed acts of violence, particularly those who were visibly angry or unruly. Their actions were, however, somewhat less systematic and widespread than those of the Soviet forces.

German Troops: Orders and Deceased Organizations

The Cruel Policies of German Forces

German military forces, particularly the Wehrmacht, engaged in widespread atrocities against civilian populations and prisoners of war. The Wehrmacht issued numerous orders and decrees concerning the harsh treatment of civilians and POWs, including the Barbarossa Decree, the Commissar Order, and the Night and Fog Decree. The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht was almost declared a criminal organization by the Nuremberg Trials for its role in these violations.

Conclusion

It is crucial to acknowledge the significant differences in treatment by the Soviet and Western Allies during World War II. Soviet soldiers often exhibited horrifying and uncontrolled behavior, resulting in the brutalization of German women and civilians. On the other hand, while Western Allies were not always perfect, they generally treated German civilians more humanely, with the exception of a few unruly individuals.

Key Takeaways

Brutality of Soviet troops was widespread, leading to a significant impact on German women and civilians. Western Allies generally treated German civilians with more humanity, although there were exceptions. The experiences of German women during World War II demonstrate the complex and often devastating nature of the conflict in Eastern Europe.

References

This article draws from historical accounts and personal recollections, including the experiences shared by Nana, a German immigrant who immigrated to the U.S. after the war.