Hitler Promoted 12 Field Marshals in One Day — What Happened to Them?

On 19 July 1940, Hitler promoted twelve commanders to field marshal in a single ceremony at Berlin’s Kroll Opera House. It was meant to celebrate Germany’s greatest military triumph. Within five years, one had been hanged by the Allies, another executed on Hitler’s orders, while the rest faced death, dismissal, imprisonment or trial. In this video, we follow the fates of Wilhelm Keitel, Erwin von Witzleben, Albert Kesselring, Gerd von Rundstedt and the other men elevated that day — and examine why Johannes Blaskowitz was notably left without a baton. Watch next: ▶️ Hugo Sperrle - The Nazi Field Marshal Who Escaped Justice at Nuremberg    • Hugo Sperrle - The Nazi Field Marshal Who ...   📖 I’m also writing a History Inside book about how Hitler’s generals were rehabilitated after 1945 and brought back into Western power during the Cold War. The opening chapter is available now for everyone who pre-orders: 👉 https://buy.stripe.com/6oU9AT3PLbdJ5c... 📖 Free WW2 reading list — my 30 essential books on the war and what came after: 👉https://history-inside-8s3dsc.subscri... ☕ Support History Inside: 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/HistoryInside Research & script by Jordy Faijdherbe Narration by Benjamin Pemberton Edit by: Ryan 📚 Primary sources I used: Richard J. Evans — The Third Reich at War — 2008 U.S. Military Tribunal Nuremberg — Judgment, USA v. Wilhelm von Leeb et al. (High Command Trial) — 1948 USHMM Holocaust Encyclopedia — Wilhelm Keitel — biography USHMM Holocaust Encyclopedia — Ardeatine Caves Massacre Richard Giziowski — The Enigma of General Blaskowitz — 1997 Samuel W. Mitcham — Hitler's Field Marshals and Their Battles — 1988 Chapters 00:00 Twelve Batons in a Single Day 03:01 The Two Field Marshals Who Were Hanged  04:20 The Marshals Who Died Before the War Ended 05:23 Destroyed by Hitler’s Own Suspicion 06:13 On Trial Before the Allies 08:11 The Two Who Never Faced a Court 09:15 One Missing? Questions about any specific claim in this video? Ask in the comments below 👇 ___________________________________________ The content presented in this video is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate historical information, some details may be subject to interpretation or debate. The views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily represent the opinion of History Inside. This channel does not condone or glorify violence, discrimination, or hate speech of any kind. We aim to respectfully explore and discuss historical events, their impacts, and their legacies. For any inaccuracies or feedback, please contact us directly. We encourage respectful discussions and further research on the topics covered. This description contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. #ww2 #worldwar2 #ww2history #historydocumentary