Why Was This Belgian Politician So Weirdly Devoted To Adolf Hitler?

Léon Degrelle was originally a charismatic Catholic journalist and political reformer, he founded the Rexist movement, which gained significant traction by appealing to discontent in 1930s Belgium. However, Degrelle's relentless pursuit of power led him to abandon his initial ideals, steering Rexism towards outright fascism and an unholy alliance with Nazi Germany. Degrelle's commitment deepened significantly when he volunteered for combat on the Eastern Front, becoming a highly decorated SS officer and a poster child for foreign collaboration, ultimately betraying his homeland. His post-war life, marked by unrepentant Holocaust denial, cemented his legacy as one of Belgium's most infamous traitors, whose actions continue to provoke debate and pain. Welcome to The World History Channel. With new uploads every week, we break down the biggest stories that have shaped human history. From the dawn of ancient civilisations up to the modern age, these are the stories from our past that matter the most. Discover the past on History Hit, with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly and presented by world-renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Matt Lewis and more. https://bit.ly/45CPh5u