Rommel: The Desert Fox

Rommel: The Desert Fox

Author: History Hit August 4, 2023 Duration: 56:21

Known as the Desert Fox, Erwin Rommel was one of Germany's greatest military leaders. Having soared through the ranks after numerous victories during the First World War, he became an integral part of the Axis command, and he was one of the few who held Hitler's ear. But how did his experiences in WW1 shape the military commander he became, and what happened to him after WW2?


In this episode James welcomes Dr Martin Samuels to the podcast to take a deep dive into Rommel's life and career, and examine his legacy today. Looking at his role at El Alamein, his involvement in the plot to assassinate Hitler, and his ultimate exile - what can we learn about the Desert Fox, and how did his actions help shape the course of the World Wars?


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Hosted by war historian James Rogers, Warfare digs into the conflicts that have fundamentally constructed the world we live in now. This isn't just a chronological march through dates and places; it's about understanding the forces at play. Rogers, from History Hit, brings together a compelling roster of fellow historians, veterans, and specialists for conversations that go beyond the textbook. They examine everything from the tactical realities of the Normandy landings to the geopolitical tremors of the Cold War, connecting threads between Napoleonic battlefields and the shock of 9/11. What you'll hear in this podcast are the human and technological stories that decided outcomes: moments of improbable leadership, the sudden arrival of a game-changing weapon, and the single battles that irrevocably shifted eras. Released twice weekly, each episode is built to offer a fresh angle, pulling you into the complexities of strategy, sacrifice, and consequence. Tune in for a deeply researched, narrative-driven look at how the engine of conflict has driven, for better and worse, the trajectory of modern history.
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