Was There a General in WWII Who Opposed the War?

Was There a General in WWII Who Opposed the War? Yes, there were generals during World War II who opposed certain aspects of the war or were critical of specific decisions, though it’s rare for a high-ranking military officer to openly oppose the war itself once their country was committed. Here are a few examples of generals who had notable dissenting views or expressed opposition to various aspects of the conflict:

General Dwight D. Eisenhower (USA)

While Eisenhower didn’t oppose the war, he expressed strong concerns about the devastation caused by it. Post-war, his famous farewell address warned against the military-industrial complex, reflecting his apprehensions about the perpetual nature of armed conflicts.

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel (Germany)

Rommel, one of Germany’s most celebrated generals, was critical of Adolf Hitler’s strategies and war aims, particularly as the war dragged on. He became disillusioned with Hitler’s leadership and was implicated in the July 20, 1944, plot to assassinate Hitler. Although he didn’t actively oppose the war at the outset, his later actions reflected his opposition to the Nazi regime’s direction.

General Hans Speidel (Germany)

Speidel served under Rommel and was also part of the German Resistance. He opposed Hitler’s policies and was arrested following the failed July 20 plot. He later contributed to NATO’s post-war rebuilding efforts.

General Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord (Germany)

Known for his staunch opposition to Hitler and the Nazi regime, Hammerstein-Equord was vocal in his dissent. Although he retired before the war began, his resistance to Hitler’s plans made him a prominent example of military opposition within Germany.

Major General Smedley Butler (USA)

Though Butler’s active service ended before WWII, he was a prominent critic of war profiteering and militarism, famously declaring, “War is a racket.” His views influenced pacifist and isolationist sentiments in the United States before the war.

General Charles de Gaulle (France)

De Gaulle’s opposition wasn’t to WWII itself but to the Vichy government, which collaborated with Nazi Germany. He led the Free French Forces from exile and became a symbol of French resistance.

While it was rare for generals actively serving during the war to outright oppose their nation’s involvement, the examples above highlight varying degrees of dissent or opposition to specific aspects of the conflict.