Germany's Forgotten War Against the Nazis

The History of Germany: Kingdoms, War, and Rebuilding Europe — Fexingo History · Sep 25, 2026 · 8m · transcript

While the July 20 plot and Claus von Stauffenberg dominate narratives of German resistance, a quieter, more persistent network operated in the shadows. This episode explores the Abwehr, the military intelligence service led by Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, which actively sabotaged Hitler’s regime from within. We trace the evolution of this covert opposition from its early anti-Nazi roots to its dangerous entanglement with the SS under Reinhard Heydrich. The conversation highlights key figures like Hans Oster and Ludwig Beck, who used their positions to leak information to the Allies and delay…