Judith Rommel Character Traits

Erwin Rommel was a German field marshal during the Second World War. Despite at one point being a close friend of Hitler’s, Rommel escaped being associated with Nazism. He is the only eminent World War II-era general still celebrated in Germany and other places today, though there are detractors who believe he was anti-Semitic and want to remove his statues. However, Nazi or victim of tyranny, there is no doubt that Rommel was a looming figure in World War II. Erwin Rommel was born on November 15, 1891, in Heidenheim, Germany to a school teacher and daughter of a senior official. His older sister and favorite sibling, Helene Rommel, remembered him as gentle and unassuming in his youth, a far cry from his World War II reputation as a bold

He could make snappy decisions under pressure and when the battle situation was either rapidly changing or uncertain. Even better, Rommel quickly acted on his decisions, and he acted with precision and aggression. He had an open mind and adopted the Blitzkrieg strategy for his campaigns in Africa, and he was able to creatively use the Panzer forces as well. Another trait of Rommel’s was his sometimes blatant refusal to follow orders. Sometimes, Rommel would discard direct orders from the Führer himself. Furthermore, Rommel believed he was right in doing so. In a letter he wrote to his wife during his unexpected first thrust into Cyrenaica, he said, “We’ve been attacking with dazzling success. There’ll be consternation amongst our masters in Tripoli and Rome, perhaps in Berlin too. I took the risk against all orders and instructions because the opportunity seemed favorable. No doubt it will all be pronounced good later … The British are falling over each other to get away” (WW2Today.com). Erwin Rommel was charismatic as well. His men rallied around the energy and courage he exuded, which was exactly what they wanted in a leader, and his charming nature caused them to like him as simply a person too. Nazi propaganda at home in Nazi Germany boosted him up as a popular figure and a legendary hero. He became known as “the People’s Marshal”. Rommel was popular with the Allies as well, reportedly being complimented by Churchill and Patton alike, and he was quick to return the favor. His early victories in Africa were not his first success in the Second World War,