Glossary Term: Subversion of the War Effort

Subversion of the War Effort (Wehrkraftzersetzung) was the term for a criminal offence in Nazi Germany that could be punished by death and was introduced on 26 August 1939, shortly before the start of the war. Offences included refusal of military service, self-mutilation, and a pessimistic and resigned attitude that undermined belief in a successful outcome of the war and encouraged surrender or capitulation.

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