Waffen-SS 1939-1945, A Ruthless Enemy: The Waffen-SS, Construction, Battle and Downfall

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The evolution of the Waffen-SS from an elite force to a mass army is explored, highlighting its growth to 38 divisions during WWII. Initially renowned for divisions like Hitler's bodyguard, the elite status diminished with increased foreign recruitment. As Hitler’s distrust of the Wehrmacht grew, he relied more on the Waffen-SS, especially after the 1944 assassination attempt. Key battles, including those in Budapest and Berlin, showcased their significant yet ultimately insufficient role. The narrative culminates in their downfall, marked by the motto "unsere Ehre heißt Treue."