Werner von Blomberg



Werner Eduard Fritz von Blomberg (September 2, 1878 – March 14, 1946) was a German General Staff officer and the first Minister of War of Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime. After serving at the Western Front in World War I, he was appointed chief of the German Troop Office in the Weimar Republic. Following the Nazis' rise to power, he was named Minister of War and Commander-in-Chief of the German Armed Forces. In this capacity, Blomberg played a central role in Germany's military build-up during the years leading to World War II. However, on 20 January 1938, he was ultimately forced to resign after his rivals, Hermann Göring and Heinrich Himmler, presented Hitler with evidence that his wife had posed in the past for pornographic photos.

Quotes

 * Before 1938, the German generals were not opposed to Hitler because he produced the results they desired.
 * Quoted in "Facts on File Yearbook" - 1941 - Page 2


 * Keitel is nobody but the man who runs my office.
 * To Adolf Hitler. Quoted in "Underground Humour in Nazi Germany" - Page 69 - by Fritz Karl Michael Hillenbrand - 1995


 * He became a willing tool in Hitler's hands for every one of his decisions.
 * About Wilhelm Keitel. Quoted in "Justice at Nuremberg" - Page 281 - by Robert E. Conot - History - 1993


 * Having been informed of events by Vice-Chancellor von Papen, President Hindenburg summoned General Goering, in his capacity of Chief of Police, and myself to Neudeck. Our instructions are to consult with you on the measures to be taken to ensure internal peace. If a complete relaxation of tension does not immediately take place (and to this end we must avoid any ministerial crisis), martial law will be proclaimed.
 * Quoted in "Hitler and I" - Page 186 - by Otto Strasser, Gwenda David, Eric Mosbacher - Germany - 1940


 * We Germans will never forget what the Soviet Army has accomplished for Germany during the past 10 years. I hope that in spite of all present existing difficulties our thanks will be expressed in deed. I drink a toast to the well-being and the future of the great and glorious Soviet Army and of loyal comradeship in arms for today and in the future.
 * Quoted in "Germany plots with the Kremlin" - Page 49 - by Tete Harens Tetens - 1953


 * While soldiers were winning victories, so-called labor leaders were engaged in high treason.
 * Quoted in "A History of Militarism: Civilian and Military" - Page 430 - by Alfred Vagts - History - 1967