Hidden Armies of the Second World War: World War II Resistance Movements

A comprehensive and compelling history of the resistance movements that operated in every German-occupied nation between 1939 and 1941.

Even though much of Europe eventually succumbed to the Nazis during World War II, many Europeans defiantly resisted occupation in every way possible. This captivating book provides a survey of these resistance movements during the period of Axis occupation and recounts the ways in which unarmed citizens undermined Nazi efforts at domination. A thorough description of the Axis conquest of Europe, the formation of the Special Operations Executive in Britain, and the Office of Strategic Services in the United States provides a backdrop for this turbulent time in history.

Chapters cover the resistance organizations, their leaders, and other key individuals behind their operations. The book details the movement’s furtive tactics that included spreading information, providing the Allies with key intelligence, conducting industrial sabotage, destroying bridges and factories, and fighting behind the lines. Case studies of resistance operations in France, Norway, Holland, Denmark, Poland, Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union, the Balkans, Greece, Italy, and within Nazi Germany itself show the scope and breadth of the resistance movement throughout the world.

Provides descriptions of all the national movements in one volume

Features organizational overviews, personal studies of resistance figures, and descriptions of key resistance operations

Considers little-known, smaller resistance movements, primarily Jewish and Communist efforts

Reveals stories of resistance among Germany’s allies-Italy, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Finland

Covers the controversial issue of German occupation and resistance in France as well as how this story has been covered historically