Chapter 3: Hitler at His Peak Summary and Analysis

In 1938, Guderian is promoted to Lt.-General, while von Fritsch, Defense Minister Blomberg, and General Lutz are ousted or demoted. Hitler takes the title of Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, and under him is his lackey General Keitel. Guderian takes over his old unit, the 2nd Panzer Division and is ordered to march into Austria. The march is unopposed, but there are difficulties, such as the need to get gas at Austrian gas stations along the way. In the city of Linz, Guderian stops for a luncheon; by evening, Hitler arrives at Linz. Guderian has meetings with the leaders of the old Austrian Army, which is incorporated into the German army. Hitler is deeply moved at returning to Linz, one of the scenes of his childhood. After the Incorporation of the...