answersLogoWhite

0

German General Erwin Rommel was forced to commit suicide by cyanide pill on Oct 14, 1944. He was given the choice of killing himself or face court martial and execution; the second option would have meant reprisals against his family. This was on Hitler's orders in the aftermath of the bombing attempt on Hitler's life a few days earlier. Rommel had been wounded on July 17 when aircraft had strafed his car and it was announced after his death that Rommel had died from his wounds. In this way Hitler could rid himself of Rommel ( Rommel believed the war was lost and an armistice should be negotiated) without being seen to be executing a very popular general and German hero.

Rommel was targeted by Hitler for death by suicide because he knew about the plot to assassinate Adolph Hitler. He never approved of it, but was advised that an attempt was to be made on Hitler's life. Rommel's crime was his silence on the matter. He was given a heroes funeral in Berlin by Hitler.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

What else can I help you with?