1943.02.20 "If He Gets Out a New Edition" by Paul R Carmack

1943.02.20 “If He Gets Out a New Edition”
by Paul R Carmack (1895-1977)
11 x 15 in., crayon and ink on board
Coppola Collection

Paul Carmack was a staff cartoonist for the Christian Science Monitor.

In February 1943, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime were reeling from the catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Stalingrad, which had concluded on February 2, 1943. Even when an avenue was open for a breakout, Hitler ordered the army to hold its ground, sacrificing soldiers and resources that could have been used elsewhere.

The Battle of Stalingrad was the first major defeat publicly acknowledged by Hitler, and it significantly impacted morale and trust in his leadership, particularly amongst his allies and potentially within the German public. 

Frustrated by setbacks, Hitler became increasingly involved in day-to-day military decisions, sidelining experienced generals and replacing them with those more aligned with his views. He often ignored the counsel of his generals, relying instead on his own intuition and underestimating the strength of his enemies.