Hitler’s Enemy Within: Wilhelm Canaris & The Black Orchestra

Wilhelm Canaris is an early, staunch supporter of Adolf Hitler. A decorated WWI hero, Canaris shares Hitler’s anti-communist and pro-military beliefs. He believes Hitler will make Germany great again. He becomes Chief of the Abwehr, or Nazi Military Intelligence in 1935, part of Hitler’s inner circle.

When Hitler invades Poland, the atrocities begin and Canaris is appalled. He makes a bold choice and becomes a leader of the resistance. He creates a network that stretches across several European cities, including Berne, Paris, Madrid, as well as Istanbul. The Gestapo will come to refer to this network as The Black Orchestra. Canaris works with the Vatican to facilitate sharing intelligence with the Allies. He rescues hundreds of Jews from the Netherlands. He plans and facilitates several assassination attempts on Hitler.