ABSTRACT
Resistance is a singularly tricky word to define since it is difficult to decide when mere grumbling and refusal to toe the line becomes active resistance. Did refusal to give the Nazi salute and saying ‘Good morning’ rather than ‘Heil Hitler’ constitute resistance? Were those who refused to join the party or who helped Jews and other victims of the regime active resisters? Was the expression of uncertainty about the outcome of the war a deliberate attempt to undermine the morale of the fighting forces or a realistic assessment of a critical situation? The obvious forms of resistance such as handing out leaflets, sabotage, passing on information to the enemy, or attempted assassination lack any such ambiguity.
