German Atrocities from German Evidence

"German Atrocities from German Evidence" by Joseph Bédier is a historical record from World War I that investigates the German army's behavior using only German military documents. The book reveals the difference between the expected rules of war and the harsh experiences described by soldiers themselves. Bédier presents disturbing pieces from German soldiers' diaries, which describe cruel acts against regular people in occupied areas like Belgium and France. These writings include stories of group killings, looting, and the deliberate hurting of women and children. Bédier points out that these crimes seemed part of a pattern, showing violence was accepted and possibly encouraged within the German army. By using only German sources, the book aims to offer solid proof that questions the morals of the German military during the war and highlights deeper issues about war and what it means to be human.