ABSTRACT
Throughout his service as the senior staff of ficer of the German Army, Zeitzler frequently clashed with Hitler, who asserted increasingly greater control over military operations. Much of Zeitzler’s efforts, especially during the Stalingrad (q.v.) campaign, focused on diverting Hitler from intervening in military decisions. Zeitzler’s efforts often succeeded, but he failed to gain the degree of autonomy the German generals desired, espe cially the authority to conduct strategic withdraw als. When his disagreements with Hitler erupted into violent arguments, Zeitzler would attempt to quit his post, but Hitler refused to accept his res ignation. Finally, following the bomb plot of 20 July 1944, Zeitzler went on sick leave and was re placed by General Heinz Guderian (q.v.) as chief of staff.
