Why was assassination of political figures during WW2 more common (or at least more more attempted)?

Question

The Brits tried countless times to kill Rommel (and as usual failed).

The US did track down, and shoot down, and kill Yamamota.

So to say it was just considered wrong or would make no difference is BS.

Why did both sides refrain from trying to kill the top dogs of their opponents?

PS: Do NOT just say the opposing side leaders were incompetent or stupid or whatever other insult and wished to see them stay in power - if they were that bad or stupid they would NEVER have risen to power.

Hitler may have been an exception as his Parkinsons disease and his heart pbs may and probably did leave him less capable near the end and probably did effect his abilities.

Answer 1

Hitler did have an attempt made on his life.  Some of his advisers (I am not sure what rank) attempted to blow him up with a suitcase bomb.  The Heavy table saved him from the attempt.  Within hours they were executed (along with sever other suspects including a forced suicide of Rommel).  i think there is a statue in Germany honoring the few that tried to end the war early,  I am not sure if the allies had anything to do with this plot.

Answer 2

During war-time, certain acts such as assassination are considered much less criminal or not criminal, at all.  So, they are performed more often as they can be 'justified'.

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Answer 3

Because it was a war. If you kill a nation's leading general, like Field Marshal Rommel, You could have taken out an Amazing strategist and general and outdone the enemy.  

Answer 4

The Allies helped some disgruntled officers made a failed attempt to off Hilter in July, 1944.  It failed because Addy was shielded form the full force of the blast by heavy furniture.  

Why didn't they make more attempts? - tho they probably did - because the needed people who were willing to take over the government of n**i Germany and end the war.  If not, a more competent military leader then Hitler may have taken over the country (or at least the armed forces), and put up a stronger defense against the Allies.

Answer 5

How about we sum this up?

Political violence is a way to affect political change, when all other avenues for change has been cut off.  Therefore, political violence happens most in authoritarian countries.

n**i Germany was just such an authoritarian country - so were the others in times of war, as political debate and free speech (Are the Dixie chicks gonna play your town again?) would be cut off.  This alone would mean there would be a greater tendency  towards political violence.

During wartime, the issues are especially acute - the stakes are very high - therefore, people would tend towards the most extreme measures possible; especially assasination.

(NB - Countries willing to assasinate the other's leader's is nothing new.  During the time of the Spanish Armada - 1588 - Eliz I had a bounty on Philip II's head; just as Philip of Spain had a contract out on her.)