Operation Barbarossa - LCVI with Mr. Goldring · Barbarossa - code name for Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. Began in June, 1941 At time, largest invasion in written history Not

Operation BarbarossaHitler’s an Idiot

Barbarossa - code name for Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union.

Began in June, 1941

At time, largest invasion in written history

Not to be confused with the war on the Eastern Front in its entirety.

Goal - quick conquest of the European part of the Soviet Union

Germany had 4 million soldiers on border

Hitler overruled his advisors and ordered an advance all along one big line instead of a concentrated single decisive blow

Went well at first for Germans. 2.5 million Russians killed, wounded or taken prisoner out of 4.5 million in the first three months

Despite Stalin having notice, he did nothing.

Russian defence not well organized.

Soviets had a lack of experienced military officers; Stalin had deleted them in purges of the late 30s.

15,000 tanks reduced to 700 tanks

German started siege of Moscow, but rain and mud slowed them down.

Fate of Moscow hung in the balance, but Soviet defense prevailed. By December, the Russians had won their first victory of the war.

At its conclusion in December 1941, the Soviets were able to repel the Wehrmacht (German army)

The failure of Operation Barbarossa is considered one one of the pivotal turning points in WWII.

Barbarossa opened up the eastern theatre (biggest theatre of the war)

Many of Hitler’s staff disagreed with the plan.

They didn’t want to open a second front

They wanted to drive straight for Moscow and Hitler wanted to spread the offensive to take the Ukraine.

22 June - 5 December

Germans underestimated Soviets

Difficulties in supplying German lines

Weather

Reasons it Failed

On December 7 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour. The U.S. joined the war, adding another foe for the Germans