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“When Operation Barbarossa begins, the world will hold its breath.” Hitler, 1941
Main Points:
Summary:
Beginning on 22 June 1941, over 3.9 million troops of the Axis powers invaded the USSR along a 2,900 km front, the largest invasion in the history of warfare. The ambitious operation, driven by Adolf Hitler´s persistent desire to conquer the Russian territories, marked the beginning of the pivotal phase in deciding the victors of the war. Nevertheless, Hitler´s plan fail with the hard winters debilitating the troops.
- Barbarossa “Red Beard” code name German attack on Russia June 1941.
- Operation Barbarossa was the largest military operation in human history in both manpower and casualties.
- Breaks non-aggression pact.
- Russian peasants began scorched earth policy (burning all crops and shelters).
- Cold winter weather halts Germans and with no food supplies the Germans looses strength in attack.
Summary:
Beginning on 22 June 1941, over 3.9 million troops of the Axis powers invaded the USSR along a 2,900 km front, the largest invasion in the history of warfare. The ambitious operation, driven by Adolf Hitler´s persistent desire to conquer the Russian territories, marked the beginning of the pivotal phase in deciding the victors of the war. Nevertheless, Hitler´s plan fail with the hard winters debilitating the troops.