Operation Barbarossa

Causes
1. Hitler wanted to conquer soviet union to be repopulated by Aryan Germans (lebensraum)
2. To stop communism in Soviet territories
Preparations
1. Hitler moved 4.5 million soldiers to Soviet border
2. Stalin believed it to be unlikely that Hitler would attack as the two had agreed a pact two years previous
3. Hitler's deception plans included making it look like his main target was Britain
4. Stalin has 2.6 million soldier on Western front and 1.8 in far East
Invasion
1. Hitler attacked on 22/6/1941
2. Nazi's advantage by Winter time due to Soviet airforces being outdated and pilots being poorly trained
3. Soviets losing 6 tanks to 1 tank being lost to Nazi's 1 on average at the start
Middle Phase
1. Scorched Earth tactics - policy where Soviets burnt bridges, crops etc so Germans couldn't use them
2. Hitler uses Blitzkreig until arrival of harsh winter
3. Hitler underestimated Soviet numbers and were out of supplies after 4 weeks but chosen not to slow down operations
4. Russian nationalists encouraged to defend against German invasion
Hitler decided to attack Leningrad, Moscow and Kiev with 3m soldiers
1. For final attack on Leningrad by 4th Panzer army and Army group center, Hitler decided Leningrad should be starved into submission

Resource summary

	Created by 15Liam Power about 8 years ago