Operation Barbarossa
Notes:
- Initial Attack on Russia (Breaking Non-Aggression Pact)
- June 22, 1941 – Led by Von Paulos
- Stalin was warned, did nothing – caught off guard
- First attacks masterful. Soviets pushed back
- Captured Leningrad/Keiv, 50 miles from Moscow
- Russians retreat to Moscow, scorched earth policy
- Russian Winter hits. Coldest in 50 years
- German Machines all freeze. Germans not ready for winter
- Thousands died to cold
- Attack on Moscow failed (50miles)
- Siberian soldiers and weather primary reason
Summary: Germany broke the Non-Aggression Pact and attacked Russia on June 22, 1941. Russia is successful at defending their country with the help of the cold winter and the scorched earth policy.
Subjective question: What would the result be if Germany was able to attack in the spring?
Quote: “When Operation Barbarossa begins, the world will hold its breath.” Hitler
Picture:
Cartoon
Video clip: