April 26, 2018 Turn in: * Multi-Choice questions from yesterday’s presentations if didn’t already do so… Take out: * Who’s Who * French Resistance CR * Sp. 855-859 Agenda: * French Resistance * Operation Barbarossa Objectives: * Explore what happened when the Nazis had the chance to rule most of Europe. * Examine how & why the war unfolded in the manner it did, and what resulted in the various success and failure. Upcoming dates: 4/27: Keylor 175-181 Presentation: 1. Battle of the Baltics 4/30: Presentations: 1. Operation Citadel; 2. Italian Campaign 5/1: Keylor 181-185

Operation Barbarossa, Leningrad & Stalingrad

The Short Thesis Hitler forgot to pack a winter coat.

The longer thesis Hitler’s pride in capturing Stalingrad was the reason he would lose it. When the Russian armies surrounded the city, he refused to allow his commander to retreat and concede ground to the Soviets, leading to the surrender of Nazi forces inside the city. This broke the momentum of Operation Barbarossa and created a turning point in the war that allowed the Russians to break through and continue their advance to Berlin, which led to an eventual Nazi defeat.

Another, even longer thesis… Following multitudinous successful conquests in Central Europe, the Germans launched a massive invasion towards the Soviet Union employing their blitzkreig tactics. While initially successful, the invasion failed after Germany’s forces were spread too thin along the Russian frontier, causing their advance to be forcibly halted by a brutal winter. As Germany underestimated the Russians’ resources and ability to accept losses, they could not break through and capture Moscow, ending Operation Barbarossa after their surrender at Stalingrad. With the loss of nearly one million troops, Germany was unable to recover. Their loss at Stalingrad was a massive turning point in that it effectively halted their advance on the Eastern front, locking Germany into a two-front war which they could not win.

Operation Barbarossa Overview What:  Germany’s Invasion of the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941  Who:  Hitler, with Army Groups North, Center and South VS. Stalin’s Red army  When:  June 1941-January 1944 (roughly) Why: Hitler wanted  more land for the German’s to spread out, he also wanted to receive agriculture products from Ukraine, the allies would be further isolated, he would be able to mine valuable Russian oil.

Operation Barbarossa Overview How:  The German army would attack Leningrad first, while simultaneously invading and taking over oil fields south of Ukraine, and finally invading and capturing Moscow.  Turning Point: Battle of Stalingrad Final battle: Battle of Moscow: Germans unable to capture Moscow, but held much of Russian territory, until it was taken back later… but end won’t come until Siege of Leningrad ends 

The German Plan

Simple Timeline

The Siege of Leningrad The 900 day siege Began Sept. 8 1941, until Jan. 27, 1944 German forces encircled the city, cutting off communications and supplies, along with artillery and air bombardment.

Leningrad cont. City had no heat, water, or food. Russia only had “ice and water road” for supplies until January 1943 Siege ended January 27, 1944 when approaching Soviet forces caused a German retreat.

The Short Thesis Hitler forgot to pack a winter coat.

Leningrad Significance It was one of the most lethal and tragic events in history.  It was incredible how the city never surrendered after all they have suffered from the Germans.  Not only did they not surrender they also were able to remove it. Hitler was planning on destroying Russia so he wouldn’t have to fight a two front war with Britain.  But when Russia was able to push through and stop the Germans, Hitler had to alter his plans.

The Turning Point (it was Stalingrad)

Battle of Stalingrad Sept 1, 1942 - Feb 2, 1943 Cited as first major Nazi loss and one of the turning points in favor for the allies The battle for the city descended into one of the bloodiest battles in WWII Individual streets were fought over hand to hand combat

More Stalingrad Hitler attacked the city because it was a gateway to the oil rich Caucasus region Stalingrad was also a communication and manufacturing center The brutal fighting bled Germany’s resouces German forces were not allowed to surrender, but were eventually surrounded and defeated (then they recreated it… 26:50 to 28:25 in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swNHNEuBawU)

The Short Thesis Hitler forgot to pack a winter coat.

Significance of Stalingrad Major moral loss for Germany Large loss of equipment & manpower Didn’t allow them to fight back against the Russian advance that followed TURNING POINT!!!!! Enemy at the Gates (4:30 to 14:20)