1. Hitler’s Decision The question of Bukovina. Hitler orders to evaluate the consequences of Soviet’s expansion to Bukovina. The result of evaluation: Soviets occupied Bukovina to become closer to the Ploesti oil fields and reach them in one day in case of need. Hitler orders to prepare plan to attack the Soviet Union. December 18, 1940 – the original plan of attack on the USSR was adopted and given name “Barbarossa” – in honour of Friedrich I Barbarossa – the Emperor of Holy Roman Empire (1155-1190)

2. German and Soviet Plans Three main directions of “Barbarossa” – Moscow, Leningrad, Kiev. The Soviet preparations. The Soviet military games and their results. Stalin’s speech in military academy – May 5 1941. Operation “Thunder” – May 15, 1941. The last preparations in military planning.

3. Churchill’s Soviet Policy Churchill’s letter to Stalin – June 25, 1940 – asking alliance. Stalin did not answer. Change of ambassador in Moscow. Churchill’s notification to Stalin about Hitler’s intentions – April 1941. Stalin is silent again. Churchill’s policy in the last days before the German attack.

4. The Last days before the War “The case of Rudolf Hess”. Churchill’s silence about this matter. Some signs of tension between Germany and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Declaration that everything is fine between the USSR and Germany – June 14, 1941. German Ministry of Propaganda says nothing. Germans spread rumours about the possible invasion to Britain.

5. Intelligence Issues German intelligence failure. Soviet intelligence gives the correct date of invasion. Stalin did not believe them. Stalin’s reasons for not believing the intelligence reports: 1. German disinformation; 2. No signs of changes in German oil structure; 3. No signs of price changes on sheepskin; 4. The Soviet technical superiority over Germany; 5. The Soviet superiority in armed forces.

6. Disposition of Forces of Forces and Last Preparations German disposition – good for attack only. The Soviet disposition – good for attack only. Germany cuts the barbed wires on the border. The Soviets cut the barbed wires on the border. Mines cleared on the German side. Mines cleared on the Soviet side. Total amount of troops for each side.

7. German Surprise Attack The surprise attack – dawn of June 22, 1941. Why Germany did not declare war before the beginning of attack? The Stalin’s reaction on news. No defensive plans in the Soviet Staff. Soviets try to seize initiative: Stalin’s order to attack German positions. Impossibility to fulfil this order. World’s reaction on the beginning of the Soviet-German war.