L20 - Fall of Germany Flashcards
What were the dates of Operation Bagration?
22nd June - 19th August 1944
What did Hitler order in March 1944?
He ordered that no other defensive lines be built beyond the front line as retreat was forbidden. The Germans built fester platze (strongholds) in strategic towns but didn’t reinforce the whole front with mines.
Where were the first attacks of Operation Bagration and what were their purpose>
Southern front in Ukraine aimed at deceiving Germans into thinking that was the main focus.
Where was the main attack actually?
Through Belorussian corridor on Army Group Centre.
How did the Soviets attack and how did Hitler respond?
They used a ‘deep battle strategy’ where they punched deep holes into german lines before encircling. hitler’s refusal to retreat played into hands of soviet strategy and they were encircled.
What were the consequences on the German soldiers?
An estimated 350,000 - 670,000 German soldiers were killed, wounded or captured. This included 57,000 POWs who were marched through the streets.
What was the impact on Soviet soldiers?
750,000+ Soviet soldiers died or were wounded
Comparison of advances
The soviets were now closer to Berlin than the British, French and US troops who had invaded Normandy two weeks before Operation Bagration was launched.
What was the Battle of Bulge and when did it happen?
It happened in December of 1944 where Germany launched a counterattack on the western front in the hope a defeat would lead to the US seeking peace terms
Describe the advance on the US, British and French forces
It was going to be slow and cautious as Eisenhower wanted to minimize casualties and had already decided taking Berlin was not their aim
Outline the USSR timeline of events
-they captured land in east prussia (first german territory) with a quick advance of 24km per day
-ussr launched an offensive on berline h/w russians lost 30,000 men in three days trying to cross the oder river
-ussr was closer enough to begin shelling city
-hitler commited suicide in bunker and appointed admiral donitz as his successor
- german forces in berlin surrendered
-germany surrended unconditionally = the war is over
What did Hitler order in Sept of 1944 and what was it called?
Volksstrum. Conscription for all men 16-60y/o which led to 1000s of deaths of males not properly trained.
Impact of the war on german civilians
- up to 2 million german women were raped
- 2 million civilians were killed during the red army advance
- millions of germans had been displaced from homes
