Operation Barbarossa Flashcards
What was the plan of Operation Barbarossa? Why was NAZI Germany unsuccessful?
What was Operation Barbarossa?
The largest military invasion in history, launched by Hitler on June 22, 1941, against the soviet union, breaking the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
What was the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?
A non-aggression agreement signed between Hitler and Stalin in 1939.
Why did Hitler launch Operation Barbarossa?
To conquer the Soviet Union, gain land (Lebensraum), eliminate communism and Slavic people, and seize vital Soviet resources like oil and grain.
How many troops and aircraft did Germany use in Operation Barbarossa?
3 million Axis troops and 4,000 aircraft.
What were the three main attack groups in Operation Barbarossa?
One headed north to Leningrad.
One aimed for Moscow in the middle.
One moved south toward Ukraine’s oil fields and the Caucasus.
What was Germany’s initial plan for Operation Barbarossa?
To defeat the Soviet Union within a few months.
How did Germany gain territory quickly in Operation Barbarossa?
By using blitzkrieg tactics, capturing millions of Soviet soldiers and territory.
How did the Soviet Union respond to the German invasion?
By mobilizing resources, enacting a scorched earth policy to destroy infrastructure, and using its vast population.
What challenges did German troops face in the Soviet Union?
They were unprepared for the harsh winter conditions.
What happened in December 1941 during Operation Barbarossa?
Germany failed to capture Moscow, and the Soviet Union launched a massive counterattack, pushing German forces back.
What was the impact of the failure of Operation Barbarossa?
It created a costly chain reaction, leading to prolonged conflict on the Eastern Front that ultimately contributed to Germany’s defeat.
What were the casualty numbers for Operation Barbarossa?
1 million German casualties and 4.5 million Soviet casualties.
