The Battle of the Bulge Flashcards
When was the Battle of the Bulge?
December 1944 to January 1945
Why did Hitler launch this attack?
This was Hitler’s last attempt to defeat the Allies in the West. He wanted to split the Allied forces and prevent them from using the port of Antwerp in Belgium.
What problems were the Allied forces experiencing?
Supply problems. For example, it was taking 23 litres of fuel just to deliver 4.5 litres to the front.
What were Hitler’s hopes?
He hoped that if the Battle of the Bulge was successful for Germany, then Britain and America would push for a peace deal with Germany. He was optimistic that Germany would develop new weapons (jet planes and super tanks) that could then defeat Russia and Stalin.
What happened at the start of the battle?
The Germans achieved total suprise: the attack started on the 16th December 1944 when poor weather prevented Allied flights and was conducted in complete secrecy with almost total radio silence. Hundreds of tanks were moved to the front line without the Allies knowledge and the Germans made rapid advances into Belium and Luxembourg, creating a ‘bulge’ in the US lines.
What happened at Bastogne?
Savage fighting because US forces were surrounded. Eventually German forces ground to a halt.
Why did Germany lose the battle of the Bulge?
The Germans also suffered from supply problems and by end of January 1945, they withdrew to their defensive lines.
Why was the Battle of the Bulge such a heavy defeat for the Germans?
Because they had used up their last reserves and now found themselves being pushed back in both the West and the East - they could no longer hold back the Allies.
March 1945
The Allies crossed the River Rhine, en route to Berlin.
30 April
Hitler committed suicide in his underground bunker.
May 1945
Soviet troops captured Berlin.
Considering the advantages the Allies had in terms of men and supplies - why did it take so long for them to reach Germany?
It’s not completely clear why - perhaps, as the Allied troops got nearer to Berlin, they became less willing to risk their lives because they knew the war would soon be over?
