The cause and course of WW2 in Russia Flashcards
How did Hitler’s ideology play a role in causing Germany to invade the Soviet Union
- Hitler made no secret of his loathing of Bolshevism and considers it to be an ideology that had to be destroyed
- In Mein Kampf described Bolshevism as and infamous crime against humanity’ and he later claimed ‘Bolshevism is the doctrine of the people who are the lowest in the scale of civilisation’
- By 1940 Hitler showed his increasing impatience when he said ‘Russia’s destruction must be made part of the struggle …The sooner Russia is crushed the better’
How did the lack of trust between Hitler and Stalin play a role in causing Germany to invade the Soviet Union
Hitler had no long-term belief in Stalin’s good faith. He believed that ‘since there was to be a war, it was essential that Germany struck first
How did the Nazi idea of Lebensraum (living space) play a role in causing Germany to invade the Soviet Union
Invasion of the Soviet Union would provide the territorial expansion needed to gain the much need Lebensraum- adequate living space for the increasing German population. Hitler stated that ‘if new territory is to be acquired, it must be mainly at Russia’s cost’
Hitler’s aggressive Nationalism is shown by his desire to annex White Russia and the Ukraine.
How did Hitler’s desire for Autarky (self-sufficiency) play a role in causing Germany to invade the Soviet Union
- Regions of western Russia would provide many of the raw materials needed for Germany to achieve autarky or self- sufficiency
- The grain-growing Ukraine would feed Germans and was described by Hitler as ‘Germany’s bread basket’
- The oil of the Caucasus would be essential to German armed forces in any future war.
How did Hitler’s racial ideology play a role in causing Germany to invade the Soviet Union
- The invasion was a part of Hitler’s campaign vs the Jews
- He regarded Marxism as being a part of a Judaish plot to achieve the world domination.
- In a 1937 speech he claimed that ‘the Jews had established a brutal dictatorship over the Russian people’.
- Earlier, he has emphasised the need to oppose Marxism and the Jews and warned- ‘Either they will pass over our bodies or we over theirs’
How did the Hitler’s desire for total victory in WW2 play a role in causing Germany to invade the Soviet Union
Hitler calculated that the invasion of the Soviet Union would ultimately bring about the collapse of Britain. In 1939 he stated that ‘Britain’s hope lies in Russia… If Russia drops out if the picture, all is lost for Britain’
What happened on the morning of 22 June 1941
More than 3 million German troops backed by Panzer units consisting of some 3350 tanks and massed formations of aircraft of the Luftwaffe began the invasion of the Soviet Union.
How was the offensive of Operation Barbarossa described
A massive blitzkrieg (lighting war) offensive
What’s code name did Hitler give to the plans for the invasion of the Soviet Union
Operation Barbarossa
Why was Hitler overly confident approaching his invasion of the Soviet Union
The ease with which his army had won victories in the West and the poor performances of Russians against the Finns led Hitler to be confident of a quick and easy victory
How far were the Germans able to advance in their invasion
The Germans advanced along a 2300km front which stretched from the Baltic Sea in the North to the Black Sea in the South
What happened on 26 June and 27 June 1941
On 26 June, Finland declared war on the Soviet Union and the following day, Hungary followed.
What happened in July 1941 between Britain and the Soviet Union
July 1941 saw an agreement being signed between Britain and the Soviet Union. The 2 agreed on mutual aid and both countries agreed not to make a separate peace with Germany.
What is the name of the 3 Army Groups of the Germans and why was this important
Army Group North
Army Group Centre
Army Group North
Each was to be part of a three-pronged drive deep into the Soviet Union.
Which countries had men included in the German land forces in 1941
The German land forces included Romanians, Hungarians and Italians.
What was the role of Army Group North
Army Group North was to advance from East Prussia north-eastward through the Baltic States towards Leningrad
What was the role of Army Group South
Army Groups South was to advance through the Ukraine, crops the River Dnieper and then move towards Kharkov.
What was the role of Army Group Centre
Army Group Centre was to advance due East to take Minsk and Smolensk before moving towards Moscow.
What was the situation after the first 3 weeks of Operation Barbarossa
At the end of the first 3 weeks, Army Group Centre alone had taken over 300,000 Russian prisoners, 2500 tanks and masses of vehicles and military equipment.
How had the war progressed by early August 1941
By early August 1941 all former Polish territory occupied by the Russians had been taken, Leningrad was encircled and the people began the horrors of a 900 day siege, Minsk and Smolensk were in German hands, the River Dnieper crossed, and Odessa was besieged by the Romanians.
How had the war developed by the end of September 1941.
By the end of September 1941, Hitler had launched Operation Typhoon, an all out offensive to capture Moscow. Although units of the German army entered the suburbs of the city, they were driven back by ferocious Russian counter-attacks and forced to retreat.
During this time the Soviet gov moved from Moscow to the safety of Kuybyshev in the Easy but Stalin chose to stay in the capital city.
What’s has changed with regard to the Soviet gov’s location by Spet 1941 as a result of WW2
During this time the Soviet gov moved from Moscow to the safety of Kuybyshev in the East
How did Russians INITIALLY react to the German troops as they advanced through the Baltic’s states and the Ukraine
Many greeted the German invaders as liberators from the oppressive rule of Stalin. Thousands volunteered to collaborate with the Germans
What’s was the situation go the war by the end of 1941 and what did this show Hitler
By the end of 1941, Russia still held Moscow and Leningrad, making it clear that Hitler’s plan to win an outright victory by the end of 1941 had failed.
Before the end of the year, the war lapses into a stalemate, which was more of an advantage to the Russians than the Germans.
What’s caused the German advance to slow
The onset of winter
What’s happened on December 7 and how did this effect the war
On 7 December, the Japanese attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbour and, without hesitation, Hitler declared war on the US. It was a decision that was to greatly influence the outcome of the war.
How did Hitler’s the timing of Hitler’s invasion lead to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
Hitler decided to embark on the invasion of the Soviet Union before he had defeated Britain, meaning he was committed to fighting on 2 fronts, placing strain on men and resources.
How did the Germany army’s fighting on other fronts lead to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
The German Army has already been weakened by the need to divert units to other fronts- the Balkans and North Africa.
How did the 5-week postponement of the invasion of the Soviet Union lead to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
The 5-week postponement of the invasion meant that the German army had less time to achieve its objectives before the Russian winter set in
How did Hitler’s attitude contribute to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
Hitler was over confident and therefore paid too little regard to the need to gather military intelligence about the deployment of the Red Army, which would have greatly strengthened his invasion. The info that he did recieve, he chose to ignore.
How did the Russian soldiers attitudes contribute to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
The Russian soldier’s fought with unexpected ferocity and their bravery and tenacity surprised the German Army
How did the discipline of the Red Army contribute to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
Russian army was strengthened by its discipline. Discipline was strictly enforced and behind the line there were units of NVKD ready to deal with deserters and those whose moral was flagging.
How did German’s supplies contribute to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
German armies faced shortages of food and munitions as they advanced further into the Soviet Union, due to lengthening supply lines.
How did the Russian railway lines contribute to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
The gauge of Russian railway lines was different to that of Germany and this meant that German rolling sticks could not be used to bring supplies to the front.
How did Stalin’s ‘scorched earth policy’ contribute to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
Stalin ordered the destroying of everything that might help the Germans to survive.
Stalin ordered the Russians ‘do not leave a single house, a single animal or a single grain of food’.
How did German moral contribute to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
German moral was affected by rumours of the harsh treatment awaiting them if they were to be taken prisoner by the Russians (who had formed groups called ‘partisans’ to attack invaders from the rear and often imprison them).
How did the Russian climate/weather contribute to the failure of Operation Barbarossa
Russians were more used to and better able to cope with the severity of the weather.
Germans were faced with:
Summer-scorching heat of Ukraine
Winter- sub-zero temperatures in which transport and weapons became useless and me were liable to suffer frostbite and even freeze to death
Spring- Heavy rain, clogged machinery and making already poor Russian roads impossible to use.
When did the Siege of Leningrad begin and for how long was the city under siege
Began 8 September 1941 and lasted until the 27 Jan 1944.
Under siege for 872 days
How many Leningraders and Red Amry soldiers worked together and what was their aim
3 million Leningraders worked together with 200,000 Red Army Soldiers and were determined to hold on to their city
What was Leningrad considered to be by its people
‘The birthplace of the Revolution’
How did the people of Leningrad defend it in the early stages of the battle
All able-bodied men, women and children dug anti-tank ditches and reinforced the city’s defences.
How did the Leingraders deal with the German siege
During the siege the Leningraders withstood continuous German shelling and bombing, despite not having heating, a water supply and have little electricity or food
How did supplies reach Leningrad during the siege
In summer limited supplies reached the city by barge and the only means of contact with the outside world was across the Lake Ladoga. In winter the Doroga Zhizini (‘The Road of Life’) across the frozen lake was used.
What were the living conditions for the Leningraders during the Siege of Leningrad
Faced with starvation-level rations (a mere 125g of bread per day), exposed to sub-zero temperatures, disease and enemy action which all took its toll on the Leiningraders, however the city’s factories still managed to produce munitions.
How many Leningraders died in the Siege of Leningrad in Jan and Feb 1942
Some 200,000 Leningraders died of cold and starvation.
How many Leningraders died in the Siege of Leningrad by Jan 1544
By end of siege around 800,000 had died and been buried in mass graves.
What happened to Leningrad after WW2
After the war, the city was awarded the Order of Lenin and had the title Hero City of the Soviet Union bestowed on it.
When did a Russian offensive take place and what was it’s outcome and how did Germany react
In Spring 1942 an early Russian offensive was unsuccessful. A German counter-attack led to the encirclement and annihilation of a Soviet army. The disgraced commander, General Efremov, took his own life.
Outline the aims and outcome of the 1942 German Summer offensive
Began late in June 1942. Aimed to make up for failure of previous year, to take the city of Stalingrad on the River Volga and pass around the Sea of Azov and then advance South to the airfield of the Caucasus.
Outcome: Germans made impressive gains and advanced deep into the northern Caucasus.
What was the impact of the German Summer Offensive of the Russian and how did this compare to the impact on the Germans. (Key figures as evidence)
During the offensive:
Red Army suffered over 4 million dead, wounded or imprisoned.
German losses were a modest 1,150,000
When did the Battle of Stalingrad begin
19 November 1942
Describe the German Battle plan for the Battle of Stalingrad (1942)
Hitler ordered an army of 330,000 under General Freidrich Paulus, in June 1942, to divert to take Stalingrad. German leader’s intention was to capture the city, cross the river Volga and then sweep south towards the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea.
Where is Stalingrad and what type of city was it
An industrial city on the banks of the River Volga
What were the main events of the Battle of Stalingrad (1942)
Only up to Nov 1942
- By end of August German troops had reached the Rover Volga and begun fighting their way into the city
- Red Army, under Zhukov contested every street and every house. However, Germans succeeded in taking 80% of the city and seemed there was a chance that the Red Army might be pushed to the Volga.
- At this critical moment Zhukov devised ‘Operation Uranus’ which was successful and caused the enemy lines to collapse, allowing him to use a pincer movement from north and south to encircle Von Paulus’s army of 330,000 men.
Describe the fighting that took places during the Battle of Stalingrad
A battle that witnessed some of the fiercest hand-to-hand fighting of the war
What was Zhukov’s ‘Operation Uranus’ and was it successful
At a moment of crisis in the Battle of Stalingrad, Zhukov realised that the German Army formed the spearhead of the advance and that their extremities were protected by less fanatical troops drawn from Italy, Romania and Hungary. He secretly assembled a large army to attack what he considered to be the weaker flanks. The operation was successful and caused the enemy lines to collapse, allowing him to use a pincer movement from north and south to encircle Von Paulus’s army of 330,000 men.
Describe the events of the Battle of Stalingrad between Dec 1942- Jan 1943
Germans fought valiantly to hold their grounds. Paulus asked for permission to fight his way out but Hitler ordered the German armies to stay and fight to the bitter-end- to the death. No rescue attempts are with food supplies and munitions running low, Paulus had no choice but to surrender
What was the outcome of the Battle of Stalingrad for Germany
The Germans lost 147,000 men during the battle, with a further 91,000 taken prisoner
How is the Battle of Stalingrad often described
Often described as a major turning point in the war, as Zhukov’s victory coincided with a British victory over the Germans at El Alamein in North Africa, proving that the Germans were not invincible and thus giving a new confidence to the allies. Also marked the beginning of a slow advance on the Eastern front that would finally expel the German invaders from the Soviet Union
How did the Germans prepare for the Battle of Kursk
In preparation for the battle, the Germans massed 900,000 men and 3000 tanks (many of them the formidable Tiger tanks). The offensive was also supported by 1800 aircraft of the Luftwaffe.
How did the Russia’s prepare for the Battle of Kursk
The Russians used the NIVD to gain intelligence on the German plans and preparation and decided that it was best to let the enemy attack first. The Red Army, under Marshal Rokossovsky, concentrated on building defensive positions. Over 400,000 mines were laid in front of the Russian positions which were 170km in depth.
What happened on the 5 July in the Battle of Kursk
On 5 July Germany launched a massive tank-led offensive and, despite suffering heavy losses, forced the Russians to retreat 30 km.
What happened on the 11 July in the Battle of Kursk
On 11 July a Russian counter-attack (to German tank offensive) occurred and destroyed 40% of the remaining German tanks. Within 3 days the German offensive had been brought to a standstill.
What’s was the impact of the Battle of Kursk on the Germans
The Germans lost 2900 tanks and 70,000 German men were killed
What is the Battle of Kursk often regarded as
‘The greatest tank battle in history’
What’s was the impact of the Battle of Kursk on the Russians
After bringing the German offensive to a standstill by 14 July 1543, the initiative from that point on the Eastern Front was firmly passed to the Russians.
How did the Soviet army progress after the Battle of Kursk and what gains did Russia make
After the battle the Soviet army continued to advance steadily. Kharkov was taken and by the end of August, they had reached the River Dnieper and cut off. The German forces trapped in the Crimea.
When did the Red Army entre Austria and when did they capture Vienna
Late March 1945
Captured Vienna on 13 April 1945
In which year did Soviet forces capture the Black Sea port of Odessa
1944
What occurred in the summer of 1944
Major Russian offensive along the whole front
How did the allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day help the Russian army
1944 invasion of Normandy opened a long awaited ‘second front’ vs Germany and Allied troops were also fighting their way through Italy (possible 3rd front to attack from)
Causes need to divert troops and puts more pressure and strain on German army.
What happened early in July 1944
Russians captured Minsk
What had happened in the war by the middle of July 1944
Russian forces were again in Poland and advanced to the banks of the River Vistula.
How did the Polish react to the Germans being in Warsaw. What’s were they able to achieve and how did the Red Army react
In anticipation of liberation, Polish resistance in Warsaw grew in 1944 and they briefly took over sections of the city. The Red Army didn’t move and watched as the Germans put down the revolt. Later claimed that Stalin declined to help the Warsaw uprising as a means of allowing the Germans to eliminate Poles that may have been a problem in the post-war period.
What excuse can be given as the reason that Stalin chose not to help the Warsaw uprising of 1944
The Warsaw uprising had occurred without first consulting the Russians and the speed of their advance, over 700km in 5 weeks, had exhausted the Red Army.
How long did Soviet Forces remain on the River Vistula beginning in 1944
6 months
Who surrendered in September 1944 and how did this effect the Russians.
Finland surrendered in Sept 1944
Russian troops were therefore able to sweep through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
What did the Red Army do in August 1944
Units of Red Army entered Romania and Bulgaria in Aug 1944
What did the Red Army do in October 1944
Red Army crossed into Yugoslavia and, with the aid of partisans led by Marshal Tito, liberated the country.
What were the Russians preparing for at the beginning of 1945
Start of 1945, preparing a final assault into heart of Germany.
When did the Russian offensive into Germany begin
12 January 1945
What was the first victory of the 1945 Russian offensive and what happened following this
By pouring through a bridgehead in the German defences, Khukov’s forces finally captured Warsaw. Next his armies pressed on through central Poland until the first units of the Red a army were on the River Oder
How did the Red Army units behave in German soil in 1945
There were mass killing and rape by the Red Army.
What had happened in the Russian offensive by Jan 1945
By the end of Jan 1945, Russian tanks were barely 60km from Berlin whilst, in the West, in March Allied forces had crossed the River Rhine and we’re advancing across Germany.
When did the 1st Russian units enter the outskirts of Berlin
Mid January 1945, around 1 week after capturing of Vienna on 13 Jan
What happened on the 25th April 1945 with regard to Russia and America
Russian and American patrols met at Torgau on the River Elbe, 40km South of the German capital.
How did Germany attempt to defend Berlin
Berlín was defended by over a million troops and units of the Volkssturm (a type of home guard). The Germans fought ferociously for their capital
How did the Russians aim to take Berlin in 1945
Red Army used tanks and multiple rocket launcher to clear the city street by street
When did Hitler take his own life and why
30 April 1945, which Russian troops only a few hundred metres away, Hitler took his own life.
What significant event occurred upon the death of Hitler
30 April 1945 after death of Hitler: 2 Red Army sergeants, Kantariya and Yegorov, famously hoisted the Soviet flag above the Reichstag building. I’m
On what day did the Germans surrender unconditionally to the Allies
7 May 1945
