USSR and WW2 Complete Flashcards
What was Operation Barbarossa?
Hitler’s decision to invade the USSR. He had been preparing his strategy since Oct 1940. Hitler knew that the USSR was weak and unprepared for war while the Germans were experienced, battle-hardened and well equipped. They believed it would be a rapid and decisive victory.
When was Operation Barbarossa originally scheduled for?
1st June 1941
Why was OB delayed for 3 weeks?
Hitler’s Italian allies had caused a crisis in Yugoslavia- Hitler was compelled to invade Yugoslavia in a blitzkrieg campaign
What was the re-adjusted date for OB?
22nd June
What was the implications of the delay of OB?
It cut short the time window for completion before the winter conditions intervened
What were the aims of OB?
It was not just a military victory, but an attempt to seize control over the entire Soviet economy, as well as eradicate communism
What did Hitler believe about the Soviet citizen’s attitude to OB?
They believed that many citizens would welcome the German invaders as ‘liberators’
How did the weakness of the Nazi Soviet pact reflect in Stalin’s actions?
In June 1941, he shrank away from a radio broadcast to the people and instead left the task to Molotov. Stalin had appeared to have lost his nerve suggesting that he expected the people, party would blame him and turn against him.
When did Stalin eventually make his radio broadcast?
3rd July 1941
What was the tone of Stalin’s radio broadcast like?
He contrasted his attitude to implement the terror and instead appealed to patriotism and religion, and to unity among the nationalities
How was Stalin proven to be an ineffective leader early on in the war?
He had a panic attack when told the USSR had been invaded by Germany and failed to give any leadership in the first few weeks
He prepared to move the government away from Moscow but decided at the last moment to stay
He relied for too long on inferior commanders, who had been promoted for political reasons after purges
In September 1941, he helped cause a massive defeat to his army in Kiev by refusing to allow them to retreat until it was too late
He showed no urgency in defending Leningrad
What was Stavka?
A top level military command of the USSR in the Great Patriotic War, formed under Stalin, a subordinate to the GKO
What saved Stalin’s failing war effort?
Vast size of Russia
Severity of Russia’s winter
Patriotism of Soviet people
Who was Richard Sorge?
‘A master spy’ who provided Stalin with information on the intentions of Japan- this knowledge enabled Stalin to transfer high quality troops from Siberia in time to strengthen Moscow
When and why did the USA join the Grand Alliance?
December 1941- when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour
Stage 1 of GPW for Russia?
June 1941-Summer 1942 Russia struggle to survive against successive German offensives- suffered massive losses of people and territories
Stage 2 of GPW?
1942-Summer 1943- Russia stabilises its war effort, built a power house war economy and halted German advances
Stage 3 of GPW?
1943-Summer 1945- Soviet armies moved on to the offensive, recaptured vast areas that had been occupied an achieved total victory
How many Soviet soldiers during Stage 1 were captured at Minsk, Smolensk and Kiev by the Germans?
665,000
After how many weeks did the Soviet Generals believed the war was over and the German had won?
2 weeks
They believed Moscow would be captured by the end of August
