History of War Summary 11 - WWII Part 5: Germany's Invasion of the Soviet Union

Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1939, but tensions between the two nations persisted. Hitler pursued a plan to dominate Eastern Europe and secure Soviet territory and resources. On June 22, 1941, Germany launched Operation Barbarossa, a surprise invasion of the Soviet Union. German forces deployed large numbers in three directions—north, central, and south—inflicting heavy casualties on the Red Army and advancing rapidly in the initial stages. Although the Soviets lost significant troops and equipment, they relocated factories and supplies eastward during their retreat. The German army pushed towards Leningrad, Moscow, and Ukraine, but gradually faced difficulties due to the vast territory and long supply lines. The Soviet Union continuously replenished its forces, and as winter approached, the pace of the German advance slowed. The Soviet counterattack in the Battle of Moscow at the end of 1941 marked the failure of Germany's blitzkrieg strategy. The invasion of the Soviet Union became the largest front in the European war, demanding immense manpower and resources from Germany.