Why was Operation Barbarossa a turning point in World War 2?

Answer 1

It was the greatest turning point of the war...or rather the outcome of Operation Barbarossa decided the fate of the second world war. Not only did it open up a major front (since a second front wasn't established until D-Day in 1944), but it was the largest land battle in history.

On the German side, as mentioned above, 3 million Axis troop struck on a wide front. The Russians possessed the best tanks and artillery of its time and both were of superior quality and quantity. At the time the Red Army was the only army in the world to be equipped with heavy tanks (KV-1) and superior medium tanks (T-34). The Soviets had at the time of the invasion 4,700,000 troops, that lacked good leadership, tactics and more importantly experienced officers. Stalin's purges and outdated tactical know how was a key factor in the opening days of Barbarossa.

The goal of the Hitlerites was to capture the oil fields in Caucasiaus, something vital to carry-on an effective war. Moscow was politically important, but not necessary, nor was Stalingrad (even more so). The oil fields were the prime target and without that, Operation Barbarossa, and indeed the second world war, was a foregone conclusion.

And so in answer to your question, it was a turning point based on the scale of the armies involved and the consequences of not achieving the needed oil fields.

Answer 2

This was Hitler's BIGGEST mistake. Throughout history, no war has ever been fought on two fronts and won by the aggressor.
Operation Barbarossa was indeed a turning point of WW2, in as much it left Germany fighting a war that couldn't be won. During the summer of 1941, German troops stormed into Russia and had many many victories. Leningrad was the ultimate goal, but there was one weapon that Hitler hadn't accounted for, the Russian winter.
Many of Germany's troops were not kitted out for fighting in sub zero temperatures. Very often their guns would freeze and become useless. The diesel in the fuel tanks of their Panzers went lumpy and was useless. Thousands died of malnutrition and frost bite.
The Russians were used to this weather. A lot of their transport was horse drawn, they knew how to cope with the deep snow and were clothed appropriately.

Answer 3

Not so much a turning point but an opportunity lost. Germany could have destroyed any chance of destroying Britain and freeing up the security forces left to protect the West. At the time it did what Hitler expected, turned the Soviets into Allies of Britain. However the planning was flawed and enabled the German and Axis forces to be engaged on Mainland Europe rather than other theatres.

Answer 4

The Russians were able to keep the Nazis in the Soviet Union through the winter. As you may know, the Russian winters can be brutal on the steppes. The nazis could only sustain a blitzkrieg, but could not hold out long in a country that they were freezing in. In addition, the germans only had summer uniforma, which are not suitable for the Russin winter, where in some places gets down to minus degree temperatures.

Answer 5

This was to fulfill Hitler's ambition of expanding his empire to the east.
But he failed to finish off the Soviet army before the winter of 1941 set in and that was his ultimate downfall because the Soviet troops were used to the conditions and the Nazis were totally unprepared for winter fighting having expected a quick victory after their experiences in the west
Operation Barbarossa started six weeks late because Hitler had to divert a lot of troops in April and May to help the Italians who were being defeated in their invasion of Greece..

Answer 6

because hitler decided to needlessly start a campaign against Russia, who upon till then were not hostile against him. Against all common logic he started a winter offensive against russia, something that history has proven to be military suicide. He needlessly kept pouring troops in even when he knew the cause could not be won. If he had concentrated his efforts and troops on England and North Africa I'm sure we'd all be speaking German right now, however he tried to crush his teeth on beating Stalin the first serious of a series of mistakes.

Answer 7

the invasion of russia by germany,

it used 3 million german troops, which could easily have been deployed against the british and allies, thus allowing Britain to gain upper hand in other theatres of war. when the russians held them at stalingrad, that was the beginning of the end for germany.

hope this helps?

Answer 8

Hitler now decided to fight a 2 fron war in Africa and Russia. His supply lines were stretched to the limits and after initial defeats, the russians were able to utilize thier massive amounts of personnel and leand lease equipment againts a battered german army.

Answer 9

Because it was delayed by the italian fiasco which the germans had to take care of before they could launch it. Because it was late they did not occupy Moscow when winter hit; everybody knows that if you don't occupy Moscow when winter comes you might as well take a poison pill.

Answer 10

Because Mr Brady can speak Spanish so he pulled the Welsh German teacher.

hope that helps x