I used to think that Germany was doomed to failure the second they advanced into Russia - it was just a matter of time. Now I'm hearing some different opinions that it could have succeeded. One theory is that the Operation could have succeeded if the objective was to force Stalin to cut a deal within the first year, and not focus on taking the major cities. I wonder if anyone thinks that Barbarossa could have succeeded as operationally planned and executed? Or, what do you think the reason for failure was...was it Hitler's decisions, weak Generals, the lack of logistics, etc. It definitely cannot be blamed only on the winter.

Posted by Esoterik I used to think that Germany was doomed to failure the second they advanced into Russia - it was just a matter of time. Now I'm hearing some different opinions that it could have succeeded. One theory is that the Operation could have succeeded if the objective was to force Stalin to cut a deal within the first year, and not focus on taking the major cities. I wonder if anyone thinks that Barbarossa could have succeeded as operationally planned and executed? Or, what do you think the reason for failure was...was it Hitler's decisions, weak Generals, the lack of logistics, etc. It definitely cannot be blamed only on the winter.

i think with Russia, they had the strength in numbers, the weather and the cold working in their favor. One of Hitlers' greatest blunders was to open a two-front war. If he had listened to his generals, he would would crushed western Europe first, got everything in line there before turning his attentions to Stalin. But because he was impatient, Stalin buried the German Army.

The weather was a huge factor, but it was a combination of numbers, logistics and an army that really wasn't expecting the resistance they found. From what I have read, it was a no-win situation even before it happened.