Belarus During World War II: Beyond the Myth of Russian Alliances
During World War II, Belarus, or Byelorussia as it was known at the time, was a significant territory under the control of the Soviet Union, alongside Ukraine. As Germany's Lebensraum ambitions targeted agricultural lands, Belarus played a crucial role in this conflict, particularly due to its agricultural importance and frontier position. This article delves into the complex realities of Belarus's experience during the war, challenging common misconceptions about its alignment with the Soviet Union and the German army's mechanization.
The Strategic Value of Belarus
Belarus, like Ukraine, was a significant part of the Soviet Union and represented a critical piece of real estate for both the Axis and Allied powers. Agriculture was not only essential for feeding the German population but also for maintaining its war machine. The Soviet Union, as a vast agricultural powerhouse, had a strategic advantage in producing food. However, the German population faced severe food rationing before and during World War II due to over-reliance on domestic production and limited trading capabilities like the British Empire.
While meat and animal-based proteins formed a significant part of the German diet, the majority of protein was obtained through processed foods such as sausages and canned products. This food scarcity further emphasized the strategic importance of Belarus and Ukraine. Byelorussia, with its fertile farmlands, became a primary target for German expansionism. The Lebensraum policy aimed to acquire agricultural lands, making Belarus and Ukraine crucial strategic locations.
Comparing Industrial Workforce and Production
Despite the image of the German army as a robust mechanized force, the reality was quite different. Contrary to popular belief, Belgiums were the least mechanized among European theater combatants, including the Soviet Union. More than 75% of the German ground forces relied on horse power to maintain supply lines and third echelon quartermaster functions. Only the Waffen SS Panzer Divisions were fully mechanized, but they still utilized horse power to some extent.
The concept of an armored, mechanized colossus is a popular myth. This misperception generally overlooks the reliance on horse drawn transport for the vast majority of German ground units. During the war, a significant portion of the German work force was still engaged in agriculture, with smallholdings typically less than 5 hectares. In contrast, the United Kingdom saw a greater shift towards industrialization, with a smaller agricultural workforce, even before the outbreak of war.
The Myth of European Industrial Superpowers
It is a common misconception that Germany was the European industrial superpower at the start of World War II. In reality, the United Kingdom held that title. Britain benefited from a large industrial base and a well-established trading empire, which provided essential resources and manufactured goods that were vital for the war effort. The UK is often seen as a superior industrial powerhouse compared to Germany, as many still believe.
Despite the German military's reputation for advanced technology and mechanization, the reality was somewhat different. The German army was significantly less mechanized than its counterparts. In fact, the only formations that were fully mechanized were the Waffen SS Panzer Divisions, and even they relied on some horse power.
The British and Canadian Armies: The Most Armored Forces
In terms of armor-to-infantry ratios, the British and Canadian armies were amongst the most armored. While the Soviet Union had a respectable ratio, the Anglo/Canadian forces had more than three times the ratio of armor to infantry relative to the Soviets. Similarly, the American Army was at a significant disadvantage, with at least a 3-to-2 advantage over the US Army. This underscores the vital role of the British and Canadian forces in the war effort and their armored capabilities, which were often underestimated by the allied powers.
The disparity in mechanization and armored forces highlights the complexity of the war effort on both sides. The German army, despite its reputation for advanced technology and mechanization, was less equipped with armored vehicles compared to the Anglo/Canadian forces. This divergence from popular myths reveals the true nature of military capabilities on both sides during World War II.