Why Didn't Nazi Germany Invade Russia First in 1939?
One of the most frequently asked questions about the onset of World War II involves why Adolf Hitler did not initiate his invasion of Russia in 1939. This decision, rooted in Hitler's strategic considerations and the circumstances of the time, is pivotal to understanding the progression and outcome of the war. In this article, we will delve into the factors that influenced Hitler's decision to invade Poland and other countries first, and how this decision shaped the subsequent events of the war.
The Immediate Context and Hitler's Preoccupations
After securing control of central Europe through the invasions of Poland, Czechoslovakia, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, Hitler had strategic reasons for waiting before launching an attack on the Soviet Union. These reasons included the inadequate preparation of his troops for Russian winter conditions and the constraints posed by the ongoing conflict with Britain and France. Additionally, the Blitzkrieg tactics, designed for swift victories, were yet to be fully tested, and the troops needed further experience and training.
The Strategic Pact and Divided Attention
Hitler's alliance with the Soviet Union under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was a crucial factor in his decision. This pact, signed in 1939, was a non-aggression treaty that divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence between Germany and the Soviet Union. While it provided a temporary alliance, it also meant that Germany had to focus on other fronts to secure its interests. Hence, Poland stood between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union until September 1939, when the German-Soviet conflict began with the invasion of Poland.
Defanging Europe Before Moving Eastward
Hitler's overall strategy involved weakening the enemy from within before engaging in a two-front war. By invading and occupying key European territories first, Germany aimed to eliminate potential threats on its western border, specifically the Allied forces in France and Britain. As of 1940, these forces were formidable with 120 divisions and 2.5 million armed men on the German western border. It was only after these threats were neutralized that Hitler saw an opportunity to focus on a potential invasion of the Soviet Union.
Assessments and Overestimations
Despite this strategic approach, Hitler's assessment of the Soviet Union's capabilities was flawed. He overestimated the strength and willingness of the Soviet forces to fight back, which contributed to the eventual two-front war for Germany. This miscalculation was evident when the Nazis launched Operation Barbarossa in June 1941, which proved to be a catastrophic error. The heavily industrialized Soviet Union, with a vast territory and resource base, proved far more resilient than anticipated.
Conclusion
The decision by Nazi Germany not to invade Russia first in 1939 was a complex and multifaceted decision shaped by strategic considerations, military readiness, and the realities of the European situation at the time. Hitler's decisions and the ensuing events in World War II still resonate in historical discussions, serving as a critical lesson in the importance of accurate intelligence and the complexities of warfare.