Why German Generals Did Not Object to Operation Barbarossa

Introduction

During the Nuremburg War Crimes Trials, a German guard named Gerd Gade asked Gen. Hans-Jürgen Stumpff a famous question about Operation Barbarossa. Stumpff, who had only joined the Luftwaffe after the establishment of the Reich, stated that when Hitler made a decision, those who openly disagreed did not attend the next meeting and were never heard from again. This highlights the pressure and fear of dissent in Hitler's regime, where criticism of his decisions could lead to severe consequences (Nuremburg Trials).

The Context of Operation Barbarossa

Pre-war Perceptions and Expert Opinions

Germany entered the campaign with overwhelming confidence and dominance over its global military experts, including the Chiefs of Staff from the UK and US, who had no faith in the Russian chances of success (Global Military Experts). The Generals were hostile to communism and perceived an inevitable conflict with the USSR, believing 1941 was the optimal year for such a campaign (Military Experts).

A Good Plan Based on Preparedness

While many German Generals had concerns, their objections weakened due to prior successes under Hitler's orders. The Generals had previously been ignored regarding reservations about the Rhineland re-militarization, annexation of Czechoslovakia, the invasion of Poland, and France. Hitler's persistent unwillingness to listen and the Generals' fear of losing their positions silenced their objections (Generals' Previous Deliberations).

Conclusion from Nuremburg Trials and General Opinions

Despite concerns, many Generals did not object because they too believed in the plan (Nuremburg Trials, Generals).

Economic and Strategic Contexts

Economic Pressures

After the invasion of Poland in 1939, Britain immediately cut off Germany's maritime trade routes, severely limiting German supplies of vital resources like oil, manganese, and rubber. By successfully occupying France and Norway in 1940, Germany gained the ability to trade with other nations including Romania, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, and Switzerland (Resource Dependence).

Soviet Union's Exploitation of Resources

Soviet Union's actions during 1939-1941 further exposed its strategic behavior, cutting off German access to critical resources. This included the occupation of Karelia, the takeover of Hanko port, and the annexation of Bessarabia and North Bukovina, all strategically positioned to threaten German supply lines (Soviet Union's Strategic Actions).

German Potential for Success vs. Soviet Weakness

The German Wehrmacht, with high morale, discipline, and advanced weaponry, was ready for invasion. The Red Army, weakened by the Great Purge and under-equipped, posed little initial resistance (German Wehrmacht vs. Soviet Red Army).

Success Potential and Hitler's Goals

Hitler aimed to invade the Soviet Union to secure vast resources and strategic land while eliminating communism. Operation Barbarossa seemed likely to succeed but was ultimately hindered by external factors and strategic oversight (Hitler's Aims).

Alternatives to Barbarossa

Impossibility of Other Fronts

Hitler had no viable alternatives. Continuing the invasion of England was impossible after the Battle of Britain, and North Africa offered little reason to continue (Alternatives to Barbarossa).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Operation Barbarossa seemed logical at the time, its failure was due to multiple factors, including Soviet resilience, strategic oversight, and the global economic pressures faced by Germany (Overall Conclusion).