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The war was the logical culmination of Nazi ideology — Lebensraum, racial empire, and the destruction of 'Judeo-Bolshevism.' Was Germany's defeat inevitable, or could the war have ended differently?
Key Definition: Blitzkrieg ('lightning war') used rapid, concentrated attacks with tanks, motorised infantry, and close air support. Spectacular in 1939–41 but inadequate for prolonged attrition.
| Campaign | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | Sept 1939 | Conquered in five weeks |
| France | May–June 1940 | Defeated in six weeks |
| Battle of Britain | July–Oct 1940 | Germany's first failure |
| Balkans/North Africa | 1940–41 | Supporting Italian allies |
The invasion of the USSR (22 June 1941) was the most significant decision. Initial successes were spectacular, but the campaign failed due to vast distances, Soviet resilience, the Russian winter, Hitler's interference, and underestimation of Soviet capacity.
Stalingrad (Aug 1942 – Feb 1943) was the decisive turning point: the 6th Army surrendered — over 800,000 Axis casualties.
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