The German strategic predicament and Hitler's rise -- German relative economic weakness and the fall of France -- Seelöwe : the planned invasion of England -- Two maritime strategies -- The rising Soviet threat to German European hegemony -- Hitler's decision, Marita, and countdown to invasion -- The logic behind Barbarossa's chance for victory in the East -- Drang nach Osten : The drive to the East -- Historical explanations for Germany's defeat in the East -- An early drive for Moscow -- Cold, snow, and mud -- The "fatal" delay of Marita and a southern tyfun -- Nazi genocide, ideology, and the loss of hearts and minds -- A Japanese attack on the USSR and the key to German victory -- The pursuit of oil and the road to global war -- The critical summer and the road south -- The Anaconda option -- Finland fails Germany and itself.
Summary:
"In Hitler's Great Gamble, James Ellman argues that Barbarossa was a gamble, but a reasonable gamble spoiled not by strategic shortsightedness, but by diplomatic setbacks and poor execution. Drawing on a wealth of primary and secondary sources, Hitler's Great Gamble is a provocative work that will appeal to World War II enthusiasts and historians"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.