What were some of Hitler's Strategies and Tactics?
Blitzkrieg-Also known as the lightning war. This was a highly successful battle tactic. Hitler used this tactic often and it helped defeat Poland, France and low countries. This tactic was most effective on flat, open areas. Blitzkrieg defeated one opponent at a time, securing more land step by step. Hitler figured blitzkrieg out when he realized how slow some wars were. Wars were intertwined with periods of peace or stalemate so army's could re-supply for the next war.
Combined armed approach-needed coordination between mechanized infantry, tanks and aircraft and artillery to encircle and destroy quickly to move on. Aircraft's delayed reinforcements and disrupted communication/transport lines.
Weakness
- Hitler made critical decisions with war timings, targets and goals.
- He had aggressive strategies including Blitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg-Also known as the lightning war. This was a highly successful battle tactic. Hitler used this tactic often and it helped defeat Poland, France and low countries. This tactic was most effective on flat, open areas. Blitzkrieg defeated one opponent at a time, securing more land step by step. Hitler figured blitzkrieg out when he realized how slow some wars were. Wars were intertwined with periods of peace or stalemate so army's could re-supply for the next war.
Combined armed approach-needed coordination between mechanized infantry, tanks and aircraft and artillery to encircle and destroy quickly to move on. Aircraft's delayed reinforcements and disrupted communication/transport lines.
- Hitler forced acquisition of lebensraum (living space) for German people.
- A decision that Hitler made with good timing in 1943 was Hitler waited until rearmament was complete because he wanted to outgun France and Britain.
- Hitler declared himself as "Oberkommando" (superior commander) of all military resources within the 3rd Reich.
- Hitler chose conquest and victory over any cost. He was ambitious and maintained total self belief about his own abilities.
- Hitler stayed strong by demoting any general who challenged his own viewpoint.
- Many of Hitler's ideas were born of self-confidence and obsession with power rather than any justified military genius. To Hitler, other opinions did not matter.
Weakness
- Hitler wasn't interested in minor details like geography and logistics so this cause Germany to be able to take territory but not hold it.
- Hitler fought on too many fronts. He fought on 3 or 4 fronts for most of the war.
- Germany's allies were poor and uncooperative
- Germany had poor planning on the home front.
- Hitler was desperate for control and he ended up rushing things and Hitler underestimated the enemy which caused the defeat of Germany and also cause the suicide of Hitler himself.