German Invasion of the USSR
History: KS3, topic 19.1.7
German Invasion of the Soviet Union
In 1941 AD Germany invaded the Soviet Union. This was a turning point for Germany during World War Two.
One of Germany's biggest mistakes was that it fought during the Russian winter (which has famously appalling conditions) and many troops were unprepared.
Operation Barbarossa
- The invasion of the Soviet Union was called Operation Barbarossa.
- The invasion began in June 1941 AD.
- Hitler invaded the Soviet Union because he wanted to defeat communism.
Impact of the invasion
- The Soviet Union declared war on Germany and joined the Allies.
- The Soviet Union defeated Germany. This was Germany’s first key defeat.
Battle of Stalingrad
- In 1943 AD, the Soviet Union defeated Germany at the Battle of Stalingrad.
- This was another major defeat for the Nazis.
- From this point, defeat became more and more likely for Germany.
Test yourself on German Invasion of the USSR
What was the invasion of the Soviet Union called?