The Conspiracy of Missed Opportunities: Did Stalin Have a Chance to Kill Hitler during WWII?

In the vast landscape of World War II, numerous theories have emerged, especially surrounding the potential for pivotal moments that might have altered the course of the conflict. One such intriguing suggestion is whether Joseph Stalin had a chance to kill Adolf Hitler but intentionally missed the opportunity. This article delves into the history, facts, and conspiracy theories surrounding this topic, aiming to provide a clear perspective based on historical evidence.

Operational Context and Pre-War Alliances

Joseph Stalin's decision not to attack Nazi Germany in 1941, when Hitler's military might was at its peak, was influenced by various strategic and political factors. The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, signed in 1939, saw the Soviet Union supplying Germany with raw materials. Additionally, the secret protocol of this agreement was designed to divide Poland between the two nations, a move that had immediate advantages for both sides in the short term.

While it is tempting to speculate about a greater Soviet military presence and Stalin's potential role, it is important to acknowledge the realities of the time. Stalin had purged the upper echelons of the military, causing significant damage to unit cohesion and leadership. A meticulous analysis of historical records reveals that Stalin did not dare to launch a preemptive attack on the well-prepared and formidable Nazi forces.

Hitler's Own Involvement: A Personal Near Miss

Despite the German High Command's strategic advantages, there were instances where even Hitler found himself in perilous situations. An often-cited incident involved Hitler being at the war front and having to flee to safety after a sudden Red Army attack. This raises questions about the possibility of Soviet involvement or a strategic mistake that allowed Hitler to escape.

While there are claims of "Hitler lives!" as a recurring miracle in his reign, it is essential to scrutinize these claims through a lens of historical evidence. Numerous writers and enthusiasts have proposed that Stalin had a chance to kill Hitler but intentionally missed. However, such claims without concrete evidence stand as mere conjecture.

Assassination Plans and Espionage: The Soviet Angle

Some historians argue that Stalin did indeed have assassination plans for Hitler, but these were never put into action. This theory is supported by Stalin's well-documented efforts to assassinate Yugoslav Partisan leader Josip Broz Tito. Given Stalin's strategic mindset and historical pattern, it is not surprising that he would consider similar actions against the formidable Nazi leader.

Another noteworthy point is the involvement of Western forces in potential assassination plans. Operation Foxley was a British operation intended to assassinate Hitler. Despite the existence of substantial evidence supporting the operation's planning, it was ultimately not carried out owing to strategic considerations; the British believed Hitler's continued rule was more detrimental to the Allied cause than to the Nazis.

Hitler himself claimed to have vivid stories involving assassination attempts, such as an alleged incident with a British Tommy during World War I. These claims, fueled by a complex mix of ego and strategic positioning, have been both affirmed and dismissed by historians. Kenneth Alzbach, a British soldier, did have a history of targeting German forces, but the purported act of shooting Hitler from a distance remains a topic of debate.

Historical analysis suggests that while there were plans and opportunities for assassination, they were never actualized due to various strategic and operational factors. The stories of near misses and covert operations add a layer of intrigue but lack concrete evidence to support the notion of planned assassinations.

Conclusion

The question of whether Stalin had a chance to kill Hitler during World War II but missed on purpose is a complex one. While there were instances where Hitler was in close proximity to danger and where the Red Army's efforts might have provided a window of opportunity, it is unlikely that Stalin deliberately missed such a chance without plausible strategic reasons.

Historical evidence, including documentary records, testimonies, and post-war assessments, suggest that any such missed opportunities were more a result of operational challenges and strategic considerations rather than a calculated decision by Stalin to intentionally avoid confrontation.