Why Didn't Hitler Wait to Attack Russia After Dealing with Great Britain and the United States?

During World War II, Adolf Hitler's strategic decisions were pivotal in shaping the course of the conflict. A major question often arises: why did Hitler not wait to fully capitalize on his triumphs in Europe by attacking Russia after the failed invasion of Britain and the United States' absence from the war?

Strategic Priorities and Losses

Hitler's decision to call off the invasion of Britain was partly due to the heavy losses of German aircraft and aircrew. Despite the strategic superiority in the skies, flying missions over London and other cities at night, the losses were unsustainable. The high civilian casualties and the constant bombing of British targets forced Hitler to reconsider his aggressive stance. The invasion of Britain, also known as Operation Sea Lion, was postponed in September 1940, and ultimately canceled in November 1940 as the war of attrition took its toll.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and European Ambitions

On November 12, 1940, the Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov visited Berlin to meet with Hitler. This meeting marked a critical turning point in Hitler's mindset. Molotov pressed Hitler about the Black Sea, Bulgaria, and the Balkans, which were of significant interest to the Soviet Union. Hitler was furious, accusing the Soviets of being insatiable in their demands. This fueled Hitler's beliefs about the impending threat from the Soviet Union.

The following day, the German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop boasted, "We have Great Britain on their knees." However, Molotov mockingly replied, "If that's the case, then why are we in this shelter, and whose bombs are falling?" This exchange underscored the growing uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the situation in Europe and the need for a more decisive action.

By the conclusion of the meeting on November 14, 1940, it was clear that the Soviet ambitions in the Balkans, combined with the looming threat of an attack from the east, made Hitler realize that he could not afford to delay any longer. On December 4, 1940, he accelerated his plans for an attack on the Soviet Union, leading to the infamous Operation Barbarossa.

Operation Barbarossa and Strategic Implications

Operation Barbarossa began in June 1941, long before the United States entered the war. By this time, the strategic situation had shifted significantly in favor of Germany in Europe. Despite the reluctance of other countries to capitulate, Britain refused to yield, even under intense bombing. The German leadership recognized the strategic advantage of controlling the oil-rich territories of the Soviet Union to fuel its war machine.

Germany's success in Europe was not just a matter of military prowess, but also of economic capability. Germany was struggling with dire economic conditions, often on the brink of bankruptcy. The rapid conquest of countries like Austria, Sudetenland, and Poland provided short-term economic benefits, but these were insufficient to sustain a long war. Without access to oil, Germany's war effort would have been significantly hampered. The successful invasion of the Soviet Union offered a critical resource to offset these limitations.

American Involvement and Subsequent Events

Another crucial point is the American involvement in World War II. The U.S. did not enter the war until after the attack on Pearl Harbor and Germany's subsequent declaration of war on the U.S. in December 1941. Before this point, the U.S. was primarily focused on maintaining neutrality. The strategic prioritization of Hitler's actions—such as the invasion of the Soviet Union—were driven by immediate logistical and resource requirements, rather than anticipation of a U.S. assault.

Hitler's focus on Operation Barbarossa was not just about territorial expansion; it was an attempt to secure the oil reserves in the Soviet Union. These resources were critical for maintaining the German war machine, especially considering the high losses in aircraft and aircrew. Without these resources, Germany's military operations would have been stymied.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hitler's decision to invade the Soviet Union in 1941 was multifaceted. The failure to subdue Britain, the economic limitations Germany faced, and the need for vital oil reserves influenced his strategic decisions. While other countries' capitulations could have potentially delayed the attack, the urgency of securing resources and maintaining military momentum ultimately led Hitler to accelerate his plans for Operation Barbarossa.