(Weeks, 15).

             Prior to the invasion, Hitler had received many warnings by his generals not to declare war on Russia. Fighting on a two-front war would cause definite defeat as was determined during World War I. Hitler's fear of a two-front war helped to initiate Operation Barbarossa and he reasoned that this would eliminate that possibility. His generals disagreed, however, and Colonel General Heinz Guderian said, "When they spread out a map of Russia before me I could scarcely believe my eyes. I made no attempt to conceal my disappointment and disgust." He believed that Hitler's present Germany was less capable of fighting a two-front war that had .

             3.

             been of Germany in 1914. (Bethell, 24).

             If Hitler's plan for an invasion of the Soviet Union was to succeed he could not afford to have hostile forces operating on the southern flank in the Balkans. He initiated a campaign in the Balkans which became a success in itself but lasted longer than planned. Operation Barbarossa was originally set for May 15, 1941 but was delayed because of the extension of the Balkan campaign. The effects of this delay will appear later on when the Germans are faced with a Russian winter.

             The whole success of this operation depended on speed. The Germans had to knock out major Soviet centers quickly in the opening rush. The initial progress was rapid apart from a slight check to the southern army groups. In one week, the Luftwaffe has knocked the Soviet Air force from the skies and by July 2, Germany captured 150,000 Russian soldiers, 1,200 tanks, and 600 guns. Eighteen days after the invasion began, the central German thrust had carried 400 miles to Smolensk. Moscow was now 200 miles away. The Ukrainians, who hated being ruled by Moscow, flocked towards the German conquerors in thousands and Hitler, foolishly, ordered their death and enslavement. While the Russians were shocked in the beginning, it was only temporary.