Best of the Spectator The Book Club: Barbarossa
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Apr 7, 2021 In this discussion, broadcaster and historian Jonathan Dimbleby, known for his insightful works on WWII, delves into the striking narratives of Operation Barbarossa. He argues that the real defeat of Nazi Germany began with the Soviet Union’s strategic responses by December 1941, countering common perceptions of the war’s decisive moments. Dimbleby breaks down the diplomatic tensions leading to the conflict, examines Stalin’s misplaced trust in Hitler, and elaborates on the harrowing brutality on the Eastern Front, showcasing how ideology intertwined with military strategy.
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Barbarossa Was The War's Turning Point
- Jonathan Dimbleby argues Barbarossa made Hitler's defeat inevitable by late 1941 rather than 1945.
- He contends Western victories mainly prevented Soviet domination of Western Europe rather than defeating Hitler alone.
Russian Views Evolved With New Archives
- Russian historians shifted from celebratory Soviet narratives to more detached analysis after archives opened in the 1990s.
- Dimbleby notes debates between those who stress coercion and those who highlight genuine Soviet patriotism.
Rapallo Laid The Groundwork For The Pact
- Dimbleby recounts the Rapallo legacy: secret military cooperation between Germany and Soviet Russia after WWI.
- He quotes Hitler and Stalin reacting to the Molotov–Ribbentrop pact as each thinking they'd won a strategic prize.
