The History of the Twentieth Century 415 Would They Obey You Any More Readily?
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Aug 24, 2025 Winter 1943-44 saw the German Army's desperate retreats, forced to abandon much of Ukraine under relentless Soviet pressure. Hitler's New Year messages revealed his unfaltering optimism amidst dire military losses. The morale gap widened as the revitalized Red Army clashed with a struggling Wehrmacht, facing internal conflicts and high casualties. A detailed look at the Korsun Pocket illustrates a pivotal moment in the war, highlighting the dire straits for German forces and the shifting dynamics in military leadership.
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Hitler's Public Optimism Masked Strategic Collapse
- 1943 was catastrophic for Germany with losses in North Africa, Italy, and the Eastern Front.
- Hitler publicly claimed optimism while reality showed strategic collapse across multiple theaters.
The Red Army Reforged Into A Superior Force
- By early 1944 the Red Army had rebuilt into a more capable force with higher morale and initiative.
- It now outnumbered and outgunned the Wehrmacht and fought to liberate homeland territory, improving performance.
German Manpower Sustained By Coercion
- Germany sustained manpower only by drafting forced laborers and minorities into service, eroding unit cohesion.
- Experienced officers were largely gone and frontline casualties remained terrifyingly high at ~2,000 daily.