Historian James Holland joins the host to discuss the Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history. They explore the motivations behind the battle, Hitler's delusions, the German offensive called Citadel, and the significance of the battle. Holland also announces his new book on the Italy Campaign.
The Battle of Kursk revealed the declining capability of the German army and set the stage for Germany's eventual defeat.
Hitler's grand delusions and misguided objectives contributed to the ultimate failure of the Battle of Kursk and the German forces.
Deep dives
The Delusion of Hitler and the Grand Failure of the Battle of Kursk
The battle of Kursk occurred 80 years ago and was one of the largest battles in history. Hitler, deluded by his defeat in Stalingrad, aimed to reclaim the initiative and restore confidence in the Axis powers. However, the German offensive quickly stalled, facing formidable defenses set up by the Red Army. Despite launching the battle in July, the Germans made little progress, and after a week, the offensive was called off due to the Southern Front's strategic importance in the Mediterranean theater. The failure of the Battle of Kursk revealed the declining capability of the German army and set the stage for Germany's eventual defeat in the Soviet Union.
The Delusions of Hitler and the Importance of the Southern Front
Hitler's decision to initiate the Battle of Kursk was driven by his delusions and the desire to regain his lost prestige. The operation aimed to inflict a massive defeat on the Red Army and display the continued strength of the Nazi war machine. However, strategically, the battle made little sense, and the Axis forces were ill-equipped to achieve a decisive victory. Furthermore, the Southern Front in the Mediterranean held significant importance to Hitler due to its safeguarding of vital oil supplies, making it a priority over the Eastern Front. The grand delusions of Hitler and the misguided objectives of the Battle of Kursk contributed to the ultimate failure of the German forces.
The Scope and Cost of the Battle of Kursk
The Battle of Kursk involved around four million troops, including 13,000 tanks and 12,000 aircraft. The Red Army overwhelmed the German forces, operating with an offensive strategy known as the 'deep battle.' This approach involved massive casualties, but the USSR's vast population and the devaluation of individual life enabled them to endure. The battle had a significant impact on the ultimate defeat of Germany, sowing the seeds of the final stages of the war. The Battle of Kursk showcased the immense scale of human lives and resources involved and further demonstrated the deteriorating position of the German military.
This year marks 80 years since one of the more ferocious clashes of the Second World War: the Battle of Kursk. With a combined 8,000 tanks between the German Wehrmacht and the Soviet Red Army, it became the largest tank battle in history.
This week, James is joined by historian James Holland. Together, they unpack the wider context of this confrontation, what drove the Germans to take on such a battle, and ultimately, what led to a Soviet victory, marking a significant turning point on the Eastern Front.
You can pre-order James Holland's new book The Savage Storm: The Battle for Italy 1943, here.
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