Blitzkrieg: German Military Doctrine

[EnumaElish]

Blitzkrieg (German, literally lightning war) is a popular name for an operational-level military doctrine which employed mobile forces attacking with speed and surprise to prevent an enemy from implementing a coherent defense. The doctrines resulting in the blitzkrieg effect were developed in the years after World War I as a method to help prevent trench warfare and linear warfare.

Blitzkrieg was first used on any serious scale by the German Wehrmacht in World War II. Operations early in the war—the invasions of Poland, France, and the Soviet Union—were highly effective, owing to surprise penetrations, enemy unpreparedness for massive exploitation and an inability to react swiftly enough to the superior German military doctrines. The Germans faced numerically superior forces and technically superior vehicles in the invasion of France, proving the early effectiveness of their tactics and strategies. From this peak, the Wehrmacht's cohesion deteriorated. Heinz Guderian, an early implementor of blitzkrieg, was relieved of command on 25 December 1941, for ordering a withdrawal in contradiction of Hitler's "standfast" order. This showed a fundamental doctrinal difference between Hitler's view of military strategy and the Wehrmacht's proven system. This event undermined confidence and military effectiveness from that point onwards. After this point the blitzkrieg was used poorly, and soon the Germans were on the defensive, where blitzkrieg is harder to use. From 1943 on, German blitzkrieg operations were generally defensive counter-attacks and a handful of mostly failed offensives.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blitzkrieg

 

[rachmaninoff]

Are you trying to make a point or provoke a discussion? It's not obvious what you mean to discuss.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

I find the concept of blitzkrieg to be a fascinating and effective military doctrine. The use of speed and surprise to prevent an enemy from implementing a coherent defense is a strategic approach that can be applied to many different scenarios. It is understandable why this tactic was developed in response to the trench warfare and linear warfare of World War I, as it allowed for more fluid and dynamic movements on the battlefield.

The success of blitzkrieg in the early stages of World War II, particularly in the invasions of Poland, France, and the Soviet Union, is a testament to its effectiveness. However, it is also important to note the role of superior tactics and strategies in these successes, as well as the element of surprise. The leadership and implementation of blitzkrieg by individuals such as Heinz Guderian clearly played a crucial role in its success.

The fact that the cohesion of the Wehrmacht deteriorated after these initial successes and that the use of blitzkrieg became less effective is a reminder that even the most well-designed doctrines and strategies can be undermined by factors such as conflicting leadership and changing circumstances. It also highlights the importance of adaptability and flexibility in military operations.

Overall, blitzkrieg is a prime example of how effective military doctrine can be when properly implemented and supported by strong leadership and resources. Its impact on warfare and its continued relevance in modern military strategy make it a subject of ongoing study and analysis.