About the Episode
Operation Barbarossa, Nazi Germany’s surprise invasion of the Soviet Union and the largest military operation in history, launches in June 1941 with over three million German troops attacking an 1,800-mile front.
The campaign pits German leader Adolf Hitler against his Soviet counterpart Josef Stalin. Hitler’s goal is to conquer the vast Soviet territory to create Lebensraum—living space—for the Third Reich. Stalin wants to maintain the non-aggression pact the Soviets signed with Germany. He needs time to rebuild the Soviet Red Army after ordering a series of purges, which have decimated the officer corps.
The Nazis’ invasion initially makes rapid advances, overwhelming Soviet defenses. But as Soviet resistance grows and the brutal Russian winter sets in, the German army stalls before reaching Moscow.
Barbarossa marks a turning point in World War II. It’s the beginning of a campaign that will transform the Soviet Union into a key partner in the Allied coalition…and ultimately help decide the war in Europe.
The National WWII Museum was proud to support HISTORY's work on this series through historical research, educational outreach, and archival footage, as well as on-site interviews with WWII veterans that will be featured as part of the network’s “Save Our History” initiative.
Related Content
Read More-
Article TypeOperation Barbarossa: The Biggest of All Time
Be careful about superlatives when you’re discussing military history, until you’re talking about Operation Barbarossa.
-
Article Type
Lend-Lease to the Eastern Front
Despite being overlooked in many circles, American “Lend-Lease” support sent to the USSR not only tipped the scales in Eastern Europe but enabled the victory on the Russian Front.
-
Article Type
Immeasurable Brutality, the Nazi–Soviet War 1941–1945: An Interview with Jeff Rutherford, PhD
As the anniversaries of Operations Barbarossa and Bagration approach, it is an opportune time to reexamine the immeasurably brutal war between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
LUFTWAFFE PILOT ON THE EASTERN FRONT
Ernst Schrader recalls flying missions in a Junkers JU-87 Stuka dive bomber on the Eastern Front against Russian forces in July 1941 as part of Operation Barbarossa.
Educational Resources
The National WWII Museum is a dynamic educational resource that engages and inspires students, teachers, and lifelong learners of all ages and backgrounds around the world. Explore distance-learning programs, curriculum guides, and classroom-ready digital content featuring Museum educators, primary source materials, and other resources.
STUDY WORLD WAR II WITH WORLD-CLASS SCHOLARS
The National WWII Museum and Arizona State University offer an online World War II Studies master’s degree program taught by the world’s top WWII scholars. This unique interdisciplinary program enriches students’ understanding of World War II, with all classes accessible from the comfort and convenience of their own homes.
See America's National WWII Museum
Our institution explores the full story of the American experience in World War II through immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and personal accounts. Plan your visit to the top-rated attraction in New Orleans and be inspired by the stories of those who came together to secure Allied victory.
