Analysis Western Allied invasion of Germany

u.s airfields in europe of 8 may 1945.

by beginning of central europe campaign, allied victory in europe inevitable. having gambled future ability defend germany on ardennes offensive , lost, hitler had no real strength left stop powerful allied armies. western allies still had fight, bitterly, victory. when hopelessness of german situation became obvious loyal subordinates, hitler refused admit defeat. when soviet artillery falling around berlin headquarters bunker did begin perceive final outcome.

the crossing of rhine, encirclement , reduction of ruhr, , sweep elbe-mulde line , alps established final campaign on western front showcase allied superiority in maneuver warfare. drawing on experience gained during campaign in normandy , allied advance paris rhine, western allies demonstrated in central europe capability of absorbing lessons of past. attaching mechanized infantry units armored divisions, created hybrid of strength , mobility served them in pursuit warfare through germany. key effort logistical support kept these forces fueled, , determination maintain forward momentum @ costs. these mobile forces made great thrusts isolate pockets of german troops, mopped additional infantry following close behind. allies rapidly eroded remaining ability resist.

for part, captured german soldiers claimed impressed not american armor or infantry artillery. remarked on accuracy , swiftness of target acquisition—and prodigious amount of artillery ammunition expended.

in retrospect, few questionable decisions made concerning execution of campaign. example, general patton, u.s. third army commander, potentially have made initial rhine crossing north of mainz , avoided losses incurred crossing main. further north airborne landings during operation plunder in support of 21st army group s crossing of rhine not worth risk. these decisions made in faith , had little bearing on ultimate outcome of campaign. on whole, allied plans excellent demonstrated how rapidly met objectives.