What describes the military tactics of Germany?

Answer 1

The Nazis commanded a powerful military engine using an array of military tactics. The most famous of which was the Blitzkrieg, or lightning war, tactic; however, many other military tactics were used during WW2.

The Blitzkrieg tactic was based on the principle that an attacking army with enough concentrated power and speed could overwhelm a defending army to the point where the defending army could not respond or counter-attack. The Blitzkrieg was only possible with the use of carefully co-ordinated infantry, tank and air attacks. Infantry would assault an enemy position, supported with air attacks. When the enemy had realised they were under attack and began to defend themselves, tank divisions behind the infantry would move forward and blast away any resistance. The Germany army would keep pushing, never stopping, deeper into enemy lines until the objective was reached.

This tactic won the German army an array of quick victories in Poland, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and France. However, this tactic was useless in the Soviet campaign. Due to the sub-zero conditions, many of the tank divisions were days behind assaulting infantry positions, instead of hours. When a German infantry division attacked a Soviet defence, they were left stranded without tank or air support, usually leading to a horrible defeat. The Blitzkrieg was one of the reasons the Nazis lost the Eastern Front.

Another tactic used by the Nazis was the pincer movement. When assaulting a defensive position, such as a base or a city, the Nazis would split their forces and attack on either side of the position. This would entrap, circle and isolate the enemy; cutting them off from escape or supply. This was a very successful tactic; however, if the Nazis had to retreat, their forces were split in two, making them easy prey for their enemy.

At sea, to control the Atlantic and destroy as many allied conveys as possible, the Nazis used a submarine tactic called the Rudeltaktik, or Wolfpack. U-boats would attack in packs, increasing their fire-power and deadliness. This tactic provided convey commanders a serious threat, but made the U-boats extremely vulnerable to counter-attacks due to their formation and the heavy amount of radio traffic needed to co-ordinate Rudeltaktik attacks.

The Luftwaffe, or German air force, had very distinct and effective tactics for fighting in the air. Stuka dive bombers dived from high altitudes to near ground level; dropping payloads of high explosives on their targets when in close proximity. This tactic served the German army greatly, as enemy anti-air defenses couldn't shoot down Stuka bombers effectively due to their high speed and fast descent. While the Stuka bombers were designed for targeted bombing runs, strategic bombing campaigns were left to bombing squadrons.

Vast squadrons of heavy, slow, well-armed bomber crews pounded enemy targets. These squadrons were protected by fast, more mobile crews of attack planes. Despite being a large fighting force with many fighting tactics, the Luftwaffe could never destroy the Royal Air Force of Britain and, after the Battle of Britain, it soon became a nearly obsolete force.

While the Nazis had a enormous fighting force and a great sense of military tactics, it was not enough to guarantee them victory. There military doctrine revolved around quick, brutal assaults,not drawn out defensive tactics. While they were a military powerhouse during the 1940's, they weren't as adaptive or persistent as their British, Russian or America foes; a trait which doomed them to defeat from the start of the war.

Answer 2

the Germans used 'terror and persuasion'

Answer 3

blitzkrieg A+

Answer 4

Mainly Blitzkreig tactics