Battle of the Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge was the last major offensive by the Third Reich. The plan called for an attack by 8 armored and 13 infantry divisions through the impenetrable Ardennes and smash through the U.S. 1st army and push on to the port of Antwerp in Belgium. If this gamble was to succeed the Germans needed the element of surprise and bad weather conditions. The reason for the bad weather was that the allies controlled the skies and would greatly hinder any thrust made by the Germans.

Hitler hoped that the capture of Antwerp would drive a wedge in between the weak alliance of Britain, U.S. and the Soviets. He believed somewhat inaccurately that their was great tension between the three superpowers and if he was successful the allies would quarrel amongst themselves giving him precious time. The time would involve regrouping and attacking Russia and speed up the development of his doomsday weapons.

At first the battle went well for the German divisions. The weather was awful and seemed like it would not let up. The Germans pushed the U.S. 1st army back creating a Bulge in the lines. But the Americans regained their composure and with the help of reinforcements turned the tide of battle. Then the clincher, the weather broke. The allies reclaimed the skies and pounded the German tanks and heavy armor.

The retreat was in full swing for the Germans, for the allies it was only a matter of time until they reached Berlin.