What was the German Blitzkrieg?
When was the Blitzkrieg first used?
Why was the Blitzkrieg used?
Where was the German Blitzkrieg most effective?
Who Inspired the Blitzkrieg Style of Warfare?
Although it was the Allies that dubbed the phrase Blitzkreig to describe the German military movement, the Germans were the core architects behind its design. The blitzkrieg was a military strategy that forced motorized combat forces to spearhead a concentrated part of the enemy lines, power behind it with the aid of air support and encircle the enemy quickly after the line has fallen.
Although this militarized style of combat is usually synonymous with World War II, it actually began in World War I. Maneuverability and mobilization were emphasized across the Eastern Front that unlike the Western Front didn't focus on trench warfare.
Similar to the translation of term itself, this lightning war was the preferred method of combat to ensure a quick resolve to military combat. Many of the German generals witnessed prolonged battles of World War I and wanted to utilize this new technology to avoid the numerous battles of attrition seen in the prior World War.
The German Blitzkrieg was most effective against enemies that did not have the advanced military technology and defensive planning to stop the spearheaded motorized attacks.
During World War I, German military leaders were greatly influenced by Carl von Clausewitz, Helmuth von Moltke the Elderand Alfred von Schlieffen. These former German and Prussian military leaders argued for swift and powerful attacks followed by an even faster envelopment of their enemy to ensure a prompt defeat. These new ideas about combat would pair with the needed technology of World War II in order to create the potential for the German Blitzkreig.
5Ws of the German Blitzkrieg
Alfred von Schlieffen (28 February 1833 – 4 January 1913),
Battle of Verdun
February 21st - December 18th, 1916
714,231 Casualties
Helmuth con Moltke
(26 October 1800 – 24 April 1891)
Carl von Clausewitz
(June 1, 1780 – November 16, 1831