Joseph C. Schott

Overall German Strategy in World War Two and the Allied Air Offensive Joseph C. Schott

This paper examined overall German strategy in World War II in relation to the Allied Air Offensive. Research of primary and secondary sources indicated the initial overall German strategy was based on a one-front war with quick, intensive campaigns initiated by the Germans. Study of sources showed that based on the German experience on the Russian front the German strategy was modified in early 1942 to a one front, attrition strategy. However, German strategy was not modified in response to the initiation of the Allied air offensive. This Allied offensive grew to constitute a second front but German strategy was not adjusted quickly enough to counter-act this offensive. Consequently, research points out the failure of Germany to modify its strategy in light of the Allied air offensive was a major cause of the German defeat in World War II. Contemporary lessons include the possible value in modifying military strategy during a conflict if conditions change.