Part 2/16:
To understand Blau, it’s essential to revisit Operation Barbarossa (1941). Hitler’s primary goal was to seize the rich resources of Ukraine and the Caucasus—grain, oil, and minerals—whose significance was driven by Germany’s dire economic needs. The German invasion, however, was influenced by differing military philosophies.
Divergent Mindsets: Hitler’s Strategic Vision vs. Halder’s Operational Approach
While Hitler prioritized the strategic capture of the south to secure resources, Chief of Staff Franz Halder believed that the German victory in France—based on encirclements and quick marches—should be replicated in the East. Halder’s doctrine emphasized encirclements of Soviet forces with the ultimate goal of taking Moscow, mirroring the success against France.