Part 12/16:
As Blau unraveled, several commanders were sacked—von Bock was dismissed due to stagnation, and General Halder was replaced after the campaign’s failure. Hitler began to centralize command, dismissing traditional German command practices—like encouraging initiative—and demanding direct control over operations.
The Significance of Stalingrad and Strategic Consequences
Crucially, Führer Directive Number 45 marked an ultimate shift in German strategy. With the failure to secure the Caucasus oil fields, Germany faced a severe resource shortage—particularly of oil—which was vital for mechanized warfare.