Operation Barbarossa (22 juin 1941 – 5 déc. 1941)

Description:

-German attack on USSR, breaking non-aggression pact

-extreme underestimation of Soviet strength - end of Nazi military success (Hitler "prisoner of his own myth of infallibility")

-in line with Hitler's aims: Greater Germany, Lebensraum in the east, resources, & elimination of USSR

-led to formation of Grand Alliance (along with Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor)