The Great Patriotic War to 1945 Flashcards

When did the Great Patriotic War start and end for the USSR?

It began on 22 June 1941, when Nazi Germany invaded. It ended in May 1945 with victory over Germany.

What was Operation Barbarossa?

The code name for Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941.

Why did the USSR suffer heavy losses in 1941?

The attack was a surprise. The army was not ready and lacked trained leaders. German forces moved fast.

What was the scorched earth policy?

Soviet troops destroyed crops, bridges and factories as they fell back. This left the Germans with little to use.

What did Stalin’s Order No. 227 mean?

“Not one step back!” No retreat without orders. Blocking units and penal battalions forced troops to fight.

What happened during the Siege of Leningrad?

The city was cut off from 1941 to 1944. Many starved, but it did not fall. Supplies came by the Road of Life over Lake Ladoga.

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Why was the Battle of Moscow important?

In winter 1941, Soviet forces stopped the Germans near Moscow. It was Germany’s first big setback in the East.

Why was the Battle of Stalingrad a turning point?

From 1942 to 1943, the Red Army trapped the German Sixth Army. Germany lost badly, and the Soviets began to push them back.

What was special about the Battle of Kursk?

In July to August 1943 it was the largest tank battle in history. The Soviet win meant Germany had to defend, not attack, after that.

How did the USSR keep making weapons after 1941?

It moved many factories east to the Urals and Siberia. Workers did very long hours under strict control to raise output.

What was Lend-Lease and how did it help the USSR?

Aid from the USA and Britain. It sent food, trucks, fuel and railway engines, which helped supply the Red Army.

What did Soviet partisans do in areas the Nazis occupied?

They blew up railways and bridges, shared intelligence, and attacked supply lines. This helped the Red Army.

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