Battle of the Bulge



Abstract

In this study, we try to explore the concept of “Battle of the Bulge” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on this famous battle and its relation with Bulge. The research also analyzes many aspects of battle and tries to gauge its effect on “Germans and Americans”. Hitler and his administration did extensive secret planning and expected to be successful in the combat offensive to defeat opposing forces. Even though Hitler established a brilliant plan for an offensive, his greed and desperation led to defeat in the bloodiest battle in World War II, in which Hitler was determined to divide and conquer American forces.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Brief History1

Perspectives: German Officers and Enlisted4

Gerd von Rundstedt: Fighting Patton4

Walter Model: Fighting Patton5

Tactics and Strategies in the Battle of the Bulge7

German Plans and Preparations7

The Course of the Battle8

Losses and Significance10

General Dwight D. Eisenhower's Early Decisions17

End Notes20

Battle of the Bulge

Introduction

Brief History

One of the bloodiest battles of World War II occurred in the Ardennes forest located in Belgium on December 16, 1944. This was intended to be a surprise ambush against American and allied forces but it did not go as planned and resulted in battle that would be referred to as the battle of the bulge. The German defeat from World War I was devastating to the German society in which citizens were looking for a leader who would transform the broken government. On August 19, 1934, Adolf Hitler became the leader of Germany shortly after German President Hindenburg Death. Once Adolph Hitler took control of Germany he was determined to dominate the world according to his personal and political beliefs. On November 5, 1937 Hitler reveals his war plans during the Hossbch conference in which his intent and objectives were expressed clearly and concisely to the key leaders of Germany. For the years to follow Hitler would make pacts with allies and invade numerous countries killing thousands during his offensive operations. On September 3, 1939 Australia, Britain, France, and New Zealand declare war on Germany. Shortly after on September 5, 1939 the United States would announce their neutrality on the war. The increased threat and hostile actions of German forces dictated by Hitler initiated American and allied forces to develop a military offensive plan that would ultimately defeat Hitler. The assault would be known as Operation Neptune and Operation Overlord and would be executed at 6:30 AM (GMT+2) on June 6, 1944. The invasion was planned with two phases which consisted of an air assault and an amphibious beach assault consisting of American and allied forces. The landing took place on a designated 50 mile stretch of the coastline of Normandy and would be divided into five sections: Juno, Utah, Gold, Sword, and Omaha. The first phase of the operation was the air assault which occurred after midnight and consisted of dropping 24,000 paratroopers. The second phase would be amphibious landing of over 160,000 American and allied troops and would end up being the largest amphibious landing ...