Napoleon's and Hitler's Fatal Mistakes in Russia: Why They Lost

The German and Napoleonic Invasions of Russia: A Study in Strategic Blunders In the harsh landscapes of Russia, both Napoleon and the German military faced significant challenges during their respective invasions. The video by WHAT HISTORY! analyzes the strategic errors that played a crucial role in the outcome of these campaigns. The presenter emphasizes the impact of the environment on military movements. "Both in the fall and in the spring, it becomes incredibly muddy throughout the plains of Russia," he explains, illustrating the difficulties faced by armies attempting to maneuver across the terrain. This environmental factor significantly hampered the speed and effectiveness of both invasions. Further highlighting the strategic miscalculations, the video points out the German army's failure to secure the Baku oil fields. The presenter argues that this oversight was a critical mistake, stating, "That was basically the entire oil fields for all of the Soviet Union, meaning that they would have had to surrender pretty quickly." This decision, he contends, significantly weakened the German war effort. The video's analysis offers valuable insights into the importance of strategic planning and environmental awareness in military campaigns. The consequences of these blunders underscore the need for comprehensive strategic thinking in warfare.