Luftwaffe

Definition

The Luftwaffe was the aerial warfare branch of the German Wehrmacht during World War II, primarily responsible for air operations and support. Its establishment in 1935 marked a significant shift in military strategy, allowing Germany to use air power not just for defense but also for offensive operations. The Luftwaffe played a crucial role in various campaigns, particularly in the early years of the war, showcasing the importance of air superiority in modern warfare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Luftwaffe was founded under Hermann Göring and quickly became known for its advanced technology and tactics, including the use of dive bombers like the Junkers Ju 87.
2. In the early stages of the war, the Luftwaffe achieved significant successes, helping Germany to conquer Poland, France, and other territories through its strategic air support.
3. During the Battle of Britain in 1940, the Luftwaffe failed to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force, which marked one of its first major defeats.
4. As the war progressed, particularly during Operation Barbarossa, logistical issues and fierce Soviet resistance led to significant losses for the Luftwaffe.
5. By the end of the war, heavy losses and resource constraints severely weakened the Luftwaffe, contributing to Germany's eventual defeat.

Review Questions

• How did the Luftwaffe contribute to Germany's early successes in World War II?
  • The Luftwaffe played a vital role in Germany's initial victories by providing effective air support that enabled rapid ground advancements. Through tactics like Blitzkrieg, they coordinated with ground troops to create confusion among enemy forces. Their use of advanced aircraft allowed for swift strikes that overwhelmed opponents, helping Germany achieve quick and decisive victories in Poland and France.
• Discuss the impact of the Luftwaffe's failure in the Battle of Britain on Germany's overall military strategy during World War II.
  • The failure of the Luftwaffe to secure air superiority during the Battle of Britain significantly altered Germany's military strategy. This defeat marked a turning point where Germany could no longer execute its plans for an invasion of Britain. It forced German military leaders to reconsider their reliance on air power and highlighted vulnerabilities within their strategy that would be exploited by Allied forces in subsequent campaigns.
• Evaluate how the Luftwaffe's performance during Operation Barbarossa affected the outcome of the campaign against the Soviet Union.
  • During Operation Barbarossa, the Luftwaffe initially had success in providing air cover and supporting ground operations against Soviet forces. However, as logistical issues emerged and Soviet defenses stiffened, it suffered devastating losses that hampered its effectiveness. This decline in air support contributed to Germany's inability to sustain their advance and ultimately played a significant role in the failure of their campaign against the Soviet Union, marking a crucial turning point in World War II.

Related terms

Blitzkrieg: A military tactic used by Germany during World War II, characterized by swift and coordinated attacks using air and ground forces to achieve quick victories.

Wehrmacht: The unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945, comprising the Army (Heer), Navy (Kriegsmarine), and Air Force (Luftwaffe).

Operation Barbarossa:

The code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, which marked a pivotal turning point in the Eastern Front of World War II.