Opening the Gates of Hell: Operation Barbarossa, June–July 1941

In a time of increased instability, the two European countries had signed a treaty of non-aggression in 1939. They proceeded to initiate various hostilities against their enemies and claim territory. However, an undercurrent of mistrust lay just beneath the surface. By late 1940, Adolf Hitler and his Nazi high command were ready to shift part of their war machine eastward and target the Soviet Union. The codename was “Operation Barbarossa”, and the battle plan involved infiltration, the neutralization of various threats, followed by a full-scale invasion. The military thrust began on June 22, 1941, and while the Soviets were not unaware of their former allies’ plans, they were not fully prepared for the onslaught. In the initial days of battle, the Soviets were outfought, and confidence was low as casualties were high. However, the resolve of the Soviets was underestimated as the battles continued with no clear winner.

Opening the Gates of Hell is a comprehensive delving into the early days of a decisive campaign, which ultimately proved to be futile for the Nazis. Author Richard Hargreaves has written a thoroughly insightful book that provides many sides to a bloody and consequential battle.