The 2 front war wasn’t as crazy as it sounds today; Hitler was part of the German army that forced Russia to surrender in early 1917. Only American intervention saved the Allies in WWI; the German troops freed up in the east would have demolished the allied armies in the west (and nearly did in 1918 even after we entered the war).
It was a stupid move, but not crazy; in his mind, half the war was won (when France surrendered), so he probably thought it was 1917 in reverse - he could dedicate everything to the east instead. Japan’s ceasefire with the USSR, which held until mid-1945, was the only reason the USSR didn’t collapse; masses of Soviet troops could be moved from the Far East to defend Moscow, then go over to the offensive.
“It was a stupid move, but not crazy;”
Stupid, crazy, sometimes they look the same. :)
You seem well versed on the subject. My knowledge is a little bit limited, I just go by the many documentaries stating that Hitler’s generals were not happy about the decision to attack Russia.
And based on my simplistic understanding of tactics, it seems dividing forces when a real threat exists to the west is a bad idea. England still was a threat. France was conquered but not settled, and the U.S. loomed. I understand Germany was resource starved and that is part of the motivation for invading Russia. However, if I were in Hitler’s shoes, (God forbid), I would have made deals with Russia to get what I need, and I’d have finished off England. Without England to stage an invasion, the U.S. would have been isolated. Then, an attack on Russia would have made more sense.
I have a great appreciation for Winston Churchill. What an incredible leader.