HOW THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE CHANGED THE TRAJECTORY OF WORLD WAR II

From December 16, 1944, until January 25, 1945, Europe faced one of its most significant conflicts of World War II. The Battle of the Bulge was a massive offensive attack from Nazi Germany hoping to cause damage to an Allied Forces that was making ground reclaiming Europe. It was one of the most significant battles in WWII for American forces, costing more lives than almost any other in the history of the Army.
Where Was the Battle of the Bulge?
The Ardennes Belgium Meuse River around Luxembourg and Belgium was the location of the Battle of the Bulge. Troops on both sides endured bitter subzero weather throughout the wooded landscape as the fighting took place. The Battle of the Bulge dates would show that the conflict took place from December 16, 1944, until January 28, 1945.
What Was the Battle of the Bulge?
Nazi Germany needed to attack after losing ground during WWII and the Battle of the Bulge was the final offensive set out by the side in Western Europe.
France was liberated and the Allies were on Germany’s doorstep. Named for the shapes on the map the lines would make through the Ardennes Forest, the Battle of the Bulge was supposed to be done by Christmas; however, it lasted much longer than experts thought it would.
Battle of the Bulge Quick Facts
Enjoying recent successes, leadership among the Allied Forces believed that World War II was almost over and by Christmas, peace would be achieved.
However, this mindset would prove troublesome as Hitler was ready for a fight and planned to split British and American forces in the Ardennes Forest in a secret attack.
Capturing Antwerp was Hitler’s goal as doing so would take over a strategic port city that was part of the supply line for the Allies.
Being December, the forest was experiencing cold, bitter winter conditions, including plenty of snow. Using the cold winter night and staying silent until it was time to attack, Nazi Germany was able to ambush the Allies—the battle was on.
The Largest Battle in US Army History Begins
WWII’s Battle of the Bulge was a bloodbath even by the war’s own standards, featuring more than 600,000 American troops and more Soldiers than in any other single battle in the force’s history.
Germany caught the Allies off guard resulting in several vicious fights and battles within battles.
Such was the case with the Battle of Lanzerath Ridge, where 18 men from the 394th Infantry held off 500 German paratroopers for eight hours under incredible conditions, delivering important damage and delaying the infamous 1st SS Panzer Division as a result.
The incredible assault wasn’t fully realized by the Allies at first, who had a somewhat delayed reaction to the German surprise, leading to heavy casualties.
Because of the length of the battle, there were several bouts of fighting between the sides in the area.
Sadly, the Battle of the Bulge would also be known for various war crimes committed by Nazi Germany, including the infamous Malmedy Massacre where 84 American POWs were executed.
Fighting to maintain resistance along Elsenborn Ridge and an American effort known as the Stand at St. Vith would keep the Allied Forces in control.
For American warfighters, the 101st Airborne Division refusing to surrender while surrounded during the Siege of Bastogne combined with General George Patton's Third Army fighting through harsh conditions to relieve the city led to stronger American morale.
Finally, after 41 days, German forces had seen enough and decided to retreat, ending the Battle of the Bulge.
Shortening WWII
Many experts believe that even if Hitler was successful during the Battle of the Bulge, Nazi Germany would have still fallen.
However, it would have taken a lot more money, resources, time, and lives in the process to liberate Europe.
Considering the battle alone would equate to more than 80,000 casualties, including 19,246 dead Soldiers, and over 23,000 American POWs, shortening WWII was a welcomed prospect.
Hitler took a shot and missed and as a result, fewer lives fighting for the Allied Forces were lost, also making a rescue possible for those living in unimaginable conditions that much sooner.
Who Won the Battle of the Bulge?
The Allied Forces won the Battle of the Bulge and ultimately, so did mankind.
Nazi Germany’s downfall would occur less than four months later, after Berlin was captured and German troops surrendered. Not everything was accomplished that day but it was a major step toward bringing peace to Europe, as well as the world as a whole.
Reflecting on the Battle of the Bulge 80 Years Later
Around 10% of the casualties Americans suffered during WWII took place at the battle. An unfortunate reality that isn’t exactly surprising when you consider the deadly combat, harsh winter conditions, and war crimes.
Now that the battle is 80 years old, Veterans continue to emphasize just how important the conflict was and that humanity can learn from the past to prevent wars in the future.
Considering Europe is currently experiencing war, it’s an unfortunate reality that we as humans don’t always learn our lesson so easily. However, there is always hope for peace.
The sacrifices of Americans and all of those fighting for the Allied Forces were not in vain and the rewards from their labor are still seen today on multiple continents after defeating the Nazi regime.
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