User:Gunbirddriver/Blitzkrieg article outline
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Blitzkrieg (German)
Blitzkrieg (German, "lightning war"listenⓘ) is a loanword[1][2] of German origination describing a German method of warfare used in the early campaigns of the Second World War. It was a descriptive term which highlighted the sudden success of the German operations of the Second World War in contrast to the static battles fought during the First World War. It was characterized by the rapid penetration and disintegration of the defenders. The was achieved by a spearhead strong striking force of armour which created a break through in the enemy line. The forces then pushed on into the enemy's rear. The attacking force continues forward, driving deep into the enemies rear area, cutting off front line troops, disrupting supplies, and threatening or capturing command centers. The attack is closely supported by mechanized infantry formations and close air support.[3] Success in the attack hinges upon selecting the right ground for mobile warfare, striking with powerful forces at the point of attack and, most importantly, striking with the element of surprise. Once a break has been achieved it is exploited by moving motorized forces through the breach, thereby maintaining the momentum of the attack. The speed of movement and rapidly changing position of the attacking forces generates fear and confusion in the mind of the defenders. By sustaining a high tempo of operations, a tremendous psychological pressure is exerted upon the mind of the defending commander. In a blitzkrieg, by striking faster and deeper then the defender has anticipated the attacking force creates an unbalance in the mind of the enemy. The result is panic in the defending soldiers and indecision in the mind of the defending commander.