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There were a plethora of factors that went into deciding the outcome of World War II. Political ideologies and national opinions were vastly different for the combatants, even amongst allied countries such as the United States and the Soviet Union. The industrial might of the United States was unmatched and Russia was the largest state in the world. Germany boasted brilliant generals and early in the conflict made great use of their innovative Lightning War, the Blitzkrieg.
Belligerents on each side had great strengths; however, it was the military leadership of [[How did Adolf Hitler become the Fuehrer Fuhrer of Germany?|Adolph Hitler]] that proved to be the greatest liability to Germany and ultimately cause its defeat. For Germany, the three greatest military mistakes made by Hitler concerned Dunkirk, Operation Barbarossa, and the [[D-Day: What Factors Were Considered When Planning Operation Overlord?|Allied invasion of Normandy]]. The imprudent command decisions made by the Führer resulted in the Allied victory in Europe.
==== Prelude to War ====