Lets say Hitler dies before 1939 and somehow that evil genius Reinhard Heydrich becomes leader. How could have Heydrich waged the war differently in order to ensure Nazi victory?
Not invading France and the Soviet Union and cut off all relations with Japan....that will leave a fucked up Poland, but thats all negotiable.
Not invading France and the Soviet Union and cut off all relations with Japan....that will leave a fucked up Poland, but thats all negotiable.
I would call that a win.
Except that Poland does not provide Germany the resources and cash it needs to kept its economy functioning. Especially if France and Britain are blockading it. This leaves Germany dependent on the Soviet Union for grain and oil imports. The long run result is that the Soviet Union will be able to subjugate and control Germany and Eastern Europe through diplomatic and economic pressure.
Until the Anglo-French and/or Soviets invade...
Really, the only way Germany can win in the long term is if the British or French blunder to the extent that they bring the Soviets into the war on the side of the Axis.
France in not going to want to invade Germany.
Except that wasn't possible.What about if Hitler ordered the destruction of the British Army at Dunkirk, then Churchill was forced to resign and the new British PM made peace with Germany.
Except that wasn't possible.
Rundstedt's forces had outran their supply lines, so they were essentially on the breaking point when they reached Dunkirk. Attacking fortified Anglo-French forces at Dunkirk, which is set up on ground perfect for defensive forces, would have been suicidal.
Even if, by some luck, the forces get the supplies they need, they wouldn't have gotten very far before getting ground up by the British and the French, all whilst the evacuation continues.
And, let us say the Germans do, by some odd luck, get their supplies and break the British and French army. The British propaganda tune changes from "We brought our boys back" to "Our lads laid down their lives in Dunkirk. Don't let them die in vain." I could see the French being inspired that the British soldiers at Dunkirk died for France instead of turning tail and hiding across the Channel, and perhaps fighting on just a bit longer.
Take France, so theres no foothold for an attack from the west. Get Mussolini to sit down and shut up. Italy is probably worth more to Germany as a neutral conduit for imports than as an ally. Ditto Spain, althogh otl Franco was smart enough to see that.
Dont attack the Soviets, but milk them for all their worth.
Retool the economy so it wont collapse.
Pretend Vichy really is neutral, and snowjob Admiral Leahy even more.
With no North Africa campaign, theres no good place for Britain to start attacking.
If a second phony war, with no land troops fighting anywhere, how long can Britain keep up a war effort that isnt really doing anything?