WI: Stalin Adopts Southern Strategy in Early 1942

In early 1942 the STAVKA was faced with a strategic conundrum; how to continue to exploit it's victories from the previous winter of campaigning, while at the same time adsorbing and defeating the next German blow. Stalin believed that Mosckw would remain the main German target, and thus focused most resources to defending it. At the same time he ordered limited offensive in the south to distract German reserves and throw them off balance.

As it turned out, the main German offensive effort was in southern Russia. The Red Army's limited offensive were destroyed, with 500,000 men lost. These disasters destabilized an already weak southern front which, with no large reserves, was subsequently shattered.

So, what would be the result of Stalin concentrating along the southern direction, and launching limited offensives in the center?
 
There was no way the Bolsheviks could break Democratic dominance of the former Confederacy. Even with FDR in the White House.

(sorry)
 
So, what would be the result of Stalin concentrating along the southern direction, and launching limited offensives in the center?

I think it would go badly for the Soviets. in 1942, the Soviets could launch successful offensives (Moscow), but only under optimal circumstances.

In actual history, Stalin tried to follow up on the Moscow success with offensives aimed at relieving Leningrad. These offensives, however, were launched with out proper supplies, trained units, experienced mid level officers and suffered enormous amounts of avoidable casualties. Vlasov even defected to the Germans.

In the south, the terrain (open tank country, manuver warfare) favored German skills even more. My guess is that Panzer divisions would rapidly destroy any Soviet offensive made in the are during 1942.
 

Stolengood

Banned
There was no way the Bolsheviks could break Democratic dominance of the former Confederacy. Even with FDR in the White House.

(sorry)
I was about to say the same thing. :D

"Vote for Uncle Joe; he'll put a chicken in the pot of every proletariat!"
 
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