Coal production and its supply played a crucial role in the outcome of World War II. Coal was vital for the Allied nations (USA, USSR, UK, and Canada) and the Axis nations (Germany, Italy, Hungary, Romania, and Japan). Coal powered their industries and provided energy for transportation. Both sides targeted coal’s strategic potential. For example, Germany long saw the potential … [Read more...] about Annual Allied Axis Coal Production 1939-1945
Axis Powers
Strategic Raw Materials Self Sufficiency or Deficiency
The strategic self-sufficiency or deficiency in raw materials played a critical role in shaping the military and economic strategies of the major belligerent nations during World War II. The Allied nations, including the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), pursued diverse approaches to address their raw material … [Read more...] about Strategic Raw Materials Self Sufficiency or Deficiency
Combat Forces on the Eastern Front Manpower Ratios
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) drew heavily upon its union of soviet states to build an Eastern Front foe to oppose the German-led alliance. Germany believed they could quickly dispatch the USSR but when that didn’t happen, they found themselves facing an enemy with growing combat forces. Eastern Front Manpower Ratios Germany believed they could … [Read more...] about Combat Forces on the Eastern Front Manpower Ratios
Allies Axis Munitions Expenditures in WWII
The munition expenditures of the Allied nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union versus the Axis powers, primarily Germany and Japan, during World War II illuminate the scale and intensity of military production and resource allocation during this global conflict. Roosevelt famously proclaimed the US as the arsenal of democracy. In the … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Munitions Expenditures in WWII
Allies Axis Weapon Production – Naval Forces
Reflecting the German versus Allies naval forces philosophical differences on prosecuting the naval war it is only in submarines that the Axis nations out produce the Allied nations. Although Japan desired to expand their sea power capabilities, they did not have the wherewithal to match the US and UK naval forces production capabilities. Sea Faring Culture Of the … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Weapon Production – Naval Forces
Allies Axis Major Weapons Groups – Production Summaries
The Allied nations outproduced the Axis nations in every weapons group except for missiles. German V-1 and V-2 rockets were a harbinger of the Cold War and beyond. However, in World War 2 the V-1 and V-2 missiles were imprecise and too few to be effective in halting the Allied onslaught in western Europe. Prewar Expectations Germany foresaw a series of short wars or … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Major Weapons Groups – Production Summaries
Allies Axis Vital Commerce and Raw Materials
Modern warfare demanded great raw material quantities and the combatants scrambled to ensure they had enough for their needs. Axis nations were at a disadvantage especially with regards to oil which drove the armored fighting vehicles, naval vessels, trucks, aircraft, and a myriad of other machinery. Additionally, the Axis nations did not have the commerce infrastructure that … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Vital Commerce and Raw Materials
Allies Axis Weapon Production – Air Forces
World War II witnessed a monumental clash of air forces production between the Allied nations and the Axis powers. Each nation's production totals of various aircraft types provide valuable insights into the scale and intensity of the air war during this global conflict. Only in reconnaissance and fighters did the Axis maintain parity or near parity. In all other categories, … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Weapon Production – Air Forces
Allies Axis Weapon Production – Land Forces
Three production items jump out in the Allies favor; 1) Allies outproduced the Axis nation in tanks and self-propelled guns by a 3.5 to 1 margin, 2) the Allies held almost a ten to one ratio in other vehicles allowing the Allies greater mobility in the field and not as reliant on railroad systems, and 3) the Allies, especially the USSR, were great believers in artillery and … [Read more...] about Allies Axis Weapon Production – Land Forces
Soviet and German Aircraft Available In Europe
By sheer numbers the USSR overtook Germany in number of aircraft in Europe. In early 1942 Germany had nearly a two to one ratio advantage. By 1943 that was totally reversed and the USSR had over a three to one advantage. Philosophy The Soviet Union and Germany had different approaches to developing and using aircraft technology. The Soviet Union focused on developing … [Read more...] about Soviet and German Aircraft Available In Europe