During World War II, Hitler and Stalin used very different strategies on the Eastern Front. These differences were shaped by their beliefs and ways of thinking about military operations.

Hitler’s Strategy: Fast Attacks and Direct Control

1. Blitzkrieg (Lightning War):

   • This was a quick and organized way of attacking, using fast-moving soldiers and tanks.
   • The aim was to surprise the enemy and defeat them before they could fight back, allowing German forces to move swiftly and surround their opponents.

2. Direct Control:

   • Hitler liked to control military decisions himself, often giving orders directly to his generals.
   • While this could lead to bold decisions, it often created confusion and made it hard to adapt to changing battle conditions.

3. Focus on Targets:

   • His main goal was to capture important cities, resources, and train routes to weaken the Soviet Union's ability to keep fighting.

Stalin’s Strategy: Endurance and Defense

1. Great Patriotic War and Scorched Earth Policy:

   • Stalin’s approach focused on taking heavy losses to gradually wear down the German forces. The Soviet army relied on having many soldiers and used the large Russian land to their advantage.
   • Soldiers were told to destroy anything useful while retreating, so the Germans wouldn’t benefit from these resources.

2. Central Control:

   • Unlike Hitler, Stalin put control in the hands of the military’s General Staff, which allowed for better plans and teamwork.
   • This setup made it easier to respond to changes on the battlefield, which was important during the unpredictable events of war.

3. Counterattacks:

   • After the Germans made advances, Stalin ordered strong counterattacks, like the famous Battle of Stalingrad. The goal was not only to push back the invaders but also to hit them hard in return.

Both leaders' tactics showed their different military ideas. Hitler focused on fast, overwhelming force, while Stalin relied on enduring tough situations and striking back at the enemy when the time was right.