Were the Germans really that good?

[herroberst]

I believe that the only reason the Germans were beaten in WWII was Adolf Hitlers strategic misconceptions brought on by hubris and poor strategic intelligence leading them to fight on several fronts simultaneously. Can anyone believe that an Allied invasion of Europe would have succeeded if the Germans weren't tied down in Russia and having suffered huge losses there or that if Germany did not have to guard against the second front and fight Russia that Russia would have prevailed? The absolute control that Hitler held over the war and the war economy ultimately led to Germany's defeat despite the brilliance of the armed forces, it's doctrine, and equipment.

Poland - tactical success, strategic blunder - brought in France and Great Britain.

France - tactical success but inability to finish the war with Great Britain meant strategic failure.

Japan - Hitler took opportunity of Pearl Harbor to declare war on US when that hardly was in Germany's interest.

Great Britain - loss of Battle of Britain and inability to bring decision in North Africa meant strategic failure and ultimately loss of control of the sea lanes.

Balkans - bolstering the southern flank for invasion of Russia meant a campaign in winter in Russia

Russia - probably doable if not committed against Great Britain, occupying France and Balkans, fighting in North Africa, and against the US (and giving Britain and US excuse to ally with Russia). Major mistake in not allowing overrun countries to become free liberated states rather than trying to subjugate them into the Reich.