Were the Germans really that good?

[FM WarB]

Some comments on this thread.

Rommel is oft overated in the English and Americans' writing. One way to empasize your accomplishment is to build up the ability of your enemy. Also, as the Cold war was beginning, he was the perfect example of the "Good German," especially played on film by James Mason.

Through the fall of France, the Germans were better tactically and operationally. The General staff must bear some responsibility for the misbegotten belief that Russia could be knocked out in a few months' campaign in 1941. It can be argued that if the Germans had plunged on to Moscow, leaving large intact forces on their southern flank (which they decided to encircle and destroy) they might have been in worse trouble, come winter.

Once the Germans failed in front of Moscow, it was over, especially with the U.S. entering the war. That the Germans fought so hard and well, and lasted so long is a testament to their tactical superiority over their foes.