How did the battle of the bulge effect World War 2?

Answer 1

The outcome of the Battle of the Bulge (i.e. the defeat and rollback of German forces) ensured that the Allies would meet much less resistance in their attempt to cross the Rhine. Although that was probably little consolation for those soldiers who fought and died in the battle. This was because Hitler chose to throw his reinforcements into the Ardennes Offensive rather than distribute them to the weakened forces defending the river. It helps to mention that in any case Germany was going to lose the war no matter what at that point in time, the only thing that Hitler could hope to do was to increase Allied/Soviet losses or drag out the ending in the hope that some miracle might happen to turn the tide.

Answer 2

Because it indicated a lack of effective intelligence and because it almost worked, it set the strategic war planners back on their heels. It happened when everyone in the West was convinced that the war in Europe was almost over and probably was the reason that Eisenhower gave the go ahead to the plan to open a new route of attack with Operation Market Garden.

Answer 3

The general belief is that it lengthened the war in Europe, but I believe it shortened the war because large numbers of German forces were thrown away in the West on a massive offensive which had little chance of success. If they had been used sparingly for defense and counteroffense, Germany might have pulled it out of the fire with the new weapons they were developing, or at least fought a longer war. After the Battle of the Bulge, nothing much stood between the Allied armies and Germany.

Answer 4

It was the last significant offensive operation by Nazi Germany before the end of the European war. Since 1943, Germany had mainly been on the defensive. The Ardennes offensive was the last time Germany was able to really, strongly, attack back. Hitler hoped that a successful operation would split the Allied forces in France, and cause them to seek a peace treaty so Germany could focus on fighting the Soviets.

The operation failed, and Germany was never again able to make a major attack. About 5 months later, Germany surrendered and the European war was over.

Answer 5

It delayed the western allies' advance into Germany, but it also dealt a crushing blow to the then desperate German military.

Answer 6

it meant the allies would get less resistance when trying to cross the Rhine

Answer 7

The only impact of the Battle of the Bulge is that it shortened the German war effort by using up battle assets (men and equipment) that could not be replaced.