[quote]Originally posted by dasreich:
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What do you call annexation of the Baltic States, invasion of Poland and the Winter War? Russia was aggressive and expansionist during this time. Now they wouldnt challenge the germans in 1941, but what about 42/43? The Red Army was the largest army in the world at the time, and had the most and some of the best equipment. Why were they beaten back so quickly at first? Why were they disorganized and trampled? They werent preparing for a defensive war...
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To shorten this, the annexation of Poland, the Baltic States, Finland wasn't a surprise for the Germans as they agreed to it in the Ribbentrop-Molotov negotiations in August 1939. Of course it's a difference to annex mini countries like the Baltic states or Finland (and the Sovs didn't even managed the later!) or start an onslaught on the European hegemonist who is armed to his teeth just to "spread communism". If the russian desire to make Germany a communist state against all costs was that urgent to risk a suicidal war, the threat of nukes (even more if you have a nice arsenal by yourself) shouldn't be a showstopper, too.
I assume the fate of the "No.1. military power in Europe, France" during six weeks beginning May 1940 made the Soviets think twice on Germany's military power.
As for Soviet political plans and initatives to invade Germany either in 1941, 1942 or later: zero evidence, but feel free to post some to support your "preventive war"-thesis. Deploying troops on along the border isn't really a proof.
As for the military doctrine: The Soviet Army was placed along the border according to the operational plans in place. This plan was the Sept. 18, 1940-plan with changes made on Oct. 5, 1940 and May 1941. Zhukovs memo asking for a pre-emtive strike dated May 15, 1941 was dismissed by Stalin. On a tactical level, the Army handbook PU-37 with certain updates was still valid.
Soviet doctrine called that in a case of enemy aggression, the enemy had to be stopped very close at the Soviet border, then fought back and beaten on his own soil.
Nice plan, failed miserably in June 1941.
Cheers,
[ 31. October 2002, 08:59 AM: Message edited by: AndyW ]