Why did the Germans stop at Smolensk?

Why did the Germans stop at Smolensk? They had taken the door to Moscow off its hinges, because most of the Soviet forces were either in complete disarray or a couple hundred miles away at Moscow, preparing the defensive line. Had they caught the Russians unprepared at their new positions, would Moscow have fallen, if only for a few hours? :???:

 

first, i'm not an expert on the eastern front but i think it was because the tank divisions were in bad shape (they needed to be repaired and fast) the rear had to be secured and the infaltry was to far behind the panzers

please correct me if i'm wrong

 

The Panzerdivisionen (Panzer Divisions) were in fairly good shape. What I think was that Hitler wanted them to stop after they captured the city (bad decision number 1125 (number 1:no tv no beer make hitler go crazy)).

 

and not only for mr hitler

 

Don't mind if I do! :lol:

 

Hitler wanted to destroy the Soviet armies to the south and secure the resources of the Ukraine, and envelope/destroy Leningrad. The German army was already incapable of carrying carrying out three (or even two) major offensives at the same time. So the German Army Group Center was stopped, the Panzer Groups somewhat rested, remanned and re-equipped and then concentrated for battle on the southern portion of the front.

 

ah yes, now i remember. wasn't the fourth panzer division sended to the south the assist army group south?

 

yeah. It was one of several battle units from Army Group Center sent to aid Army Group South.