What was significant about the Ardennes?

Called “the greatest American battle of the war” by Winston Churchill, the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes region of Belgium was Adolf Hitler’s last major offensive in World War II against the Western Front. Hitler’s aim was to split the Allies in their drive toward Germany.

What was Hitler’s last gamble to win the war?

On 16 December, 1944, Hitler launched his ‘last gamble’ in the snow-covered forests and gorges of the Ardennes. He believed he could split the Allies by driving all the way to Antwerp, then force the Canadians and the British out of the war.

What caused the Ardennes offensive to fail?

Improved weather conditions from around 24 December permitted air attacks on German forces and supply lines, which sealed the failure of the offensive. On 26 December the lead element of Patton’s U.S. Third Army reached Bastogne from the south, ending the siege.

How long did the Battle of the Bulge last?

approximately five weeks
Known as the Battle of the Bulge because of the wedge driven into the Allied lines, the campaign lasted for approximately five weeks, and it is generally agreed that the offensive officially ended on January 25, 1945.

Where is Battle of the Bulge?

Ardennes
BelgiumLuxembourgNazi Germany
Battle of the Bulge/Locations

What is Ardennes 1944 about?

Ardennes 1944 review – Antony Beevor’s gripping account of Nazis’ last gamble Hitler’s final attempt to turn the course of the second world war in his favour is brilliantly told German paratroopers advance during the Battle of the Bulge. Photograph: Alamy German paratroopers advance during the Battle of the Bulge. Photograph: Alamy Saul David

What happened on 16 December 1944 in WW2?

Last modified on Wed 21 Mar 2018 20.13 EDT In the early hours of 16 December 1944, the Germans launched their last great offensive of the second world war against weakly held US positions in the Ardennes Forest, the site of their original Blitzkrieg success against the French in 1940.

How did the Allies win the Battle of the Rhine?

By late 1944 they were fighting on multiple fronts – on the Rhine, in Italy and in Poland – against the combined might of the (rejuvenated) British and Commonwealth, US and Russian armies. The allies enjoyed almost complete air superiority and a massive advantage in firepower, particularly tanks and artillery pieces.