What was "Operation Barbarossa"?

"Operation Barbarossa" was indeed the code name for the invasion of the Soviet Union, which commenced on June 22, 1941. This military campaign marked a significant escalation of World War II as it was the largest invasion in history in terms of manpower and military resources. Nazi Germany aimed to conquer the western Soviet Union and capture its resources, thus providing the German military with a strategic advantage in the war.

The significance of Operation Barbarossa lay in its ambitious goal to quickly defeat the Soviet Union and secure a quick victory, which Hitler believed was crucial for Germany's long-term success. Factors contributing to the operation's importance included the scope of the invasion, the harshness of the conditions faced by German troops, and the eventual failure of the campaign, which marked a turning point in the war. This failure diminished German military strength and allowed the Soviet Union to regroup and ultimately contribute to the defeat of Nazi Germany.