Operation Barbarossa was a pivotal moment in World War II, marking Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. The offensive aimed to crush Soviet resistance and secure German dominance in Eastern Europe. Initially successful, the operation led to vast territorial gains for Germany and significant casualties for the Soviet forces. However, as winter set in, German troops struggled with supply lines and harsh conditions, leading to a turning point in the war. The failure to achieve a swift victory ultimately contributed to the downfall of Nazi Germany, as the Soviets counterattacked, leading to significant losses for the Axis powers.