The largest military campaign in history, Operation Barbarossa sprang from Hitler's fanatical desire to conquer the Soviet territories, defeat Bolshevism, and create "Lebensraum" for the German people. The Wehrmacht was the world's most advanced military force, while the poorly equipped Soviet armed forces were sent into battle by a dictator with no military education whatsoever, yet it marked the beginning of the end for Germany. Illustrated with over 250 photos and drawing upon interviews with veterans, this balanced look at the struggle sets the record straight on the Eastern Front.