The relationship between cold and war has long been a topic of great concern. Historically, cold has had a non-negligible impact on wars many times. The rout of Germany on the battlefield in the USSR is a typical example.
In the Soviet-German War, the initial German offensive was in full swing. In the first few months, they defeated the Soviet Red Army one after another. The siege of Kiev was a major defeat for the Soviet Union, thousands of Soviet troops were captured, and it seemed that the victory of the German army was just around the corner. However, after the German advance near Moscow, the situation changed somewhat.
First of all, the arrival of severe winter caused great trouble for the speed of the German march. Heavy rains caused muddy roads and made it impossible for armored forces to move, resulting in a much lower pace of advance. At the same time, the Soviets united and threw themselves into the battle to defend Moscow. More importantly, the cold began to attack the Germans.
In Moscow in severe winter, the temperature plummets, down to -20 to -40 degrees. For German soldiers, they did not have enough winter clothing and experience to cope with such cold. Their weapons and equipment also malfunctioned at extremely low temperatures, rifle lubricants solidified, the bolt was difficult to pull open, and the tank engine was difficult to start. The German soldiers were in the bitter cold, and many were frostbitten or even frozen. In comparison with this, the Red Army fought in such cold conditions and did not suffer much.
Looking back at history, we will find that the influence of cold on war cannot be underestimated. Napoleon and Hitler, two great military figures in history, suffered great defeats in the face of the bitter cold of Moscow. When Napoleon's army went on an expedition to Russia, cold and disease defeated them without a fight. Hitler wanted to prove himself greater through the German victory in Moscow, but was eventually defeated by the bitter cold.
Not only the Soviet-German war, but also the cold in other wars has always been a severe test. In China's Anti-Japanese War, the Japanese army also froze to death in cold conditions because of its lack of experience. In the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, both the volunteers and the US army suffered from the cold. Although the US military has enough winter clothing, it still encounters many difficulties. Due to the emergency of the war situation, many units of the volunteer army did not have time to change their winter clothes, resulting in many soldiers suffering frostbite or even freezing to death.
Through long-term experience summing up, the armies of various countries have gradually accumulated the skills of fighting in ice and snow. For example, digging snow nests, skiing, etc. are effective ways to cope with the cold. Of course, we cannot ignore the irreversible damage caused by the cold, and even modern equipment cannot completely eliminate the effects of cold on war.
Both the Soviet-German war and other wars tell us that the cold is a formidable enemy. Any country, any army, needs to recognize this and prepare accordingly in training and equipment. After all, the cold is merciless, and victory in the cold of war can only be achieved if you are well prepared.
