Hitler's Double-cross Just a year earlier, Hitler signed a non-aggression pact with the Soviets. But with Europe now secure, his disdain for non-Germanic Russians (a lowly, Slavic race) is joined with his need for Soviet oil. He decides to finish off Britain by air, then pivot east to crush Russia, and grab its oil. Hitler expects Russian resistance to collapse within a few weeks.

	Surprising Failed Attack Hitler plans to destroy Britain's limited air defenses in four days, and then launch an amphibious invasion. But the combination of British radar, and tenacious young fighter pilots, foil these plans. Radar tracks the approaching attacks, giving British fighter pilots warning. Scrambling to their planes, they're able to pick off and destroy both fighters and bombers. Within three months, the Germans lose 80% of the 2,500 aircraft they deploy. The raids end, and Britain is spared.
	War in the East Things go much better for Hitler in the east. After a delay securing the Balkans, he begins the advance on Moscow, with three million men, 3,000 tanks and 3,000 aircraft. Dangerously short of gas, however, he also brings 600,000 horses to transport supplies. The percentages next to each oil field on the map indicate the portion of Hitler's total needs each one can supply. The invasion proceeds with brutal efficiency, surrounding and destroying five Soviet armies, which costs the Soviets a million men and 5,000 tanks.