Securing Hitler’s Flank: The Balkans, 1940-1941

Prior to launching his massive attack on the Soviet Union, Hitler wanted to make sure his flanks were secure. He secured his “left flank” (Finland) and part of his “right flank” (the Balkans) through a combination of threats and diplomacy. However, Yugoslavia and Greece refused to knuckle under, and so Hitler invaded them. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the status of Finland and the Balkans in 1940 and 1941 and Hitler’s efforts to bring them under Axis control.