What was Operation Barbarossa?

Operation Barbarossa was the code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, marking a significant turning point in World War II. It began on June 22, 1941, and involved one of the largest military operations in history, with Germany seeking to conquer vast territories in the Soviet Union to gain access to resources and secure more strategic land.

This operation represented Hitler's ambitious plan to defeat the Soviet Union swiftly, capitalizing on the success Germany had experienced in prior military campaigns. The initial phase of the invasion achieved rapid gains for German forces, deepening their advance into Soviet territory. However, the campaign ultimately faltered due to several factors, including logistical challenges, the vastness of the Soviet land, fierce resistance from the Soviet Red Army, and adverse weather conditions which affected the German military's effectiveness.

The other options do not accurately describe Operation Barbarossa: the invasion of France occurred earlier during the war and is known as the Fall of France; the aerial bombing campaign over Britain is referred to as the Battle of Britain; and the assassination of political opponents refers to different actions carried out by various regimes but is unrelated to Operation Barbarossa. Therefore, identifying B as the correct answer highlights the significant military operation that aimed to alter