There are a couple misconceptions here. First, Hitler did not want to invade Russia when he did. Second, Russia was preparing to invade Germany. This is not to say that Stalin was ready with the plans to start not too long after Hitler invaded, but it is to say the preparations were already going.
Another misconception has to do with Hitler's fast advance into Russia. All the way to Moscow. You know why? Stalin was in such a hurry to get his army trained for the invasion that very little was spent on the defensive side. Very little. Think about Stalin's ten year plan for the industrialization of Russia.
Read this somewhat recent biography of Stalin and you will learn a LOT.
"Stalin" - Edvard Radzinsky
Jdoe
Edit: I forgot to point out the obvious. The reason Hitler invaded Russia was that he realised Russia was doing everything to prepare for an invasion of Germany. Building airstrips near a country is only one of many signs.
|