Adolf Hitler issues Directive No. 25, ordering the military annihilation of Yugoslavia in retaliation for its coup. Operation Barbarossa, the planned attack on the Soviet Union, is postponed from May 15 for at least a month. Yugoslavia and Greece are to be attacked on April 6.

On March 27, 1941, Adolf Hitler issued Directive No. 25, which marked a significant turning point in World War II. In this directive, Hitler ordered the military annihilation of Yugoslavia in retaliation for its coup, effectively setting the stage for further escalations in the conflict. Additionally, Operation Barbarossa, the planned attack on the Soviet Union, was postponed from its initial date of May 15 for at least a month. With the planned attacks on Yugoslavia and Greece set for April 6, this directive revealed Hitler’s strategic decisions and intentions at a critical juncture in the war.

The events leading up to Directive No. 25 began with the coup by a group of Yugoslav military officers on March 27, 1941. This coup brought a more pro-British government to power in Yugoslavia, which directly challenged Hitler’s plans for eastern expansion. As a response to this perceived threat, Hitler swiftly reacted, deciding to launch a military attack on Yugoslavia and Greece.

The directive itself outlined the objectives and strategies for the German military in the upcoming campaigns. Hitler sought the complete annihilation of Yugoslavia, aiming to break its military resistance and neutralize any potential threat to Germany’s southern flank. Simultaneously, the postponement of Operation Barbarossa allowed for necessary adjustments in the deployment of forces and resources, as troops initially earmarked for the Soviet Union were redirected towards the Balkans.

Hitler’s decision to attack Yugoslavia and Greece on April 6 had significant implications for the countries and the wider war effort. The German military, led by Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel and General Adolf Strauß, prepared for a swift and devastating campaign against both nations. The Luftwaffe played a crucial role in this offensive, utilizing airstrikes to cripple the enemy’s infrastructure and disrupt their military capabilities.

The ensuing battle was fierce and brutal. Despite the initial resistance put up by the Yugoslav and Greek forces, they were outmatched by the superior German firepower and strategic planning. Within a matter of weeks, both countries had been conquered, marking a significant victory for Hitler and his forces. This conquest paved the way for further German expansion and set the stage for future campaigns in the Southern European theater.

The issuance of Directive No. 25 reflected Hitler’s determination to maintain his hold over Europe and advance his vision of German supremacy. By ordering the military annihilation of Yugoslavia and Greece, he sought to eliminate potential threats and secure vital resources in the region. The postponement of Operation Barbarossa also demonstrated Hitler’s flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances and prioritizing the immediate goals of his war machine.

Adolf Hitler’s issuance of Directive No. 25 on March 27, 1941, had far-reaching consequences for World War II. This directive marked the beginning of a new phase in the conflict, with the planned attacks on Yugoslavia and Greece setting the stage for further German expansion. The complete annihilation of Yugoslavia and the subsequent incorporation of Greece into German-controlled territory demonstrated Hitler’s determination to achieve his objectives. As the war progressed, these events played a significant role in shaping the course of the conflict and the ultimate outcome of World War II.