Q&A · 2:39:01-2:39:22

Why Germany and the Soviet Union struggled to bomb each other

The immense distances of the Eastern Front and the Soviet relocation of industry beyond the Urals limited strategic bombing in both directions.

Question

How effectively did Germany and the Soviet Union strategically bomb each other?

Short answer

Not very effectively, because the distances were enormous and much Soviet industry had moved beyond the Urals.

Notes

Germany and the Soviet Union both attempted long-range bombing, but geography imposed severe limits. Soviet aircraft faced great distances to important German targets. The Soviet relocation of much industry to the far side of the Urals made the German problem even harder. Strategic depth therefore protected production in a way that tactical success near the front could not easily overcome.