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Nazis did not expect Soviet resistance to be so strong. The deeper they moved into this country's territory, the more fierce it became. When Hitler's armies approached Moscow, every man and woman here thought it imperative to resist the enemy. And that resistance grew by the day. The enemy was sustaining heavy losses, one after another. In fact, Hitler's best troops perished here. Nazis believed the Red Army was not capable of defending Moscow, but their schemes failed.

Georgy Zhukov#4

WarHistoryResistanceStrength

About this quote

What does it mean?
German troops expected weak resistance but faced fierce Soviet defense near Moscow that caused heavy losses.
In plain terms
The enemy underestimated Soviet resistance and lost many troops near Moscow.
What can you take from it?
Underestimating opponents can lead to failure.

Where it applies

  • battlefield
  • business competition
  • conflict

Putting it to work

  • respect your opponent
  • prepare for resistance

Questions to consider

  • Who have you underestimated?
  • How do you prepare for resistance?

Another view

This narrative may simplify complex military factors.

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