Why was the city of Bastogne so important to the Germans?
The capture of Bastogne was the ultimate goal of the Battle of the Bulge, the German offensive through the Ardennes forest. Bastogne provided a road junction in rough terrain where few roads existed; it would open up a valuable pathway further north for German expansion.
Who won the Battle of the Bulge ww2?
The Allies
The Allies won the Battle of the Bulge, resulting in significantly higher casualties on the German side despite their surprise attack on Allied forces.
How did Germany take over Belgium?
Germany declared war on France. To avoid the French fortifications along the French-German border, the troops had to cross Belgium and attack the French Army by the north. Of course, Belgians refused to let them through, so the Germans decided to enter by force and invaded Belgium on Aug. 4, 1914.
What was the Battle of Bastogne?
The Battle of Bastogne, part of the wider German counter-attack in 1944 known as the Battle of the Bulge, was a ferocious siege between an outnumbered American force and a German force five times its size. The Battle of the Bulge had its origins in the legend of the impassable terrain of the Ardennes.
Where is basebastogne?
Bastogne is located in the Belgian Ardennes, in the east of the province of Luxembourg,. The city is 12 km (7.5 mi) away from the Luxembourg border. Its altitude is 515 m (1,690 ft) high on the ridge line separating the catchment areas of the Rhine and Meuse.
How did Bastogne become part of Luxembourg?
Like the rest of Luxembourg, Bastogne passed on to first to the Burgundians, and then the Spanish in 1516. When the Dutch came to try their hand at the city’s fortified walls, in 1602, they were sent packing. The French, however, were more successful, with Louis XIV occupying it as part of the Nine Year War.
How did the Americans defend Bastogne?
The Americans established road blocks with battle groups that were camped around Bastogne, like Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division. The commander of this battle group, Colonel William L. Roberts, had to delay the advancing Germans.