Would Germany Have Won If World War II Had Started in 1945?

Impossibility of Victory

No, it would have been impossible for Germany or Japan to win World War II if it had started in 1945. The Allies had a significant numerical and technological superiority, rendering any German or Japanese victory highly unlikely.

By 1945, Germany was already severely weakened by years of war. The Allied forces, comprising the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and others, had formed a formidable military coalition. These countries' combined industrial power, manpower, and resources would have easily overwhelmed a Germany that was already under intense strain.

Industrial and Military Overwhelming

The Allies produced an astronomical number of military vehicles and ships, significantly outproducing the Axis powers. Here are a few key statistics:

Ships: The Allies built 12 battleships, 200 aircraft carriers, dozens of cruisers, hundreds of destroyers, hundreds of corvettes, and thousands of cargo ships. In contrast, Germany built only 1200 submarines but no surface ships. Aircraft: For every aircraft the Germans built, the Allies produced 12 superior ones. Tanks: Germany produced 17,000 tanks, while the Allies produced over 225,000 tanks.

Strategic and Technological Challenges

Even with advanced technologies like the V-2 rocket and jet fighters, Germany's strategic decisions and weakened state posed significant challenges. The Allies were also making substantial technological advancements, including the development of the atomic bomb, which would have further complicated any potential German victory.

Public Sentiment and Morale

By 1945, the German public was exhausted and weary of war. This public sentiment could have impacted the effectiveness of any newly initiated war effort, making it even more challenging for Germany to achieve victory.

Conclusion

In summary, if World War II had started in 1945, Germany's weakened state, the strength of the Allied coalition, and the technological and strategic disadvantages it faced would have made a German victory highly improbable.