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The Prague offensive was the very first major military operation launched by the Soviet Union on the Eastern Front in May 1945.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Prague offensive was the final major military operation of World War II in Europe on the Eastern Front, occurring in May 1945, not the first.
The Prague offensive concluded precisely on May 8, 1945, coinciding with Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Nazi Germany surrendered on May 8/9, 1945, the Prague offensive continued until May 11, 1945, extending beyond the official surrender date.
The Prague offensive concluded the fighting in Europe three days before Victory in Europe Day.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Prague offensive concluded on May 11, 1945, which was three days *after* Victory in Europe Day (May 8/9, 1945).
The Prague offensive was a minor operation occurring well after the fall of Berlin.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Prague offensive was the final major military operation on the Eastern Front, occurring immediately after the fall of Berlin and concluding the war in Europe.
The final engagement of the Prague offensive occurred near the city of Pilsen.
Answer: False
Explanation: The final engagement of the Prague offensive occurred near the settlement of Slivice, southeast of Příbram, not Pilsen.
What was the Prague offensive, and when did it primarily take place?
Answer: The final major Soviet operation in Europe, occurring from May 6 to May 11, 1945, on the Eastern Front.
Explanation: The Prague offensive was the last major military operation of World War II in Europe, conducted by Soviet forces on the Eastern Front from May 6 to May 11, 1945.
When did Soviet tanks first enter Prague during the offensive?
Answer: May 9, 1945
Explanation: Armored units of the 1st Ukrainian Front entered Prague at dawn on May 9, 1945.
How did the Prague offensive conclude the fighting in Europe?
Answer: It was the last major engagement, mopping up remaining German resistance and liberating Czechoslovakia.
Explanation: The Prague offensive served as the final major military engagement of World War II in Europe, completing the liberation of Czechoslovakia and mopping up remaining German resistance.
The primary objective of the Prague offensive was to secure German industrial assets in the Sudetenland for the Soviet Union.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary objective was the elimination of remaining German Army Group Centre and Ostmark forces from Czechoslovakia and Austria, not specifically the acquisition of industrial assets.
Both Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin viewed Prague as strategically insignificant in the final days of the war.
Answer: False
Explanation: Both leaders recognized Prague's strategic and political importance, particularly for influencing post-war Czechoslovakia and asserting Soviet presence.
Joseph Stalin's political motivation for the Prague offensive was primarily to secure territory for future Soviet expansion into Western Europe.
Answer: False
Explanation: Stalin's primary political motivation was to establish a strong Soviet military presence in Prague to influence post-war Czechoslovakia's political alignment, rather than direct expansion into Western Europe.
The Prague offensive resulted in the capture or destruction of the last large intact German military formations.
Answer: True
Explanation: The offensive effectively destroyed Army Group Centre and significant parts of Army Group Ostmark, which were the last large intact German military formations on the Eastern Front.
The Prague offensive had minimal impact on Germany's overall military capacity, as major formations were already destroyed.
Answer: False
Explanation: The offensive completely destroyed the last large intact German formations (Army Group Centre and Ostmark remnants), significantly impacting Germany's remaining military capacity.
From a Soviet political perspective, the capture of Prague was considered a minor achievement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Stalin viewed the capture of Prague as a significant political achievement, crucial for establishing Soviet influence in post-war Czechoslovakia.
What was the main objective of the Prague offensive?
Answer: To eliminate remaining German Army Group Centre and Ostmark forces from Czechoslovakia and Austria.
Explanation: The primary military objective was to destroy or capture the remaining German Army Group Centre and elements of Army Group Ostmark operating in Czechoslovakia and Austria.
What was the strategic importance of Prague for both Churchill and Stalin?
Answer: Capturing it was seen as crucial for influencing post-war political outcomes in Czechoslovakia and asserting Soviet presence.
Explanation: Both leaders recognized Prague's significance for post-war political influence in Czechoslovakia and for establishing a strong Soviet military presence in Central Europe.
What was Joseph Stalin's primary political motivation for the Prague offensive?
Answer: To establish a strong Soviet military presence to influence post-war Czechoslovakia.
Explanation: Stalin sought to ensure a significant Soviet military presence in Prague to shape the post-war political landscape of Czechoslovakia and solidify Soviet influence in the region.
Which of the following German military formations were effectively destroyed or captured as the last large intact units during the Prague offensive?
Answer: Army Group Centre and remnants of Army Group Ostmark
Explanation: The Prague offensive resulted in the destruction or capture of Army Group Centre and significant parts of Army Group Ostmark, which constituted the last large intact German military formations.
The Soviet Union was the sole Allied power involved in the Prague offensive.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Soviet Union led the offensive, other Allied forces, including the Polish 2nd Army and Romanian armies, also participated.
Army Group Vistula was the main German formation targeted during the Prague offensive.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary German formations targeted were Army Group Centre and remnants of Army Group Ostmark, not Army Group Vistula.
Soviet forces involved in the Prague offensive numbered less than half a million personnel.
Answer: False
Explanation: Soviet forces numbered approximately 1,770,700 personnel, significantly more than half a million.
The German forces facing the Prague offensive were estimated to be significantly larger than the Soviet forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: German forces were estimated at approximately 1,030,000 to 1,080,000 personnel, considerably fewer than the Soviet forces involved.
The Russian Liberation Army (ROA) divisions fought exclusively against German forces in support of the Prague uprising.
Answer: False
Explanation: One ROA division supported the Prague uprising against German forces, while the other moved west to surrender to American forces, indicating varied actions.
Field Marshal Ferdinand Schörner planned for Army Group Centre to fight its way east towards Soviet lines.
Answer: False
Explanation: Field Marshal Schörner planned a fighting withdrawal westwards, aiming to surrender Army Group Centre to American forces, not east towards Soviet lines.
US forces advanced directly onto Prague, engaging Soviet forces in the city.
Answer: False
Explanation: US forces halted their advance at an agreed demarcation line with the Soviet Union and did not advance directly onto Prague or engage Soviet forces there.
Field Marshal Schörner was captured by Soviet forces when his headquarters was overrun.
Answer: False
Explanation: Field Marshal Schörner deserted his command before his headquarters was overrun and was later detained by German troops, then handed over to the Americans.
The German Army Group Ostmark played a crucial role in defending against the main Soviet thrust towards Prague from the north.
Answer: False
Explanation: Army Group Ostmark was primarily engaged in the southern sectors of the offensive, facing the 2nd and 4th Ukrainian Fronts, not the main northern thrust.
German military directives explicitly ordered forces to surrender to Soviet troops if possible.
Answer: False
Explanation: German directives, particularly from May 2, 1945, ordered forces to avoid capture by the Soviets and seek separate negotiations with the Western Allies.
The 'demarcation line' agreed upon by the Allies ensured US forces would liberate Prague.
Answer: False
Explanation: The demarcation line prevented US forces from advancing on Prague, respecting Soviet claims and political objectives in the region.
Field Marshal Schörner was captured by German troops after deserting and attempting to flee in civilian clothes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Schörner deserted his command and attempted to flee in civilian clothes, but he was detained by German troops and subsequently handed over to the Americans, not captured by them directly in the field.
US forces immediately continued offensive operations into western Czechoslovakia after the German surrender announcement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon receiving news of the German surrender, US forces ceased offensive operations east of the agreed demarcation line with the Soviet Union.
After the offensive, the majority of Army Group Centre's troops successfully surrendered to American forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: The majority of Army Group Centre's troops were captured by Soviet forces; while many attempted to surrender to the Americans, most did not succeed.
By May 8, 1945, German command and control structures were fully intact and functioning effectively.
Answer: False
Explanation: By May 8, 1945, German command and control structures were severely degraded, with key leaders like Field Marshal Schörner deserting their posts.
The German 17th Army successfully held its lines against the Soviet advance on the eastern flank.
Answer: False
Explanation: The German 17th Army, part of Army Group Centre's eastern flank, faced significant pressure and was ultimately destroyed or captured.
By early May 1945, German forces in Czechoslovakia and Austria had largely disintegrated and ceased organized resistance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Significant German formations, notably Army Group Centre, were still operating and resisting in these regions by early May 1945.
The 4th Ukrainian Front's objective was to capture Berlin.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 4th Ukrainian Front's objective was to advance westward into Czechoslovakia, supporting the main offensive, not to capture Berlin.
The German military responded promptly to the Soviet surrender demand broadcast on May 8.
Answer: False
Explanation: No reply was received from the German military to the Soviet surrender demand broadcast on May 8, and resistance continued in many sectors.
Which of the following was NOT a primary Allied participant in the Prague offensive?
Answer: United States Army
Explanation: The Soviet Union, Polish 2nd Army, and Romanian 1st Army were primary Allied participants. The United States Army operated in western Czechoslovakia but did not directly participate in the Prague offensive itself.
Which German army groups were primarily involved in opposing the Prague offensive?
Answer: Army Group Centre and Army Group Ostmark
Explanation: The primary German formations opposing the offensive were Army Group Centre and the remnants of Army Group Ostmark.
Approximately how many Soviet personnel were involved in the Prague offensive?
Answer: Approximately 1,770,700
Explanation: The Soviet forces involved in the Prague offensive numbered approximately 1,770,700 personnel.
What was the estimated strength of the German forces facing the Prague offensive?
Answer: Around 1,030,000 to 1,080,000
Explanation: The German forces, primarily Army Group Centre and remnants of Army Group Ostmark, were estimated to be between 1,030,000 and 1,080,000 personnel.
What was the dual role played by divisions of the Russian Liberation Army (ROA) near Prague?
Answer: One division fought against German forces supporting the uprising, while the other moved west to surrender to American forces.
Explanation: One ROA division supported the Prague uprising against German forces, while the other division moved west to surrender to American forces.
Field Marshal Ferdinand Schörner's 'Blumen-Operation' aimed to achieve what?
Answer: A fighting withdrawal to surrender Army Group Centre to American forces.
Explanation: Schörner's 'Blumen-Operation' was conceived as a strategy for Army Group Centre to conduct a fighting withdrawal westwards, aiming to surrender to American forces.
What action did US forces take upon reaching western Czechoslovakia during the offensive?
Answer: They halted offensive operations east of an agreed demarcation line with the Soviet Union.
Explanation: Upon reaching the agreed demarcation line in western Czechoslovakia, US forces ceased offensive operations, adhering to the Allied agreement with the Soviet Union.
What happened to Field Marshal Ferdinand Schörner after he deserted his command?
Answer: He was detained by German troops after attempting to flee in civilian clothes and subsequently handed over to the Americans.
Explanation: After deserting, Schörner attempted to flee in civilian clothes but was detained by German troops and later handed over to American forces.
What directive did German military leadership issue regarding surrender strategy on May 2, 1945?
Answer: Avoid capture by the Soviets and seek separate negotiations with the Western Allies.
Explanation: On May 2, 1945, German military leadership ordered forces to avoid capture by the Soviets and to seek separate negotiations with the Western Allies.
What was the purpose of the 'demarcation line' agreed upon by the Allies?
Answer: To define the zones of liberation between Soviet and US forces, preventing US advance on Prague.
Explanation: The demarcation line established the zones of liberation between Soviet and US forces, crucially preventing US forces from advancing further east into areas designated for Soviet liberation, including Prague.
Soviet forces encountered minimal terrain challenges during the Prague offensive, primarily advancing across open plains.
Answer: False
Explanation: The offensive involved varied terrain, including mountainous regions like the Ore Mountains, and urban areas, presenting significant challenges.
The 1st Ukrainian Front encountered easy terrain, including large, flat plains, during their advance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1st Ukrainian Front faced significant terrain challenges, including the mountainous Ore Mountains, which impeded their advance.
The Battle of Bautzen, fought shortly before the Prague offensive, was a decisive Soviet victory that weakened German defenses.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Bautzen was a German tactical victory for the 4th Panzer Army, not a decisive Soviet victory.
The Ore Mountains presented no significant obstacle to the Soviet advance during the Prague offensive.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ore Mountains constituted a significant geographical obstacle, particularly for the 1st Ukrainian Front's advance towards Prague.
The city of Prague was completely destroyed during the Prague offensive.
Answer: False
Explanation: While there was fighting and damage, Prague was not completely destroyed during the offensive.
Soviet artillery played a minimal role in the Prague offensive, with tank armies carrying the entire burden.
Answer: False
Explanation: Soviet offensives, including the Prague offensive, relied heavily on coordinated efforts involving both tank armies for breakthroughs and substantial artillery support.
The city of Dresden was bypassed by Soviet forces during the Prague offensive.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dresden was captured by Soviet forces on May 8, 1945, as part of the operations leading up to the final push towards Prague.
The German 4th Panzer Army successfully repelled the Soviet advance north of Dresden.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the 4th Panzer Army achieved a tactical victory at Bautzen north of Dresden, it ultimately could not repel the overall Soviet advance towards Prague.
The Battle of Bautzen occurred after the Prague offensive concluded.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Bautzen took place shortly *before* the Prague offensive began.
Which terrain feature presented a significant challenge for the 1st Ukrainian Front during the offensive?
Answer: The Ore Mountains
Explanation: The Ore Mountains presented a significant geographical obstacle for the 1st Ukrainian Front's main thrust towards Prague from the north.
The Battle of Bautzen, occurring shortly before the Prague offensive, is described as:
Answer: A German tactical victory for the 4th Panzer Army against Soviet and Polish forces.
Explanation: The Battle of Bautzen, fought shortly before the Prague offensive, resulted in a German tactical victory for the 4th Panzer Army against Soviet and Polish forces.
The Prague offensive occurred entirely independently of the Prague uprising against German occupation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Prague offensive occurred concurrently with and significantly aided the Prague uprising, contributing to the liberation of the city.
Soviet tanks entered Prague on May 9, 1945, after the city had already been fully secured by Czech insurgents.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Czech insurgents fought valiantly, Soviet tanks entered Prague on May 9, 1945, as part of an ongoing offensive that helped liberate the city, not after it was fully secured solely by insurgents.
The 'Prague Strategic Offensive Operation' is the English translation for the Prague uprising.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Prague Strategic Offensive Operation' (Pražská strategická ofenzivní operace) is the Russian name for the military offensive, distinct from the Prague uprising (Pražské povstání).
How did the Prague offensive interact with the Prague uprising?
Answer: The offensive occurred concurrently and aided the uprising by helping liberate the city from German control.
Explanation: The Prague offensive was launched concurrently with the Prague uprising and provided crucial military support that aided the liberation of the city from German occupation.
The total Allied casualties during the Prague offensive were fewer than 10,000.
Answer: False
Explanation: Total Allied casualties were approximately 52,498, comprising over 11,000 irrecoverable losses and over 40,000 wounded or sick.
The Soviet Union captured fewer than 100,000 German soldiers as a result of the Prague offensive.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Soviet Union captured approximately 860,000 German soldiers during the offensive.
The Soviet official history described the Prague offensive as a minor engagement with minimal Allied participation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Soviet official histories portrayed the offensive as a significant and successful joint effort for Czechoslovakian liberation, though they sometimes downplayed political motives.
Several prominent Czech collaborators died by suicide around the time of the offensive.
Answer: True
Explanation: Several prominent Czech collaborators, including Emanuel Moravec and Konrad Henlein, died by suicide or shortly after arrest around the time of the offensive's conclusion.
All ROA soldiers involved in the Prague offensive were immediately hailed as heroes by the Soviet government.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Soviet government labeled ROA soldiers as traitors, and they faced detention and punishment, not accolades.
The 'Czech Hell' phenomenon involved Czech partisans actively targeting fleeing German soldiers and collaborators after liberation.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Czech Hell' refers to the post-liberation actions of Czech partisans and civilians against fleeing German soldiers and collaborators.
The Prague offensive had no significant impact on Czechoslovakia's post-war political alignment.
Answer: False
Explanation: The offensive ensured a strong Soviet military presence, which significantly influenced Czechoslovakia's post-war political alignment and eventual status as a Soviet satellite state.
Soviet casualties during the final push into Prague were exceptionally high, described as their toughest battle.
Answer: False
Explanation: Soviet casualties during the final push into Prague were notably low, with the entry into the city itself described as their 'easiest victory'.
Allied materiel losses during the Prague offensive included over 1,000 tanks and self-propelled guns.
Answer: False
Explanation: Allied materiel losses included 373 tanks and self-propelled guns, not over 1,000.
The 'Medal "For the Liberation of Prague"' was awarded by the German government to its soldiers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Medal "For the Liberation of Prague"' was instituted by the Soviet Union to honor participants of the offensive.
Historiography of the Prague offensive consistently portrays it as a purely humanitarian liberation effort in both Soviet and German accounts.
Answer: False
Explanation: Soviet accounts emphasized liberation but sometimes downplayed political motives, while German accounts offered different perspectives. The portrayal was not consistently humanitarian across all historical narratives.
Following the offensive, Czechoslovakia's pre-war borders were fully restored without any territorial changes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Carpathian Ruthenia was ceded to the USSR in July 1945, meaning Czechoslovakia's pre-war borders were not fully restored.
What was the approximate total number of Allied casualties during the Prague offensive?
Answer: Approximately 52,498
Explanation: Total Allied casualties amounted to approximately 52,498, including over 11,000 irrecoverable losses and over 40,000 wounded or sick.
How many German soldiers were captured by the Soviet Union as a result of the Prague offensive?
Answer: Approximately 860,000
Explanation: The Soviet Union captured approximately 860,000 German soldiers during the Prague offensive.
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the Soviet official history's portrayal of the Prague offensive?
Answer: It was praised as a successful joint effort for Czechoslovakian freedom, downplaying political motives.
Explanation: Soviet official histories highlighted the operation as a successful joint effort for Czechoslovakian liberation while often downplaying Stalin's political motivations and the role of certain Czech officers.
What was the 'Czech Hell' phenomenon?
Answer: The actions of Czech partisans and civilians against fleeing Germans and collaborators after liberation.
Explanation: 'Czech Hell' refers to the post-liberation actions taken by Czech partisans and civilians against fleeing German soldiers, collaborators, and ethnic Germans.
How did the Prague offensive contribute to Czechoslovakia becoming a Soviet satellite state?
Answer: By ensuring a strong Soviet military presence that facilitated the rise of communist influence post-war.
Explanation: The offensive secured a significant Soviet military presence in Prague, which was instrumental in facilitating the post-war rise of communist influence and ultimately led to Czechoslovakia becoming a Soviet satellite state.
What was notable about the Soviet casualty rate during the final push into Prague?
Answer: It was exceptionally low, described as their 'easiest victory'.
Explanation: Soviet casualties during the final push into Prague were remarkably low, with the entry into the city itself characterized as their 'easiest victory' of the war.
Which of the following was a significant Allied materiel loss during the Prague offensive?
Answer: 373 tanks and self-propelled guns
Explanation: Allied materiel losses included 373 tanks and self-propelled guns, along with 1,006 artillery pieces and 80 aircraft.
What territorial change occurred in Czechoslovakia following the Prague offensive and subsequent Soviet actions?
Answer: Carpathian Ruthenia was ceded to the USSR.
Explanation: Following the offensive and subsequent political arrangements, Carpathian Ruthenia was ceded by Czechoslovakia to the USSR in July 1945.