Germany

One of the most powerful and destructive governments in global history was the Nazi regime in Germany. The Nazis, led by Adolf Hitler, came to power in 1933 and immediately started carrying out their expansionist and racial purity goals. Due to its extensive planning and growth, the nation kept a powerful military. Its economy was sizable as well, but not as sizable as that of the US or the USSR. In the early stages of the conflict, Germany was able to defeat the majority of its foes. It ruled over a large portion of Europe, including Poland and France. Tanks and artillery made up the bulk of the nation's military arsenal.

German artillery was able to accurately pound opposing positions, and the Panzer tank was one of the most feared weapons on the battlefield. A serious foe was the German air force or Luftwaffe. It was effective and precise in its bombing of Allied targets. However, the air battle over Europe was ultimately won by the Allies. Germany posed a danger to the Allied troops despite its military setbacks until its capitulation in 1945. The nation had more than 12,000 pieces of artillery, almost 23,000 tanks, and close to 900 fighter aircraft in its arsenal.