What is the best definition of blitzkrieg?

Blitzkrieg, a German term meaning "lightning war," refers to a military strategy that aims to achieve a quick and decisive victory. The concept combines the use of mobile forces and concentrated firepower to break through the enemy's line, causing surprise, disorganization, and a rapid collapse in the enemy's defensive capabilities. Blitzkrieg tactics typically involve a coordinated attack by tanks, motorized infantry, artillery, and air power to overwhelm the enemy swiftly, thereby bypassing traditional, slower-moving methods of warfare and reducing the need for prolonged combat and siege operations.

The concept of blitzkrieg became most prominent during World War II when Nazi Germany utilized it to great effect in the initial stages of the war. The strategy relies on a series of key principles: speed, surprise, and the concentration of forces at a focal point.

The speed is achieved by the use of tanks and motor vehicles to move quickly across the battlefield, enabling them to bypass strongpoints and strike deep into enemy territory. Surprise is ensured by launching the attack unexpectedly, often at a time or place the enemy is not prepared for. Finally, the concentration of forces focuses on a narrow front, allowing a powerful punch that can break through enemy lines before the defense has time to organize an effective counterattack.

The success of blitzkrieg depends heavily on communication and coordination among all branches of the military—tanks, infantry, artillery, and air forces—working together as a cohesive unit. Moreover, it requires an element of psychological warfare, instilling fear and chaos within the enemy forces, often leading to their rapid defeat. However, blitzkrieg's effectiveness is reduced when facing a foe that is prepared, well-supplied, and capable of mounting a strong and flexible defense, as was shown in the later years of World War II.