What aspect of military strategy did the Germans effectively utilize in their operations during World War II?

The Germans effectively utilized combined arms operations during World War II, which involved coordinating different branches of the military—infantry, armor, and air power—to achieve strategic objectives. This integrated approach allowed for highly mobile and flexible operations, exemplified by the Blitzkrieg tactics that focused on speed and surprise. By using tank units in conjunction with air support and infantry, German forces could exploit vulnerabilities in enemy defenses, creating breakthroughs and rapidly advancing into enemy territory.

Combined arms operations were crucial in numerous campaigns, enabling the Germans to quickly overwhelm opponents and territorial gains in the early years of the war. This method of warfare contrasts with other strategies such as guerrilla warfare, which emphasizes hit-and-run tactics and is typically associated with smaller, irregular forces. Nuclear deterrence, while a significant factor in military strategy during the latter part of the 20th century, did not play a role in the early years of World War II. Lastly, although naval blockades were employed by various nations during the war, they were not a hallmark of German military strategy, which focused more on land and air superiority.