Thesis Statement: The decisions and planning of senior leaders, both German and American, resulted in the last major defeat of the German Republic at the Battle of the Bulge. Discussion: Adolph Hitler, knowing that his army was on the brink of defeat, decided to launch one last offensive in the Ardennes forest along the German-Belgian-Luxembourg border. His objective was to cut the advancing American forces in half and to re-take the port at Antwerp. This would cut off allied supply trains and make it impossible for the Allies to receive support or withdraw. Conclusion: The American army was not prepared for the attack along the 80- mile front along the German axis of attack, but responded quickly and effectively ultimately handing Hitler the worst, most decisive, and last major defeat of World War II. Counterpoint: The German army was capable of achieving their goal of re-taking Antwerp during the Battle of the Bulge, but decisions made by Adolph Hitler, coupled with the leadership decisions by the Allied forces, led to Germany's defeat.

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