At that point, a longer war in the West meant further and more secure Soviet advances in the East. The Morgenthau plan implied a harsh post-war settlement for

At that point, a longer war in the West meant further and more secure Soviet advances in the East. The Morgenthau plan implied a harsh post-war settlement for Germany, and at the time was viewed as effectively inspiring the Germans to fight on rather than capitulate or revolt against the failing Nazi regime.