>>>>More specifically, Hitler tried to seize both Moscow and Leningrad.
>>
>>So you agree that focus changed from the drive towards Moscow to other goals?
>>
>>Would things have been different had the drive towards Moscow been maintained with the goal of decapitating government?
>
>First of all, I disagree that 'focus' changed (I advise you to read what I wrote, before cutting messages down). Hitler had planned attack on the widest front, i.e. on all three directions (north, central, south). Drive to Moscow was maintained as much as possible, i.e. army could not move forward without securing flanks (re: Stalingrad). Government was evacuated from Moscow so 'decapitating idea' does not hold water.

As far as I know, goverment was not evacuated (though it was considered but rejected by Stalin).