What was the significance of the battle of the bulge apex?

In World War II, the Battle of the Bulge was significant for two reasons. First, it used up the last remaining military resources of Germany, which led to quicker victory on the part of the Allies. Second, taking place on the western front, it allowed Soviet troops to gain more ground in the east than would otherwise have been possible before the war's end. These gains led to greater Soviet domination in post-war Europe and may also be seen as a primary cause of the Cold War. It was also significant because General Eisenhower failed to have his forces positioned properly to prevent this German counter attack. If this battle was lost by the Allies, their supply lines in Beligium would be threatened. It was also a wake up call for allied intelligence groups who ignored the warning signs that a German counter offensive was in the making. By being a surprise, many allied soldiers were needlessly killed. The counter attack was the result of the Germans having no alternative. The allies won the battle mostly due the clearing weather, allowing allied air forces to bomb German positions.