- It was one of the largest and bloodiest battles in the history of warfare, involving more than 2 million troops and resulting in an estimated 2 million casualties.
- The battle marked a turning point in the war, as it was the first major defeat for the German army and a significant victory for the Soviet Union.
- The Battle of Stalingrad began with the German Army Group South launching an offensive to capture the city of Stalingrad, which was a major industrial center and transportation hub.
- The Germans quickly advanced and managed to encircle the city, trapping the Soviet defenders within.
- The Soviet forces, under the leadership of General Georgy Zhukov, launched a counter-offensive in November 1942, aiming to encircle the German forces in Stalingrad.
- The Soviets gradually gained ground and succeeded in encircling the German 6th Army, led by General Friedrich Paulus.
- The German army attempted to break out of the encirclement but failed, and on February 2, 1943, General Paulus surrendered to the Soviets.
- The defeat at Stalingrad had a devastating impact on the German military, both psychologically and strategically.
- It marked the beginning of the end of German dominance on the Eastern Front and ultimately contributed to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.
Key Points:
- The Battle of Stalingrad lasted for about six months and was characterized by intense urban warfare, house-to-house fighting, and brutal hand-to-hand combat.
- The battle was marked by extreme cold, with temperatures dropping below -30 degrees Celsius.
- Stalingrad was heavily damaged during the battle, with entire sections of the city reduced to rubble.
- The Soviet victory at Stalingrad boosted the morale of the Soviet troops and gave hope to the Allies that the Axis powers could be defeated.
- The battle is regarded as one of the most significant military engagements in history, demonstrating the resilience and determination of the Soviet people.