Battle of Stalingrad

The Battle of Stalingrad was a major confrontation of World War II in which Nazi Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of the city of Stalingrad (now Volgograd) in Southern Russia. Marked by fierce close-quarters combat and direct assaults on civilians by air raids, it is often regarded as one of the single largest (nearly 2.2 million personnel) and bloodiest (1.8–2 million killed, wounded or captured) battles in the history of warfare.

Background

The German Army (Wehrmacht) launched Operation Barbarossa in June 1941, aiming to conquer the Soviet Union. By the summer of 1942, the Germans had advanced into Soviet territory and aimed to capture Stalingrad, a major industrial city on the Volga River. The capture of Stalingrad would secure the left flank of the German armies as they advanced into the oil-rich Caucasus region.

The Battle

The battle began with the German Luftwaffe bombing the city, reducing much of it to rubble. The German 6th Army, under the command of Friedrich Paulus, advanced into the city, expecting a quick victory. However, the Soviet defenders, led by Vasily Chuikov, mounted a determined defense, engaging in brutal house-to-house fighting.

Soviet Counteroffensive

In November 1942, the Red Army launched Operation Uranus, a massive counteroffensive that encircled the German 6th Army. Despite orders from Adolf Hitler to hold the city at all costs, the encircled German forces were eventually forced to surrender in February 1943.

Aftermath

The defeat at Stalingrad was a turning point in the war on the Eastern Front. It marked the beginning of a series of Soviet offensives that would eventually push the German forces back to Berlin. The battle also had a significant impact on German morale and military strategy.

Legacy

The Battle of Stalingrad is remembered as a symbol of Soviet resilience and determination. It is commemorated in Russia as a key event in the Great Patriotic War. The city of Stalingrad was later renamed Volgograd in 1961.

See also

• Operation Barbarossa
• Eastern Front (World War II)
• Vasily Chuikov
• Friedrich Paulus

External links

• Battle of Stalingrad - History.com
• Battle of Stalingrad - Britannica