INFORMATION
The 'Battle of Stalingrad' is revered by the Russian confederation as the most patriotic battle their country participated in and many historians believe it was the greatest battle of World War 2. The 'Battle of Stalingrad' stopped Germany's advance into the Soviet Union and was a turning point in the war in favor of the allies. It was one of the bloodiest battles, not only of World War 2 but in history. It resulted in over 2 million casualties including civilians. Germany surrendered on February 2nd 1942, this was the start of the Nazi's downfall.
Ruins of stalingrad
Soviet infantry defending their positions in the ruins of Stalingrad.
This was a common scene during the 'Battle of Stalingrad' due to Germany reducing Stalingrad to ruins during the winter of 1942.
This was a common scene during the 'Battle of Stalingrad' due to Germany reducing Stalingrad to ruins during the winter of 1942.
The Red Army and Navy and the whole Soviet people must fight for every inch of Soviet soil, fight to the last drop of blood for our towns and villages...onward, to victory! - Joseph Stalin (July 1941)
Why did germany advance on stalingrad?
Germany advanced on Stalingrad because strategically it would have been unwise to leave such a powerful and large city unscathed in your wake as you advance on the rest of Europe. If left untouched it would have been quite simple for the Soviet Union to take Germany down from behind. Hitler ordered the attack on Stalingrad simply because of Hitler's hatred for Joseph 'Stalin' hence the name of the city and why Joseph Stalin demanded the city to be saved. There were other reasons that Hitler demanded the taking of Stalingrad: there were many oil fields, Russia's communication center in the south and it was the center for manufacturing tractor's and military equipment.
Adolf Hitler's Influence
Adolf Hitler's influence on the 'Battle of Stalingrad' was selfish and fueled by his hatred for Joseph Stalin.
"Surrender is forbidden. 6th Army will hold their positions to the last man and the last round and by their heroic endurance will make an unforgettable contribution towards the establishment of a defensive front and the salvation of the Western world."
This was Adolf Hitler's order to Friedrich Paulus for the 6th Army during the 'Battle of Stalingrad' this cost the 6th Army dearly. This order prevented them from retreating from Stalingrad whilst they still had a chance and cost over 250,000 lives.
"Surrender is forbidden. 6th Army will hold their positions to the last man and the last round and by their heroic endurance will make an unforgettable contribution towards the establishment of a defensive front and the salvation of the Western world."
This was Adolf Hitler's order to Friedrich Paulus for the 6th Army during the 'Battle of Stalingrad' this cost the 6th Army dearly. This order prevented them from retreating from Stalingrad whilst they still had a chance and cost over 250,000 lives.
Strength of THE Armies
This war is not an ordinary war. It is the war of the entire Russian people. Not only to eliminate the danger hanging over our heads, but to aid all people groaning under the yoke of Fascism - Josef Stalin (July 1941)