The Battle Of Stalingrad

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The battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in World War Two, and considered the bloodiest battle in World War Two by many historians (Kerr). It ended the German offensive in Russia and destroyed much of Germany’s armies and would result in an end to the war (Kerr). Stalingrad is located along the west bank of the Volga River in Russia and was targeted by Hitler for many reasons (website 2).
He not only despised Stalin, who the city was named for, but if he could capture the city it would give him easy access to the soviet oil fields in the Caucasus (website 1). The city was also the center of communications in southern Russia and a manufacturing center (website 1). The Battle of Stalingrad was a one hundred and ninety nine day long battle that began in August 1942 and ended on February 2, 1943 (Hoyt). In response to the beginning of the attack Stalin ordered “Not a step backwards”. He knew he could not afford to lose the city (website 1).
After this victory by Soviet Russia, the Nazi leaders faced, for the first time, the prospect of a final defeat (Hoyt). However, the Russian people paid dearly with loss of life and the destruction of most of the city (Hoyt). Hitler and his generals made a big mistake that they would not realize until their defeat at Stalingrad (Kerr). The Germans underestimated their enemy and the Russian willingness and capacity to endure hardship and relentless fighting (Hoyt).
Both the German troops and their Russian counterparts were well equipped for the battle. The Germans, under General Friedich von Paulus, had 1,011,500 men, 10,290 artillery guns, 675 tanks and 1, 216 planes (website 1). The Russians, led by General Zhukov had 1,000,500 men, 13,541 artillery guns, 894 tanks, and 1,115 planes (website 1). By the end of the battle, many would be dead or wounded on both sides.
General Paulus’ Sixth Army broke through the defenses along the Don River in August and stayed north of Stal...