The Battle of StalingradAlso known as the World War 2 Turning
PointKristi
HearnePratt, 2a
One of the bloodiest battles ever fought
* Over 1.5 million men were killed
Soviet Union vs. Germany
Purpose
Control of Stalingrad in Southwest Russia
Fought from July 17, 1942 until February 2, 1943
Why Stalingrad?
Two possible reasons: 1) Hitler felt it would have been unwise to leave a major city unconquered 2) Hitler ordered the attack because it had Joseph Stalin’s name
“The world will stand still for us”-Hitler
Center for communication in southern Russia
In early September, 1942 Germany advanced to Stalingrad
For moral reasons, Russians couldn’t let the city fall
Stalin’s orders were simple, “Not a step backwards!”
Welcome to the Most Brutal Battle of World War 2
Individual streets were being fought on using hand-to-hand combat
Germans took majority of the city Failed to assert authority Most areas once taken by Germany were
quickly recaptured
Russian Counter-Offensive
Launched on November 19, 1942
Using six armies of 1 million men, Russia had Germany surrounded
Unable to retreat, Germany faced freezing Russian temperatures
Germans only option was to surrender
February 2, 1943 the surrender took place
Disastrous for Germany
Complete German army was lost at battle
91,000 Germans were taken as prisoners
Lack of manpower and equipment, Germany couldn’t stop Russia when they attacked in Germany
“The God of war has gone to the other side”-Hitler
Hitler ordered a day of mourning not for the loss of soldiers, but for the “shame” von Paulus had brought
Paulus was stripped of his rankings
Works Cited
"Battle of Stalingrad: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article." AbsoluteAstronomy.com. Web. 03 Apr. 2011. <http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Battle_of_Stalingrad>.
"The Battle of Stalingrad." History Learning Site. Web. 05 Apr. 2011. <http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/battle_of_stalingrad.htm>.