Battle of StalingradEssential Question: What was

the Nazi strategy for the summer of 1942? Why did it

fail?

Stalingrad In1942 Hitler decides to have a narrow

front to capture oil fields in southern Russia Blitzkrieg at first successful and the Nazis

reached the Caucasus and Stalingrad but, it failed to deliver the knockout blow to Russia

Thus Germany would have to fight through the winter

The German army laid siege to Stalingrad, hoping to starve the civilians into surrender or annihilation

Importance of Stalingrad

• Major industrial city on banks of Volga River

• Also Russia’s center of communication

• Vital transport route between Caspian Sea and Northern Russia

• Control of the city would cut Soviet transport links with Southern Russia using the Volga River

• If Germany won Stalingrad, it would also allow them to get the rich oil fields of Caucasus

German Attack• The operation was divided into 2 groups.• Group A were to attack south towards Rostov,

heading for the Caspian Sea while taking oil-fields at Maikop.

• Group B’s primary task was to provide strong Northern flank along the Don, while cutting the vital Soviet freight traffic on the Volga.

1942 Stalingrad Stalin issued Order 227 and refused to allow

civilians out in order to make the soldiers fight harder

80% of the city was destroyed by the Luftwaffe

Bloodiest battle in history (2 million total casualties)

Street by street fighting• At one point, the Germans owned 90% of the city

Broke the back of the Nazis… turning point in the war

Problem “The German army

is like an elephant attacking a host of ants. He will crush and kill thousands, perhaps millions; but in the end, their numbers will overcome him, and he will be eaten in the end. “• - German Soldier

Soviet Counter Offensive• Battle lasted for about 6 months• In November Soviets launch counter offensive and attack the

Romanian troops on both sides of the city, trapping the German 6th army.

• Hitler orders them to be resupplied by air• 3000 tons a day dropped to an army that needs 5000. led to starvation of

German army• German General Paulus begs Hitler to allow a break out… told

to stand and fight• Hitler promotes Paulus to field marshal and tells him ‘No

German field marshal has ever been captured alive’ • Paulus and his 91k men surrender February 2, 1943… less than

6 k ever see Germany again… 22 German generals captured