6. Battle of Stalingrad (1942-43)
The Battle of Stalingrad, fought between August 1942 and February 1943, was one of World War II’s bloodiest confrontations, resulting in over two million casualties. German forces, under General Friedrich Paulus, advanced toward the Soviet city of Stalingrad, aiming to seize its industrial resources and strategic position along the Volga River. The Soviet Red Army, commanded by General Vasily Chuikov, mounted a determined defense, leading to brutal urban combat. In November 1942, the Soviets launched a counteroffensive, encircling the German 6th Army. Despite Hitler’s orders to hold the position, the encircled German forces faced starvation and harsh winter conditions. On February 2, 1943, General Paulus surrendered, marking a significant turning point in the war. The battle exemplified the devastating consequences of overextension and underestimating the enemy’s resolve. For more information, visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. (ushmm.org)
