The Battle of Stalingrad- A Turning Point in the Second World War Essay

The battle of Stalingrad raged from August 1942 until the German surrender on 2 February 1943. Significantly, it was the first catastrophic defeat to bef alone the Wermacht force who non only lost the battle but were severely humiliated. Indeed, the German regular army never fully recovered from this blow to its morale. Upwards of 270,000 troops were kil direct and 91,000 prisoners were taken by the Red Army included in this latter phone number were 23 German Generals. Conversely, morale in the Red Army soared as a consequence of Stalingrad giving the Russians increased might and confidence. This battle delineated a bit point in the Second World War. By successfully defending the city of Stalingrad the Soviet Union were able to recant Hitler his summer 1942 objective of paralysing the Soviet war effort by interrupting Russian oil supplies and seizing the Caucasus oil fields. This achievement was made possible by dint of the stubborn and ferocious resistance of the Red Army in spite of appearance the b array of Stalingrad and the meticulously planned counteroffensive which led to the encirclement of the entire 6th host outside the city. In addition, compared with their German counterparts, the Red Army were highly organized, they had overlord lines of communication and were better equipped. Stalingrad, reduced to a burning shell within days of the first German assault, was defended by the Soviet 62nd Army led by General Chuikov. Although German troops captured 90% of the city, Chuikov maintained his stand on a strip of land a mile long. Stalin had issued the order not a step backwards therefore discipline was harsh and traitors were killed without sentiment. The Red Army were merciless, executing over 13,000 of their own men. It was however the counteroff... ...man POWs. Stalin personally took credit for the achievement and military defeats prior to Stalingrad were depicted as part of his pre-arranged plan. Stalingrad was a deforming point in th e war but not a deciding(prenominal) one. Stalin believed victory placed him in a greater position of strength within the Grand Alliance. He was therefore more confident during 1943 in pushing negotiations for the opening of a second front. The Red Army fought with renew vigor on the E front and within 18 months had recovered all Russian territory taken by Germany. In 1943, the question was no longer if Germany could be defeated but when. However, Stalingrad alone did not turn the tide of war in favor of the allies. The battle did play a vital role but other factors must be considered American victories in the Pacific, allied landings in North Africa and the defeat of Rommel at el-Alamein.