The Decisive Battles of World History

Outcomes
x Although the Germans attempted several more offensives, for the
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was the turning point of the war against Nazi Germany.

x Before Stalingrad, the Germans retained an aura of invincibility that

was utterly destroyed along with Paulus’s army. Before Stalingrad,

the Germans were constantly advancing and expanding their

empire, but after this battle, they were entirely on the defensive,

struggling to protect a steadily contracting territory.

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ultimately became a war of attrition, one in which the Germans

could not compete with Russia’s resources. Even though the

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the Russians were willing to accept the unequal ratio, and in the

end, the Germans were helpless before the vast and unstoppable

Red Army.

Beevor, Stalingrad.

Clark, Barbarossa.

Craig, Enemy at the Gates.

1. What might Germany have done differently to increase its chance of
   success on the Eastern Front?


2. How much do you think the fact that the city was named “Stalingrad”
   had to do with both Hitler’s determination to conquer it and Stalin’s
   determination to defend it?

Suggested Reading

Questions to Consider