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Hitler issues orders for General Paulus to lead his 6th Army to attack Stalingrad
Germany's army force was built in secret before the war (McDonald; "Battle of Stanlingrad"). The army gained large amounts of strength because of extreme nationalism and personal loyalty to Hitler (McDonald). -
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In what ways did the Battle of Stalingrad affect the outcome of World War II, and why?
Although the German Army had a reputation in the West as an unbeatable foe, it was weakened after suffering heavy losses at Stalingrad, losing its reputation of being indestructible and powerful (McDonald; Noy). The loss also boosted the morale and spirits of the Allies until the end of the war two years later (Noy).
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Bombing of Stalingrad
One thousand airplanes dropped bombs on the city of 600,000 people (Antill). -
German army begins to advance on Stalingrad
After reaching the River Volga, the German soldiers began their advance on the city of Stalingrad (Rees). -
Soviet Forces break through German/Romanian lines
Marshal Zhukov lead the counter attack against the German 6th Army, concentrating on the forces protecting it, which allowed the Soviet Red Army to be reunited (Antill; "Battle of Stalingrad Timeline"). -
Soviets begin to surround the German 6th Army
The Soviet Red Army begins to trap the 6th Army and some of the 4th Panzer Army, about 220,000 men, between them (Antill; "Battle of Stalingrad Timeline"). -
The Luftwaffe begins airdropping supplies to the trapped German army
("Battle of Stalingrad Timeline") -
Hitler orders German 6th Army not to retreat
(Simkin; "Battle of Stalingrad"). -
The German 6th Army surrenders
Although the Luftwaffe was able to keep supplies going to the 6th Army, airlifting more than 30,000 troops out, the Army was forced to surrender more than 92,500 soldiers, generals, and other officers, only 6,000 of which lived to return to Germany (Antill).
