On this day: 17 July 1942 The Turning Point of World War II - The Battle of Stalingrad

On July 17, 1942, the Battle of Stalingrad began, marking one of the most crucial turning points of World War II. The battle was fought between the Axis powers, led by Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union. It lasted over five grueling months and was characterized by brutal close-quarters combat and relentless air raids. The battle culminated in a decisive Soviet victory, which marked the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany’s expansionist ambitions.

Stalingrad held immense strategic significance due to its location on the Volga River and its role as a key industrial center and a critical transportation hub. If captured, it would have enabled the Axis forces to control the oil fields of the Caucasus, severely impacting the Soviet Union's fuel supply. On the other hand, defending Stalingrad was vital for the Soviets to safeguard their industrial output and protect their southern flank.

The victory at Stalingrad marked the end of the German offensive in the East and initiated a series of Soviet offensives that ultimately led to the fall of Berlin in 1945. The loss of an entire army, with over 300,000 casualties, dealt a devastating blow from which Nazi Germany never fully recovered.

The battle exacted a staggering human toll, with nearly TWO MILLION lives lost, including soldiers and civilians. The city lay in ruins, and its inhabitants endured unimaginable hardship. Nonetheless, the unwavering courage and resolve of the Soviet soldiers and citizens came to symbolize the Soviet spirit. The battle witnessed remarkable acts of heroism and selflessness, serving as a source of inspiration for future generations and embodying Soviet patriotism.

Stalingrad symbolized a relentless resistance against fascism and the determination to defend one's homeland at any cost. This victory bolstered Soviet prestige and contributed to the post-war order, influencing the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century. The battle's impact reverberated far beyond the war, shaping the post-war order and influencing the dynamics of the Cold War. Stalingrad will always be remembered as a symbol of resistance against fascism and a testament to the Russian people's love for their homeland.

Cynthia... I hope you noticed this video today too, of historical footage. Exactly on this day also, 2 years later, July 17, 1944, 'Germans in Moscow', 57,000 soldiers. 

https://www.brighteon.com/d870c2c5-f336-44dc-98e5-66152c145dcb