History Extra podcast WW2's greatest battles | 2. Stalingrad
Apr 24, 2024
Military historian James Holland discusses the brutal Battle of Stalingrad in WWII, highlighting the strategic significance, Hitler's mistakes, Axis forces' challenges, and the fall of the German forces. He also explores the hypothetical impact of a German victory at Stalingrad on the outcome of the war.
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Turning Point On The Eastern Front
- Stalingrad marked the definitive reversal on the Eastern Front and confirmed Germany would not achieve its aims in the Soviet Union.
- The surrender erased German hopes for securing vital Soviet resources and shattered their strategic position.
Oil, Not Moscow, Was The Primary Goal
- Case Blue aimed primarily for the Caucasus oil fields, not Moscow, because Germany desperately needed fuel.
- Stalingrad was originally one objective among several but became central after Hitler altered the plan.
Splitting Forces Undermined The Campaign
- Hitler split Army Group South into A and B, diluting German strength and creating dual objectives.
- That division stretched supply lines and undermined the push toward strategic oil targets.