Stalingrad was a battle of vast importance in WW2, some historians claim that it was the most decisive battle. Both Hitler and Stalin made it clear that Stalingrad would likely determine the outcome of Operation Barbarosa. The battle for Stalingrad began with a bombing raid in 1942. It was the mightiest single air command in the world. Over 1,000 tons of bombs were dropped upon the city. (1) Many buildings were quickly turned to rubble, however some factories survived and continued production and their workers joined in the fighting. Stalin kept civilians from leaving the city hoping they would encourage the soldiers to fight harder. These civilians were also sent to build fortifications and barriers. In some factories, tanks were still produced and then manned by crews of factory workers. These tank were often sent without paint or even gunsights. By September 1, the Soviets could only reinforce and supply their forces in Stalingrad by crossing the Volga, constantly bombarded by artillery. Soviet troops launched wave after wave to repulse the attack with no major success. On July 27, 1942, Stalin issued his infamous Order No. 227, that demanded all commanders who order unauthorized retreat should be subjects of a military tribunal.(2) “Not a step back!” was the slogan. (2) The Germans pushing forward into …show more content…
It raged for 199 days. (2) At different times the Germans had held up to 90% of the city, yet the Soviet soldiers and officers fought on fiercely.(1) In all, the battle resulted in an estimated total of 1.7 million to 2 million Axis and Soviet casualties. (1) Besides being a turning point in the war, Stalingrad was also revealing of the discipline and determination of both the German Wehrmacht and the Soviet Red Army. For the heroism of the Soviet defenders of Stalingrad, the city was awarded various rewards and various locations were restored and are now viewable to the