WHY ARE STALINGRAD AND LENINGRAD SO SIGNIFICANT?

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WHY ARE STALINGRAD AND LENINGRAD SO SIGNIFICANT?

Stalingrad and Leningrad were two vital cities in Russia in1942. They were very important as they were rich in resources and were good supply lines for reinforcements and for food supplies to the troops and the Russian public.

Hitler knew that if both cities came under control of the German forces it would be his final offensive in the East. Although he had signed the Nazi-Soviet Pact with Stalin in 1939 he always planned to invade Russia. Hitler wanted:-

  • Lebensraum for the German people
  • To destroy communism
  • Resources such as wheat in the Ukraine and oil in the Caucasus

Hitler knew that if he could take Leningrad and Stalingrad, then he could control nearly all of Europe as well as using the rich oil and mineral resources that Russia had. Also, most importantly he knew that he could appear even more of a threat to the Allies than before due to the vast amount of territory he had.

For the Russians in Leningrad and Stalingrad, the Germans were a great threat. They were moving swiftly forward and ready to take the city of Stalingrad. On July 28th 1942, Stalin issued his most famous order of the war “Not a step back!” he clearly didn’t want Hitler to win.

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The two cities were of great meaning to the Russians as both – especially Stalingrad – would be important turning points in the war if taken by the Germans. Also, these cities were crucial life sources for the Russian people as they were full of critical factories that supplied troops with weapons and food for example.

The German forces dropped more than 1000 tons of bombs on Stalingrad, but still Stalin initially forbade any evacuation from the city, even of children. These tactics by the Germans were very similar tactics to that of Blitzkrieg. However, when the Russian winter ...

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