The Battle of Stalingrad The battle of Stalingrad may have very well been the most important battle over the course of World War II. Not necessarily remembered for its course of fighting, the battle is more known for its outcome. Not only did the battle turn out to be a major turning point in the war, it may have saved most of Eastern Europe from incomparable destruction. The battle included two of the biggest political and military icons of their time, Stalin and Hitler. World War II was seen around the globe as a war to end all wars. Combat like this had never been experienced before and it was the largest scale battle in recent history. The death tolls for all sides skyrocketed to heights that had never been reached in any battle
The Russian Red army continued to retreat, almost to the point of aggravation to the Germans, who were ready to do battle. The German officers knew that if they kept allowing the Russians to retreat, their defenses would eventually be stronger and that their own flank was progressively getting more exposed. Hitler refused to listen to his general's advisories and continued to march on towards Stalingrad, despite what the Red Army did. Hitler soon became almost obsessed with overtaking Stalingrad at whatever costs necessary. When Hitler and his army finally reached the gates to Stalingrad, both sides were prepared for heavy warfare. However, right from the start Hitler's army was more prepared and had the better weapons and better generals. Massive casualties ensued for both sides but this battle was to be measured out through feet and inches and the Germans held the upper hand. The battle was being fought in homes, roads, stores, and basically every inch of the city. Soon after the battle began, Stalingrad was up in flames and it cast an eerie glow to every other city gazing at it from across the Volga. Ninety percent of the city was reduced to rubble by the relentless German blitzkrieg. The Germans were able to take out the one advantage that the Russians held, which was the main port on the Volga. Shipments of ammo, food rations, and all other types of