Battle of Stalingrad

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The Battle of Stalingrad, fought from July 17, 1942, to February 2, 1943, was a pivotal confrontation on the Eastern Front during World War II. It began as a German offensive to capture the strategic city of Stalingrad (now Volgograd), crucial for its industrial output and as a symbol of Soviet power. The battle involved intense urban warfare, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The German 6th Army, supported by the 4th Panzer Army, faced fierce resistance from Soviet forces. The turning point came with Operation Uranus, a Soviet counterattack launched on November 19, 1942, which encircled the German forces. Despite Hitler's orders to hold out, the trapped German army was unable to withstand the prolonged siege and lack of supplies. The battle ended with the surrender of the German 6th Army on February 2, 1943. Stalingrad marked a significant shift in the war's momentum, severely weakening the German army and boosting Soviet morale. It remains one of the bloodiest battles in history, with massive losses on both sides.