What was the signifance of the town of Stalingrad during WWII?

Question

Why was the city such an important city for the Germans to capture and the Russians to defend.
What were the strategic reasons?

Answer 1

The capture of Stalingrad was important to Hitler for several reasons. Best explained by the real estate axiom: Location, Location, Location. A major industrial city on the banks of the River Volga (vital transport route between the Caspian Sea and northern Russia); it would secure the left flank of the German armies as they advanced into the Caucasus ( the wealthiest area of the Soviet mineral wise).

and Emotionally, it was strategic because the city bore the name of Hitler’s nemesis, Stalin, which meant an an ideological and coup. Stalin realized this and ordered anyone that was strong enough to hold a rifle be sent out to war

More than 850,000 German and axis troops were killed during the August 42-Feb. 43 seige of Leningrad.

More than 20 million people lost their lives defending Russia. It was without a doubt the bloodiest battle ever fought anywhere, anytime, and any place in history.

Answer 2

Stalingrad was important only if the Germans lost, which they did. The invincibility of the Werhmact was broken and it proved that the Russians could win the war. If the Russians had lost at Stalingrad, the war could have been carried on, since the Soviets could retreat much further into the hinterland. From Stalingrad, onward, the Germans were on the tactical defensive, not counting the futile thrust at Kursk.

The battle of Stalingrad was a test of egos and wills, between the Furher and Stalin....a battle of ideologies played out in the rubble of a bombed out city. Hitler wanted it conquered at all costs and Stalin wanted it defended at all costs. The result was the destruction of the 6th Army and 4th Panzer Army....

Answer 3

The Nazi machine completely underestimated the Russian defense of the city, and the defenders bled the German troops. Stalingrad held no major strategic objectives other than being one more stepping stone in the Nazi conquest of Russia. The Russian troops were fanatical in their defense, and both sides suffered apalling casualties. In the end, the Nazis lost so many men that the army never really recovered.

Answer 4

That was where the Nazi war machine was stopped cold by the determined defense of the Russian people. It became a point of pride on the part of the Germans to take the city. Prior to this, the Russians had pursued a scorched earth policy. At Stalingrad they fought to deny the Germans a seaport.

Answer 5

Hitler wanted to destroy the city because it was Stalin's city and the Soviets wanted to put an end to Nazi eastward expansion. The film "Enemy at the Gates" is the story about two snipers on opposite sides of the battle and was based on true events; it's not entirely accurate but is still a good flick to watch if you're interested in the battle.

Answer 6

It was considered the turning point in the the war on the eastern front. The Germans wanted it because from there, access to the oil fields to the south in the caucasus was simple. The Soviets saw their eventual victory as having turned the German behemoth back and having saved their homeland. 2 million people died, some from starvation and freezing, others, on the soviet side, notably, were even killed by their own commanders for disobeing orders and retreating.

Answer 7

besides being strategical important, a major industrial city on a major water way, it was also the gate way to the oil fields.

Had Hitler taken the city He would have all the oil he needed for his war machine.