During World War II, Germany tried to capture the Russian city of Stalingrad because:

During World War II, Germany tried to capture the Russian city of Stalingrad because:

A. It was the site of atrocities committed by Stalin.

B. It had a strategic location along the Volga River.

C. It had a large and persecuted German population.

D. It was where aggression against Germany was centered.

Answer: B. It had a strategic location along the Volga River

Stalingrad was a crucial turning point in the Eastern Front during World War II. Germany launched an offensive in 1942 with the aim of capturing the city of Stalingrad, which was strategically important for several reasons:

Stalingrad was a city situated on the left bank of Volga River that served as one transport road north-south across western Russia. The capture of Stalingrad would enable Germany to dominate traffic on the Volga and expand its influence deeper into the core territory of Soviet Union. The city was also an industrial hub, manufacturing tanks, planes and other means of war for the Red Army. Taking it would leave the Soviets without these important assets.

Further, Stalingrad had a symbolic meaning because it was named after Joseph Stalin. Capturing Stalin’s namesake city would be a significant PR win for Hitler. The position of the city also enabled Germany to secure its southern rear and oil resources from Caucasus. In general, Stalingrad’s location by the Volga River gave it incredible strategic importance and this is why Hitler poured so many resources into taking the city from Soviet hands. When the German Sixth Army regained control of Stalingrad after months of barbaric urban battles, it was surrounded and defeated by early 1943. This further formulated a significant turning point in favour for Soviets on the Eastern Front.