8. Stalingrad, 1942-1943 (1.25 million casualties)
The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in World War II, as the German forces suffered a massive attack and defeat in Russia. The battle ensued when Hitler ordered his troops, who were advancing towards the Caucasus, to pull back and attack the Russian city of Stalingrad. Hitler was driven by his hatred for the Russian dictator Joseph Stalin that triggered his decision to attack Stalingrad. The Russian forces were also not ready to give up and, as the city was named after Stalin, the battle turned into an slugfest between the two nations’ respective leaders. The consequences were deadly, as the rival forces fought fiercely, often engaging in hand to hand combat as they tried to capture and recapture individual streets. The battle ended with a severe defeat suffered by the German troops, who were then forced into a full retreat from the area. 1.25 million lives were lost in the Battle of Stalingrad.
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