In 1942, Hitlers launches his second offensive in the Soviet Union: Operation Blue. Quickly becoming impatient, Hitler splits his force in an attempt to capture both the Caucasus oil fields and Stalingrad.
Initially successful, the German Sixth Army captures up to 90% of the city until they are trapped by General Zhukov’s men. The Soviet attacks and the unforgiving Russian winter steadily wipe out the German troops until their leader, General Paulus, surrenders. Furious, Hitler launches his final attack, ending all hopes for a German victory on the Eastern Front.
This episode features interviews with (in order of appearance):
- Colonel Douglas Douds, professor, US Army War College
- Robert Citino, senior historian, National WWII Museum
- Sir Antony Beevor, military historian
- Alexandra Richie, professor, Collegium Civitas
- Sean McMeekin, professor, Bard College
- Simon Sebag Montefiore, historian and author
- Dan Carlin, podcaster, Hardcore History
- Geoffrey Wawro, professor, University of North Texas
- Jadwiga Biskupska, associate professor, Sam Houston State University