The Unknown War Season 1 Episode 5 The Defense Of Stalingrad
- TV-NR
- January 1, 1978
- 49 min
-
9.0 (8)
Set during World War II, The Unknown War tells the tales of the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany. In season 1 episode 5, titled "The Defense of Stalingrad," viewers are taken to the heart of the war as Soviet soldiers valiantly held their ground in the face of a terrifying Nazi advance.
The episode begins by introducing the viewer to the strategic importance of Stalingrad to both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. The Nazis' ultimate goal was to seize control of the city, which would give them access to the vast resources of the Caucasus oil fields and put them one step closer to their ultimate goal of conquering Moscow.
As the Nazi army approached, the Soviet Union sent thousands of troops to protect the city. The episode features interviews with surviving soldiers who witnessed the conflict firsthand, giving viewers a firsthand account of how the battle played out.
The Nazis launched a brutal attack on the city, bombarding it with bombs and artillery for over two months. The Soviet soldiers defended fiercely, using every available resource to hold back the advancing Nazi forces.
Throughout the episode, viewers gain an understanding of the tactics utilized by both sides, with a particular focus on how the largely untested Soviet troops ultimately overcame the better-trained and equipped Nazi force. Through maps and on-the-ground footage, viewers can see how the Soviet commanders utilized the city's intricate maze of buildings to their advantage, forcing the Nazis to fight for every inch of ground.
The Soviet soldiers fighting at Stalingrad faced immense dangers and brutal conditions, with one interviewee describing the desperate measures he and his fellow soldiers took just to stay alive. The show highlights not only the bravery of those fighting on the front lines but also the countless civilians caught up in the crossfire, struggling to survive amid the destruction.
Overall, "The Defense of Stalingrad" offers a harrowing glimpse into one of the most crucial battles of World War II, and the ways in which that conflict impacted both soldiers and civilians alike. Through stunning visuals and compelling interviews, the episode brings the viewer into the heart of the action, revealing both the gritty reality of war and the humanity of those who fought and died for their respective causes.