A word of advice for Hitler?

 When speaking of Hitler's actions regarding the Battle of Stalingrad, I'm sure there will be a lot to say, and criticize. Both Hitler's and Stalin's orders were pretty similar to each other. The German army was heading to Caucasus when Hitler commanded them to attack Stalingrad.  We can be pretty sure that by the time, Hitler already hated Stalin. So it is believed that Hitler decided to invade Stalingrad because of the hatred against him. But we must not forget that Stalingrad was also the centre of communication and manufacturing in Russia, so taking that in consideration; Hitler could have also seen this as a new strategy for his invasion at hand.

Now Stalin, perhaps as a matter of pride, stated that the people there would not retreat at any cost. The Russians were also ordered to stay as close as they could to the enemy. This tactic, which was referred to as hugging, almost nullified the chances of the Germans to provide their army with artillery or air support; unless of course, they were up for taking a lot of casualties.

The German army got weaker as time went by, and even knowing this Hitler took the same position as Stalin: They were not to retreat at any cost, for any reason whatsoever. The Soviet army’s constant attacks were doing absolutely no good to the Germans, but there was no way Hitler would be persuaded to let them leave. But in the end the Germans had no chances of prevailing, between the end of January and the beginning of February, General Paulus (who was given promotion by Hitler in order to encourage him to keep fighting) and General Schreck surrendered in both of their respective groups despite Hitler’s orders.

Now again, one can say a lot about Hitler’s ways of “controlling” this situation, but we have some points we’d like to present regarding it. First, we think Hitler shouldn’t have given the orders to attack it in the first place! Though it is true that it would indeed have been unwise to leave a major city unconquered, the German army was already on their way to the Caucasus. In a way, this just shows lack of organization and a stable plan from Hitler’s side; and I think this is just what led Hitler to his ultimate defeat. Another advice would have been simply to leave aside his pride. It’s not as certain as a fact, but it is somehow clear that Hitler held a deep grudge against Stalin. This could have caused Hitler’s vision to change, and “mock” him by taking over his beloved Stalingrad. Here we can definitely see how pride and being a bit cocky about his actions were Hitler’s mistake.  In a more strategic view, Hitler should have definitely taken the weather in consideration. The cold and rough climate of Russia was perhaps the biggest defense the country had. So if Hitler did want to attack Stalingrad, he should have prepared his men better, and give them more resources for them to overcome these types of situation.  However, there’s also the possibility of Hitler ignoring the attack on Stalingrad and having kept the original route for the German army. The Germans could have conquered Stalingrad’s surroundings and then enter the city for conquering.

Of course, all these are just opinions. Hitler’s reason for the invasion of Stalingrad could have been for another reason than the ones presented here. But it is very clear that he should’ve thought about all the factors that would imply invading Stalingrad, because it was at that point, that the WWII’s tide started to change.