former name of Volgograd, a city on the Volga River in the Soviet
Union.
Stalingrad was the site of a crucial battle against the invading
German army in
World War II (
Aug. 1942 to
Feb. 1943). Although the city was practically destroyed, Russia's defense finally forced the Germans to
retreat and then surrender. The battle was the turning
point in
Germany's military
power in the
war and is considered one of the great turning
points in military
history.
—HEV Approved Glossary