2. The Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad lasted from August 1942 to February 1943 and caused massive losses. German and allied forces fought the Soviets in fierce street-by-street combat.
The city was named after Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, making it very important to both sides. Harsh winter and lack of supplies trapped the German army, forcing them to surrender. With nearly 2 million casualties, Stalingrad changed the course of World War II and showed the high cost of war.