reminded Paulus that never in Germany' s history had a field marshal surrendered. Hitler urged Paulus to commit suicide to avoid the dishonor of having to surrender from happening, but instead Paulus finally surrendered on February 2, 1943. The Russians took over 110,000 prisoners including 24 generals. In the whole Battle of Stalingrad over 800,000 German soldiers died. The defeat at Stalingrad went further than casualties and captured soldiers, but it also ended the German campaign in Russia. It also showed that the Germans could be beaten at their own game. The Battle for Stalingrad was the first major victory for the Soviets and set the stage for a counter offensive that would not only reclaim all of their lost land, but would eventually bring them to Berlin. When Hitler heard of Paulus' surrender he said, "The God of war has gone over to the other side." Less than a week after the Battle of Stalingrad was over, Soviet forces reached the Sea of Azov, which cut off one of the three German armies deployed in Russia. In March, the Russian Army began to push westwards. In response the Germans began to amass Panzer units behind the front lines. German command debated about how to proceed. General Manstein suggested that the Soviets be allowed to advance greatly; then the Germans would cut them off and surround them. Hitler refused to follow this plan on the basis that it was politically risky-because it gave ground to the Soviets. Instead, Hitler decided to gather nearly all of his tank forces for an attack at the Kursk salient (a bulge in the front lines). Hitler wanted to attack Kursk because it was a crossroads for many railroads. Again, Hitler ignored the advice of General Manstein by delaying the attack until the new Panther and Tiger tanks were ready. This delay in the attack gave the Soviets time to prepare for the battle. Hitler wanted to wait for the new tanks because he wanted to do everything possible to ensure v...
