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Battle_of_Kursk

Battle of Kursk

The Battle of Kursk was one of the largest armored engagements in military history, fought during the Second World War between the forces of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany from July 5 to August 23, 1943. This battle took place in the Kursk salient, a bulge in the front line that extended into German-occupied territory in western Russia.

Background

Following the Battle of Stalingrad, the German Wehrmacht had suffered a significant defeat, and the initiative on the Eastern Front had shifted to the Soviets. German High Command, under Adolf Hitler, planned Operation Citadel to regain the initiative by cutting off the Kursk salient, hoping to encircle and destroy Soviet forces.

Strategic Importance

Key Phases of the Battle

  1. Northern Offensive: The German attack, named Operation Citadel, began on July 5 with an assault on the northern part of the salient by Army Group Center. However, the Soviets, having anticipated the attack, were well-prepared with extensive defensive fortifications.
  2. Southern Offensive: Simultaneously, Army Group South attacked from the south, engaging in what would become known as the Battle of Prokhorovka, one of the largest tank battles ever.
  3. Soviet Counter-Offensive: After initially holding off German advances, the Soviets launched a massive counter-offensive in mid-July, named Operation Kutuzov and Operation Poltava, which eventually forced the Germans to retreat and abandon their offensive.

Outcome

The Battle of Kursk ended with a decisive Soviet victory:

Legacy

The Battle of Kursk is remembered for:

References

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