Following Hitler’s disastrous eastern campaign in 1943, the Red Army began a relentless and overwhelming offensive, pushing German forces out of Russia and deep into Eastern Europe. Despite Hitler’s “no retreat” orders, which led to the sacking of top generals and the costly encirclement of tens of thousands of troops, the Soviets, with their superior numbers and equipment, systematically liberated territory. The Red Army’s advance was marked by brutal scorched-earth tactics from the retreating Germans and the horrifying discovery of the first Nazi extermination camp. By the end of 1944, Stalin had not only cleared German forces from much of the region but had also begun to solidify Soviet control, setting the stage for the Cold War as his forces prepared to advance on Germany itself.
Credit to : The World History Channel
