What was the outcome of the Battle of Stalingrad?

The Battle of Stalingrad, fought between 1942 and 1943, was one of the most significant confrontations of World War II and marked a pivotal turning point in the conflict. The correct answer highlights that it resulted in a decisive Soviet victory, which was critical for several reasons.

Firstly, the Soviet forces successfully encircled and trapped the German 6th Army, leading to their surrender in February 1943. This defeat marked the first time a German army had been completely encircled and forced to capitulate, severely damaging German morale and military capacity. Following this battle, the Soviet Union gained the strategic initiative on the Eastern Front, allowing them to launch considerable counteroffensives that would eventually drive German forces back towards Berlin.

Moreover, the victory at Stalingrad galvanized Soviet resolve and demonstrated their ability to resist and push back against the Axis powers, significantly altering the course of the war. It not only halted the Axis advance into the Soviet Union but also served as a major boost to Allied morale globally, showing that the Axis powers could be defeated.

The other options do not align with the historical outcome. A decisive Axis victory would have meant securing Eastern Europe, which did not happen. Neutralizing Soviet forces for winter would