Importance
Stalingrad was important to Hitler because it was a major industrial city, located on the Volga River, allowing trade to Northern Russia, supplying them with goods they needed. Also, he capture of Stalingrad would allow German armies to advance more inland, securing a passage into the oil-rich Caucasus region.
During this time in the war, the Red Army, or the Soviet's Army, were extremely inexperienced against the German soldiers. Joseph Stalin, to compensate for this lack of skill, ordered all who capable to pick up a rifle and fight. In addition, the Red Army had one last advantage. This was their knowledge of the territory, a large urban area, focused around mid-range warfare that gave them a strong advantage over the Germans.
During this time in the war, the Red Army, or the Soviet's Army, were extremely inexperienced against the German soldiers. Joseph Stalin, to compensate for this lack of skill, ordered all who capable to pick up a rifle and fight. In addition, the Red Army had one last advantage. This was their knowledge of the territory, a large urban area, focused around mid-range warfare that gave them a strong advantage over the Germans.