| Abstract |
This is a study on the results of Operation Citadel, the Battle of Kursk. This was the greatest tank engagement of World War II. Unfortunately, there is a general lack of knowledge about this battle. Probably most Western historians believe that Stalingrad was the decisive battle on the Eastern Front. However, many authorities consider Citadel the decisive turning point. This study used Soviet, Anglo-American, and German primary and secondary sources. Sources include books, journals, articles, theses, and dissertations. The results are important because, with Citadel being the greatest tank battle of the war, it has many lessons that are still important to the conduct of today's Army operations. Citadel was the decisive battle on the Eastern Front in World War II because after this battle the initiative passed to the Soviets, who would never lose it again. However, it would be more appropriate to say that Germany was defeated by the combined effects of the Battles of Moscow in 1941, Stalingrad in 1942, and Kursk in 1943. The significance of Citadel was that it destroyed the remaining German offensive strength. Citadel depleted what was left of the German strategic reserves. After Citadel Germany was unable to mount further major offensives against the Soviet Union. As events would show, after this battle Germany could not even defend successfully. |
