Why the Attack
- wanted to take over Russian's Caucusus oilfield.
- Stalingrad lay en route to it so by attack it
1) it would secure the Werhmacht army as they captured Stalingrad.
2) it was a major industrial transport and communication center - attacking it=major blow
3) Strike a symbolic city as it was named after Stalin --> bring down their moral and hope of their war effort
4) Hitlers hatred for Stalin may have influenced his decision
-strategic because it wouldve been unwise to leave a major city unconquered in the rear as army advanced
- capturing it strategic