![Picture](/uploads/1/8/2/4/18240003/6293109.jpg)
Russian citizens in the ruin of their city
The Allied powers’ goal was to protect the city and weaken the German army. If the Nazis got a foothold in Russia, they would be in control of critical factories and resource fields. This would keep Germany in the war with plenty of supplies. The Nazi plan to take the city was similar to a "Blitzkrieg" strategy, an all-out attack. The Germans amassed 200,000 troops, 500 tanks, and 600 Luftwaffe bombers. The Soviets only had a force of 50,000 men and few artillery guns. Their plan was to defend their home with all they had. On August 23, 1942, 600 Luftwaffe bombers hit the city and killed 40,000 civilians. The war in Russia had begun.